There’s nothing like generosity in a time when millions of people are in need. In the wake of Sandy’s treacherous storm, Am lawyers throughout the devastated Tri-State area are donating their legal services. Citizens of New Jersey and New York are still picking up the pieces of what’s left of their homes, and many others are still living without electricity. Firms like Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison; Greenberg Traurig; and McDermott Will & Emery, are contacting legal associations throughout the areas, offering their assistance.
 
Attorneys are providing legal help through NYLAG and New York City bar organizations. Some of the work Am lawyers are receiving includes filing for benefits through the disaster relief organizations like Federal Emergency Management Agency, and pursuing appeals on behalf of victims who the relief organizations denied. Counseling is also being offered to storm victims and advice is being given about submitting insurance claims. Others are providing answers to legal questions through a special hotline.

"In all my years at the firm I've never seen a response of this dimension. Everyone is pitching in, from the senior-most partner to the junior-most secretary,” said Brad Karp from Paul Weiss firm.

Attorneys from Jones Day are assisting Jonathan Goren (finance associate) and Steven Koppel (real estate partner) with helping small businesses throughout the city to document a $10 million emergency loan that’s been awarded by Goldman Sachs.



Space has also been provided by Mayer Brown to 14 NYLAG pro bono attorneys, who have been displaced due to the storm. Skadden did the same for legal organizations who’ve been effected by the storm.

Other than offering free legal services to Sandy’s victims, there are attorneys also donating funds between $25,000 and $250,000 to Red Cross.