Disaster Law Symposium
Schedule
Wed Nov 05 2025 at 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Brooklyn Law School | Brooklyn, NY
About this Event
About the Symposium
In an era of increasingly complex emergencies—ranging from climate-driven disasters to public health crises and cyber threats—legal preparedness is essential to effective emergency management. The Disaster Law Symposium, hosted by NYCEM, is a timely initiative convening legal and policy professionals to examine legal frameworks, ethical questions, and interagency coordination challenges that arise during crises.
Featured Speakers
The Disaster Law Symposium will highlight an inspiring group of keynote speakers, facilitators, and panelists whose dedication to public service and legal excellence sets a powerful example. Their voices will not only guide important conversations but also ignite a vision for stronger, more resilient communities prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
This registration form is for in-person attendance.
Join us at the Disaster Law Symposium, hosted by NYC Emergency Management (NYCEM)!
Hear from leading legal and policy experts as they explore the complex challenges of today’s emergencies—from climate change to cyber threats. Featuring dynamic speakers and engaging panel discussions, this event is dedicated to shaping a safer, more resilient future.
NYS Continuing Legal Education (CLE) and Education credits will be available.
Getting There
The venue is easily accessible by public transportation and parking is available nearby.
Detailed Directions: Brooklyn Law School Directions & Parking
Additional Parking Options
Facilities
City Parking – 205 State St
52 Boerum Place - Valet Garage
44 State Street - Valet Garage
Accessibility
The venue is fully accessible with wheelchair access and accommodations for all attendees. Please get in touch with us to request any reasonable accommodations.
Deadline for resasonable accommodations is October 31st by close of business. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation, please email us at [email protected]
Note: This event is hyrbid due to limited space and high demand. Register via eventbrite for In-Person attendance or to attend via Zoom. You will still need to register on Eventbrite to attend virtually - Disaster Law Symposium .
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Complimentary Breakfast and Registration
Host: Location: 205 State St
Info: Welcome coffee and registration check-in.
🕑: 09:30 AM - 09:45 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Host: Sonja Orgias, Eeq. - Chief Counsel, NYCEM
Info: Opening address and symposium overview.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Accommodating People with Invisible Disabilities
Host: Invisible Disabilities and Disaster Law Panel
Info: Addressing the needs of individuals with invisible disabilities in emergency planning, disaster response, and legal protections.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Freedom of Information Law in and after Emergencies
Host: FOIL and Government Transparency Panel
Info: Freedom of Information Law applications in disaster situations, government transparency, and public access to emergency management information.
CLE Overview:
This course explores Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) applications in disaster and emergency situations. Participants will learn about public access to emergency management information, government transparency requirements during crises, and the balance between public disclosure and operational security in emergency response.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Keynote Address
Host: MaryAnn Tierney - Former Region III Administrator, FEMA
Info: Keynote presentation on disaster law and emergency management
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Lunch
Host: Location: 205 State St
Info: Complimentary lunch. Networking lunch and refreshments.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:45 PM
Ethics on the Edge
Host: Ethics in Disaster Law Panel
Info: Ethics on the Edge: The Evolution of Legal Practice during Disasters Under the Collapse of Federal Emergency Support
Examining ethical frameworks and professional responsibility in disaster law, including attorney ethics, compliance issues, and ethical decision-making in emergency situations
🕑: 02:15 PM - 03:45 PM
AI Emergence of Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Response Operations
Host: Emergence of Artificial Intelligence in EM Panel
Info: AI Emergence of Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Response Operations: Considerations in Efficiency, Privacy, and Security
Exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and disaster law, including privacy considerations, automated decision-making, and AI applications in emergency management
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Traci Wheelwright - Deputy Chief Counsel, NYCEM
Info: Symposium wrap-up and next steps.
Where is it happening?
Brooklyn Law School, 205 State Street, Brooklyn, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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