Hawaii attorneys have been answering the urgent call for legal help to Texans in need due to Hurricane Harvey. Last week, the Texas Supreme Court issued an emergency order authorizing out-of-state lawyers to practice law in Texas temporarily to help tens of thousands of Texans needing legal assistance resulting from the disaster caused by Hurricane Harvey.

“The utter devastation we have witnessed in the Texas Gulf Coast is heart breaking,” said Hawaii Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald. “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been impacted by this tragedy.”

“Although thousands of miles away, we are gratified that lawyers in Hawaii are able to help by volunteering either on the ground in Texas or remotely through a free virtual legal advice line.”

Hurricane victims will likely have legal questions about insurance, benefits, employment, tenant rights, and property damage issues. Hawaii attorneys wanting to volunteer to help them may register with the Texas.Freelegalanswers.org site. Once registered, they will receive confirmation from the Texas site administrator and may then start answering questions posted by those in need.

“I want to thank Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii for coordinating Hawaii’s participation in the Texas Free Legal Answers program,” Chief Justice Recktenwald said. “I also want to express my sincere appreciation to the Hawaii State Bar Association for quickly taking the lead in recruiting attorneys.”