September was National Preparedness Month which emphasizes the responsibility of individuals, families, and communities -- including the private and nonprofit sectors -- to do their part before an emergency.  While September is behind us, the potential for disaster is ever present.

The ABA Disaster Law Resources  consist of a collection of resources for disaster survivors and lawyers about disaster preparedness and recovery.  For Lawyers and Law Firms there are resources that are specific to your practice area as well as helping disaster survivors.  Additionally, The ABA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created the Disaster Legal Assistance Program to provide pro bono disaster related legal services to low-income victims of a federally-declared disaster when asked to do so by FEMA.

The ABA Legal Technology Resource Center (LTRC) can help you and your firm in preparing for digital disasters. Contact LTRC directly at 312.988.5465 or ltrc@abanet.org with your questions regarding the use of technology in the practice of law.  Following is a selection of LTRC resources that can help minimize the impact of unexpected downtime.

·         Securing Your Tech: More Than Just Data - September 2009 ABA Section of Family Law eNewsletter (Scroll down to the bottom to the Tech Corner Column)

·         Protect yourself: Tips on using online passwords and password recovery system security - Your ABA eNewsletter, August 2009

·         Avoid Loss of Law Firm Data and Business Downtime by Keeping Software Updated - July 2009 ABA Section of Family Law eNewsletter

·         Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst: Protecting Your Firm from Disaster - September 2008 ABA Section of Family Law eNewsletter

·         It Could Happen to You: Disaster Preparedness - ABA Site-tation

·         Three Internet scams and solutions lawyers should know about Your ABA eNewsletter, November 2008

·         To catch a thief—tips and tools to protect your computer investment - Your ABA eNewsletter, June 2008

·         FYI: Data Backup - ABA LTRC Resource

·         FYI: The Ethics of Online Backup Systems - ABA LTRC Resource

·         FYI: Playing it Safe With Encryption - ABA LTRC Resource