Disaster Relief Clinic
Our Work
The Pepperdine Caruso School of Law has established a strong framework for disaster recovery related legal services since beginning disaster recovery work in 2017. Its faculty, students, and staff have served neighbors recovering from Hurricane Harvey, Thomas Fire, Camp Fire, Woolsey Fire, Lahaina Fire on Maui, Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and now the 2025 Wildfires across Los Angeles.
The Disaster Relief Clinic and its associate pro bono programs seeks to close the justice gap for those affected by disasters by providing a swift and continuing response to disasters as legal needs transition from the immediate need for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and insurance to transitioning to recovery and rebuilding. For the 2025 Los Angeles Fires, the Disaster Relief Clinic is providing community education, attorney training, and pro bono limited scope clinics. The School of Law is planning to expand and scale these programs up soon to include direct legal services and more.
Student Experience
Students gain hands-on experience in the transitioning legal needs of clients recovering from disasters in matters navigating bureaucratic and administrative processes, insurance, government permits and benefits, and rebuilding. This work will include advice and counsel, evaluation and analysis, negotiation and advocacy, research and writing, and guidance on legal matters as they arise and evolve during the course of recovery and rebuilding.
January 2025 Wildfires in Los Angeles
In response to the devastating fires that have impacted so many in the Los Angeles area, the Pepperdine Caruso Law Legal Clinics are launching pro bono disaster response programs to support our neighbors in need and lawyers looking to serve them. These events are open to the publc and recordings of online sessions will be available after the event. For additional disaster support resources, please visit our Wildfire Community Support webpage.
Upcoming Events
Pro Bono Legal Clinic
Saturday, January 18 | 10 AM | St. Aidan's Episcopal Church
Sunday, January 19 | 1 PM | St. Aidan's Episcopal Church
A pro bono, limited-scope legal clinic with clinic faculty and local attorneys to provide advice, counsel, and guidance to neighbors on FEMA applications, insurance claims, and related legal issues. We welcome alumni attorneys to join us for this and future single-day clinics.
Register for an Advice Clinic
Past Event Recordings
Wildfire Recovery: FEMA and Insurance Education Session
Tuesday, January 14 | 7 PM via Zoom
Learn about FEMA assistance, applications, appeals, and related issues such as insurance, leases, and mortgages. This session will be useful for people who have lost their homes or are assisting people who did.
Watch the recording of the FEMA and Insurance Education Session
FEMA and Insurance Education Sessions PDF
FEMA Training for Local Attorneys
Thursday, January 16 | 6 PM via Zoom
An online training for local lawyers on FEMA practice, standards, procedure, and advocacy. This aims to improve lawyers' immediate capacity to help the community.
Watch the recording of the Attorney Training on FEMA and Insurance
Resources
FEMA
- Overview of Federal Disaster Assistance
- Individual Assistance Handbook
- 25 Pro Tips for Working with FEMA
- National Disaster Legal Aid Resource Center Quick Reference Guide
- FEMA Disaster Assistance
California
Insurance
- United Policyholders: Woolsey Fire - Insurance Claim Help
- United Policyholders: Claim Guidance Library
- United Policyholders: Contents Claim Help
- Insurance Commissioner: Important California Laws that Pertain to Property Insurance Policies after a Declared Disaster
- Insurance Commissioner: Expedited Claim Handling Billing Grace Period Procedures for California Wildfires
- Insurance Commissioner: Declaration of Emergency Situation
Businesses
Unemployment
Food Assistance
For further information about the Disaster Relief Clinic, please contact Professors Jeff Baker and Peter Fendel.