Pepperdine Caruso Law Disaster Relief Clinic Featured in California Community Foundation

The Pepperdine Caruso Law Disaster Relief Clinic is featured in California Community Foundation article, "Pepperdine Disaster Relief Clinic Provides Free Legal Services to Hundreds of Fire Survivors." The article recounts the experience of Malibu couple Francesca Scorsone and John Bellizzi who turned to the Disaster Relief Clinic after losing their home in the Palisades fire. The clinic has served more than 300 clients since the January wildfires with pro-bono work focused on guiding fire survivors through complex applications and appeals processes. 

Excerpt from "Pepperdine Disaster Relief Clinic Provides Free Legal Services to Hundreds of Fire Survivors"

“It was devastating,” Scorsone said. “You try and focus on the positive, but you start thinking about all the things that you left behind.”  

The couple’s ordeal was just beginning. The home was insured through the California FAIR Plan, a last-resort insurance option for folks living in high-risk fire areas like Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains. The initial insurance settlement offer was far below what was needed to rebuild, the couple said. 

Seeking help, they reached out to the Disaster Relief Clinic. The staff there provided guidance, helping them draft effective responses to the claims adjuster and navigate the complex insurance process. 

“It was pretty much a lot of hand holding, which you kind of need at that point in time,” Scorsone said. 

With the clinic’s support, the couple was able to secure the full policy payout from their insurance company. And the pro bono legal work also helped save them thousands of dollars in legal fees, she said. 

The complete article may be found at California Community Foundation

More information on the Pepperdine Caruso Law Disaster Relief Clinic may be found at Disaster Relief Clinic