LAWTECH GURU BLOG by Jeff Beard

Legal/Tech Relief for Katrina Victims

We've all been saddened and shocked by Katrina's devastation, and few words could effectively express our thoughts and emotions regarding those who have been so profoundly affected. While the first priority for the victims will be essential life needs, many will need help in other areas as well.

Over the past few days, many individuals and organizations have stepped up to help pool resources and render aid, particularly in the legal profession:

ILTA, The International Legal Technology Association, has quickly set up a listserv to which anyone can subscribe to request assistance or offer assistance of any kind. They hope to act as a clearing house for information exchange. They've also posted valuable links to numerous aid resources on their home page -- well worth the visit alone.

The ABA has set up a good portal for "Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief". They are asking for legal professionals to donate their services and office space to those displaced by the hurricane.

Seth Rowland of Basha Systems has set up a project forum board to help coordinate efforts of numerous legal technology consultants and service providers who have joined together to help.

Also, many state bars and their Practice Management Advisors (PMA's) have volunteered their time and advice. I'm sure I've only covered a fraction of the efforts being made, but wanted to help get the word out. My friend Dennis Kennedy has also been posting many of these resources over at Between Lawyers.