By MATT CHANDLER
[email protected] | 716-541-1654

The New York State Bar Association is hosting a webcast Thursday aimed at preparing lawyers to assist victims of Superstorm Sandy.

"Providing Legal Assistance to Persons Affected by Superstorm Sandy," will be streamed live fro, 4 to 7 p.m. from the state bar headquarters in Albany.

The session is designed for attorneys and law students who want to assist Superstorm Sandy victims through telephone hotlines and community clinics sponsored by state and local bar associations, legal service providers and law schools.

There is no cost to take part in the webinar, which is open to everyone, though pre-registration is required. To register online, go to www.nysba.org/SuperstormSandyFreeCLE.

"Many downstate attorneys who otherwise might volunteer are themselves personally or professionally affected by Superstorm Sandy," State Bar President Seymour James said. "It is gratifying that so many upstate attorneys have answered the call to volunteer (and) we encourage additional attorneys to volunteer, because the need for legal assistance is expected to grow in the coming weeks."

The State Bar created a toll-free hotline (1-800-699-5636) for callers with legal problems related to the storm. Callers receive a free legal consultation of up to 30 minutes from volunteer attorneys. To volunteer, attorneys can visit www.nysba.org/DisasterVolunteerSandy or call 518-463-3200.

For more information follow the NYS Bar on Twitter: @NYSBA