Pro Bono Net, Equal Justice Works, and Lone Star Legal Aid are pleased to share a Practising Law Institute (PLI) CLE program for pro bono managers, volunteers, and nonprofit legal aid professionals responding to the impact of climate disasters around the country. The program, “New Developments in Climate Disaster Response & Resilience,” was co-chaired by Pro Bono Net and explores trending topics in climate disaster response. It also offers attendees an update on legal service and pro bono efforts after recent hurricanes and floodings impacting Florida and Puerto Rico. 

“This new program is the result of Pro Bono Net’s ongoing work, partnerships, and commitment to supporting individuals impacted by climate disasters,” said Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz, Senior Program Manager. “Climate change and its effects will continue to impact our communities significantly, but most of us are not prepared or ready to navigate the complexities of emergency management and recovery. When we share, compare, and learn from others who have already been through this, we are better positioned to respond and act faster. We don’t have to wait for a disaster to learn about what we can do as lawyers to help our communities. I encourage other attorneys and those working directly with disaster survivors to join our National Disaster Legal Aid Advocacy Center at www.disasterlegalaid.org/advocates to stay updated on additional new developments, resources, and volunteer opportunities.” 

The CLE program is broken down into three segments in which they can be accessed:

  • Climate Solutions for a Better Tomorrow: Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) Practices and Climate change in the United States
  • Extreme Heat and Building Resiliency: Supporting Vulnerable Communities Amid Devastating Climate Change
  • Lessons Learned: How Advocates are Addressing Issues with FEMA’s Recent IAPPG Updates in Florida and Puerto Rico

This new program is an extension of the program: “Current and Emerging Issues in Disaster Response: Legal Strategies and Practices for Helping Survivors” that offers a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape after a disaster.

You can find the new program materials and segment recordings on the Practising Law Institute’s website here. This program is available at no cost and will be available on-demand for one year. Attorneys seeking CLE credit for their jurisdictions can see CLE details on the page. 


This program is offered as part of PLI’s pro bono curriculum, which provides the legal community with the training necessary to assist individuals in need of legal representation. For more information about PLI’s pro bono trainings, scholarships, and Pro Bono Membership, please visit www.pli.edu/probono