Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law Students Provide Pro Bono Legal Support for Hurricane Relief Efforts
MALIBU, Calif. – Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law students recently volunteered in vital disaster relief efforts for Hurricanes Helene and Milton, bringing their legal expertise to support communities in west-central Florida. Collaborating with Stetson College of Law, the students provided legal research and analysis to help community members navigate complex FEMA relief rules, ensuring accurate, timely access to resources.
Stetson College of Law in Gulfport, Florida, sought Pepperdine's expertise to address legal challenges posed by updated FEMA regulations. Drawing on their experience with pro bono disaster response, Pepperdine Caruso Law students quickly stepped in to assist. Guided by Professor Peter Fendel, a dedicated team led the effort, with special commendations given to third-year students Madeline Enlow and Nicolas Melvin and first-year students Reid Jackson and Brett Lynch for their contributions.
“Being from the South, it was hard to watch my community hurting and feeling unable to make a difference from the other side of the country. This project allowed me to feel like I was actually able to do something.” said participating student Madeline Enlow. “The devastation caused by this disaster was overwhelming, but being part of a team that helps bring about tangible relief through legal work, whether through research or the filing of appeals, is deeply fulfilling. For me, this work is more than just a neat school opportunity—it’s a chance to give back to communities in need and to stand alongside those affected by hardship.”
“I was stationed in eastern North Carolina for the past four years and my family resides in south Florida,” said student Brett Lynch. “These are wonderful places, and I was grateful for the opportunity to put my education and experience to good use wherever I could.”
The Pepperdine Caruso School of Law students collaborated to conduct legal research, verify facts, analyze FEMA protocols, and draft memorandums summarizing their findings for Stetson’s Clinical Education team, led by Professor Christine Cerniglia, Director of Clinical Education at Stetson College of Law, who praised the swift, efficient response to ensure clinical faculty had access to the correct information during the disaster recovery process and as they serve their local community.
“Many people struggled with filing FEMA claims, appealing decisions, and navigating the FEMA 50% rule. Community members reached out with questions and we felt compelled to help, but with an understanding that our own physical capacity was limited as we are suffering from fatigue,” said Professor Cerniglia. “The team from Pepperdine reached out with understanding arms to inquire how they could help. I provided a quick email with the complicated legal research issues we are seeing on the ground and within a week, the research was complete. Not only was the research thorough and clear, it helped at a time of real need. We are so thankful for this assistance.”
“Our Pepperdine Caruso Law students’ commitment to serving communities impacted by natural disasters has been truly remarkable,” said Professor Peter Fendel, who oversaw the project. “This project exemplifies the values of purpose, service, and leadership that Pepperdine Caruso Law instills in its students. It’s a testament to the dedication of our law students to use their education for the public good.”
About Pepperdine University
Pepperdine University is a private Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown
Los Angeles in Malibu, California. Rooted in the Christian tradition, Pepperdine is
committed to both the relentless pursuit of truth through academic and scholarly excellence
and to embodying Christian faith and values. With students at the heart of the educational
enterprise, the University prepares approximately 9,500 scholars for lives of purpose,
service, and leadership across its flagship liberal arts school, Seaver College, and four graduate schools—the Caruso School of Law, the Graziadio Business School, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and the School of Public Policy. Pepperdine is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian
values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
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About Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law
The Pepperdine Caruso School of Law offers a top-ranked legal education with nationally recognized degree programs committed
to the highest principles of professional, ethical, and societal responsibility. With
an emphasis on experiential learning, mentorship, faculty accessibility, global justice,
and professional formation, Pepperdine Caruso Law offers a juris doctor degree, two master’s degrees, six joint-degree programs, nine LLM degrees,
and five certificate programs. The School of Law houses 10 clinics and five institutes, including the globally recognized
Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution. Follow the Caruso School of Law on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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