Responding to natural disasters: Pro bono in Mexico City

New Perimeter is collaborating with Appleseed México, the Law Faculty of the Universidad Panamericana (UP), and UP’s legal clinic program, Bufete Jurídico Gratuito Social, to support the development of Mexico’s first “legal brigade,” consisting of lawyers and law students who will provide key legal services in the aftermath of natural disasters.

The launch, which follows nearly two years of research, interviews, and strategic planning, will consist of a legal clinic and tailored academic courses, with plans to expand to other law schools across the country.

To support Appleseed México, New Perimeter conducted research, shared resources, connected stakeholders with relevant practitioners in the United States, and facilitated practical exercises to help prepare lawyers and in-house counsel. We worked with legal aid organizations and law school professors focused on disaster legal response to help inform our recommendations to Appleseed México.

“We are proud to work with DLA Piper to create Mexico’s first Legal Disaster Relief Brigade,” said Maru Cortazar, Executive Director of Appleseed México. “In a country where natural disasters are inevitable, we believe that – beyond immediate humanitarian aid – survivors face a moment of deep vulnerability, where timely legal guidance is essential to help them rebuild their lives. The Legal Brigade will be carried out with our allies at the Universidad Panamericana Law Faculty and its Bufete Jurídico Gratuito Social, which will serve as the operational arm of the initiative. They will help coordinate the pro bono involvement of law students and recent graduates to serve affected communities. We are deeply grateful for this collaboration, allowing us to push boundaries and innovate to serve those who most need it.”

This work builds on our long-standing collaboration with Appleseed México, which has included assisting in the establishment of the Mexican Pro Bono Network, teaching pro bono seminars to law students, and researching issues related to unaccompanied children crossing the border.

DLA Piper has a long history of providing pro bono legal assistance to individuals, organizations, and small businesses that have been impacted by natural disasters and crises across North America. This has included contributing to Appleseed México’s disaster guides, which address services available to victims of Hurricane Otis, the 2017 earthquake, and the COVID-19 pandemic.