From News Dispatches

NEW YORK: The Indo-American Lawyers' Association (IALA) is organizing Indian-American attorneys in the New York area to provide free legal services to help community victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks recover compensation from the new fund created under federal law.

Over a dozen attorneys have already volunteered, and many more are expected to participate. At a meeting in Manhattan on Feb. 13, IALA President Krishnan Chittur observed that about a hundred Indian Americans had been identified among those killed and many of the survivors had unique needs. Some may have language problems, while others could be intimidated by the system. "We are uniquely situated to meet the needs of these Indian Americans, and it is our solemn obligation to do so," he said.

IALA is a nonprofit organization of Indian-American lawyers. The New York-based group, formed in 1984, strives to promote social and legal interests affecting the community. While many of its members have provided pro bono services individually, this time IALA has, as a group, taken a leading role in providing organized legal assistance to Indian Americans in response to a disaster. It is now working on a directory of Indian-American lawyers in the area with their areas of expertise.

"That would enable us respond to community needs much more quickly. In addition, it would also be a ready professional resource to further our interests," said Chittur, a Manhattan lawyer noted for his courtroom successes, including class action suits, who took over as president of IALA recently.

Joe Belluck, an adjunct professor at the Buffalo Law School and a trial lawyer, will be actively involved in the project. At the Feb. 13 meeting, Belluck provided an overview of the compensation fund and the regulations, which were scheduled to be finalized on Feb. 20.

Some issues of concern to Indian Americans are still under consideration and as yet undecided. For example, undocumented aliens may be eligible to seek compensation; however, whether information concerning them may be shared with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is unclear.

Promptly after the Sept. 11 attacks, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), the nation's premier trial lawyers' organization, called for a voluntary moratorium on civil lawsuits arising out of the attacks. This forestalled unseemly sights such as those that followed the 1983 Bhopal gas leak disaster.

Shortly after the moratorium call, the airline industry lobbied for immunity, and ATLA, using its considerable political muscle, worked with Congress to create a fund. Like social security and workmen's compensation, the fund entitles victims to recover damages without showing wrongdoing on anyone's part. And as opposed to months or years of wrenching and expensive litigation and appeals, damage awards will be made and disbursed within an astonishing 120 days.

Addressing the concern of many Indian-American attorneys focusing on immigration law or transaction work, but who had no trial experience, Belluck emphasized that trial experience was not necessary. "Most people would need legal help in filling out the forms and marshaling evidence to recover proper damages," he said. And seasoned lawyers would be available to provide guidance on specific issues and also provide training.

Chittur exhorted all Indian-American lawyers to volunteer their services. "We are sure our attorneys will rise to the occasion. We should be having enough legal talent to meet this call of the hour," he said.