HURRICANE IDA RESOURCES
Important Legal Resources
Apply for Civil Legal Aid with The Pro Bono Project
Call us at 504.581.4043, email our Intake Coordinator, or go to our online application. For questions about our eligibility and what type of cases we accept, click here.
Inquire About Your Case Status
Contact your pro bono attorney volunteer or member of The Pro Bono Project staff.
Self Help Desk Hotline
Are you a self-represented litigant or filer? Call our Domestic Self Help Desk hotline at 504.881-1171 or contact us by email. To access court approved forms, click on the following:
The Bankruptcy Self-Help Resource Center operates virtually on the first Friday of the month from 9 a.m. - 12 noon. Call 504.581-4043 x 201.
Louisiana State and Local Courts
For the latest information on court closures due to the storm, please consult the Supreme Court of Louisiana’s website.
Legal Resources Related to the Hurricane
Go to Louisiana Law Help for information about court closings, evictions, unemployment issues, and other related legal issues. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services operates a Disaster Hotline at 844.244.7871.
Non-Legal Assistance and Information
City of New Orleans website, NOLA Ready.
Department of Children & Family Services - Get information on SNAP and Disaster Food Benefits
Red Cross Shelters (scroll to the map and go to the bottom of the list)
Louisiana Department of Insurance - Get information on after storm resources
Entergy: 800-9OUTAGE (800-968-8243)
Cleco: 1-800-622-6537
Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline (gouging complaints): 1-800-351-4889
Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness: (225) 925-7500
Louisiana State Police: 800-469-4828
Department of Transportation & Development (road closures): 1-877-4LA-DOTD (1-877-452-3683)
Special Needs Shelter: 800-349-1372
Rumor Control! Debunk the latest rumors and scams about the storm, recovery, and benefits.
Frequently Asked Legal Questions Related to Legal Services Provided by The Pro Bono Project
Q: I have a legal issue and would like to apply for services. Are you open?
A: Yes. We are working virtually and are happy to assist you. Please call our main line at 504-581-4043 for more information on services we provide and the regions we operate in. For an application, visit our website or email us.
Q: What services do you offer?
A: The Pro Bono Project offers free legal services for persons with low income who have uncontested civil, non-criminal legal problems in the Louisiana parishes of Orleans, Jefferson, Plaquemines, St Bernard, St Tammany and Washington only. Examples of the type of cases which might be accepted by our office include:
Scroll through these questions to help find the answers you need. Call us at 504.581.4043 for information, resources, or to apply for civil legal assistance.
Uncontested Divorces
Successions
Wills/Power of Attorney
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Landlord/Tenant
Intra-family Adoptions
Interdiction
Name Change
Paternity
Title Clearing
Lease Disputes
Social Security Benefits
Consumer Protection
Taxes
Home Ownership/Real Property
Wage Claim
Q: What services do you not offer? Where else can I go for help?
A: The Pro Bono Project does not accept cases that involve the following:
Emergency legal matters
Criminal or traffic matters
Fee generating cases
Personal injury lawsuits
Contested child custody/child support
Contested divorces
Domestic violence
If you have a case which The Pro Bono Project may not handle, you can refer to any of the websites as additional resources for your legal concerns:
Louisiana Bar Association Modest Means Online Legal Directory
METRO Centers for Community Advocacy (domestic violence)
Tulane Law Clinic: 504.865.5930
Loyola Law Clinic: 504.861.5590
Q: I have a criminal charge against me. Can you represent me?
A: The Pro Bono Project provides civil legal aid for non-criminal legal matters. To find a legal resource for a criminal legal matter, please visit: Louisiana Bar Association Modest Means Online Legal Directory
For an expungement, please contact the Justice & Accountability Center.
Q: I received a case acceptance letter and have been waiting for a volunteer. Are you still seeking someone to assist me?
A: Yes. Your case is listed as available on our website. We also regularly communicate with volunteers to encourage them to volunteer their time. Since we cannot guarantee an attorney will volunteer for your case matter, we encourage you to visit other non-profit agencies who may be able to assist you or the private bar. Visit the Louisiana State Bar Association Find Legal Help tab for these resources.
Q: I have a case with a volunteer attorney, but I do not know how to contact them?
A: If you have a volunteer attorney, please call our office at 504-581-4043 or email our Intake Coordinator. We are happy to assist you with connecting with your volunteer.
Q: I have an open succession case. Is my case still on-going?
A: Your case remains open and the successions attorney will continue working on all open cases. However, our office is currently virtual so there will be no in-person client appointments/signings and we will be unable to collect filing fees. Also, due to the clerk of court and court closures, there will be some time delays in the completion of all pending successions matters. You can still call the successions coordinator, Rachel Jokinen, at (504) 581-4043 ext. 209 or email her.
Q: Are the monthly and quarterly senior center clinics still going to happen?
A: Currently, all senior clinics as postponed until further notice. Seniors may still contact Rachel Jokinen if they have legal issues or questions. She can be reached at (504) 581-4043 ext. 209 or by email.