Disasters are often framed as emergency management problems, but in practice they become complex legal crises affecting every area of civil life.  

This session introduces attorneys to the foundations of disaster law through an all-hazards, whole community framework, recognizing that disasters—whether natural hazards, technological incidents, or public health emergencies—create cascading legal consequences that extend well beyond the immediate response phase. 

Attendees will hear from experienced disaster attorneys and Equal Justice Works alumni—Stephanie Duke and Brittanny Gomez—who have worked in impacted communities across the country. 

Together they will explore: 

• The evolving and emerging disaster landscape
• Common disaster-related legal issues
• Disaster Networks and the importance of resources and connections with partners across the public and private sectors 
• Legal frameworks and the hierarchy that govern disaster response and recovery