2020 Disaster Response Symposium

The Disaster Response Symposium, held on February 21, 2020, was a collaborative event organized by Pepperdine Caruso School of Law in partnership with the American Bar Association's Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness and the Young Lawyers Division Legal Services Program. The symposium aimed to foster collaboration among legal professionals and organizations in response to natural disasters.

Key topics addressed during the symposium included the current state of disaster response in California, the integration of technology into disaster advocacy, and strategies for assisting vulnerable and remote communities. A notable session titled "Avoid Dressing for Yesterday's Weather – Current Topics in Disaster Advocacy" featured panelists Shelley Ross Saxer and Sophia Hamilton, who shared insights on adapting legal responses to evolving disaster scenarios.

The event featured a keynote address by Judy Perry Martinez, President of the American Bar Association, who shared her experiences during Hurricane Katrina and emphasized the critical role lawyers play in disaster response. The symposium attracted participants from over twenty-five organizations, with attendees traveling from locations as distant as Alaska and Puerto Rico to engage in discussions and presentations on disaster response.

This symposium was particularly beneficial for legal professionals, disaster response coordinators, and community leaders seeking to enhance their understanding and effectiveness in disaster relief efforts. Attendees had the opportunity to network with peers, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives aimed at improving legal services in the aftermath of natural disasters.