Headshot of Linda Anderson Stanley

Linda Anderson Stanley

Director of Fellowships

Linda Anderson Stanley is a dedicated advocate and visionary in the field of legal public service. As the Director of Fellowships at Equal Justice Works, Linda leads the charge in fundraising, strategic planning, and the management of high-impact cohort fellowship programs, all centered around her commitment to equitable justice.

Linda’s extensive background in disaster programming resonates profoundly in her role as the former associate director of disaster programming at Equal Justice Works. Her innovative contributions encompass the development and implementation of the Disaster Resilience Program and the acclaimed Disaster Recovery Legal Corp. These initiatives reflect her understanding of the critical role trauma-informed lawyering plays in effectively addressing the legal needs of individuals facing crises. As a testament to her expertise, Linda is an adjunct professor at Stetson University College of Law, where she imparts her knowledge through teaching a Disaster Law Primer.

Drawing on her experience as a Staff Attorney at Bay Area Legal Services, Linda engaged with individuals confronting limited access to legal services, focusing on paramount areas such as disaster relief, housing law, consumer law, and Veteran’s issues. In doing so, Linda’s approach centered on creating a safe, supportive, and empathetic space for clients to share their experiences, making their voices and needs integral to the legal process. Her dedication led to her recognition as the Hillsborough County Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year in 2018.

Linda’s influence resonates globally as she served as the director of the ABA Young Lawyers Division Disaster Legal Services (DLS) program, showcasing her dedication to supporting those affected by disasters. In her role as Chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Disaster Response and Preparedness, she continues to champion trauma-informed strategies that empower individuals during times of crisis.

Recognized with the ABA Star of the Year awards for 2020 and 2021, as well as the prestigious ABA Top 40 Young Lawyers on The Rise award in 2021, Linda’s accolades highlight her pioneering work in public service. Her local impact is equally pronounced, underscored by the 2021 Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Outstanding Pro Bono Service by a Young Lawyer award.

Linda’s academic journey includes an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and a J.D. from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Holding licenses to practice law in Florida and Illinois, Linda’s influence extends to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and the U.S. Middle District of Florida.

Linda Anderson Stanley’s legacy is one of profound empathy and advocacy, a testament to her resolute dedication to the transformative power of trauma-informed lawyering, where clients’ voices and trauma experiences are at the forefront of every legal endeavor. Through her visionary leadership, she continues to redefine the legal landscape, making it more inclusive, compassionate, and responsive to the needs of those most vulnerable.

Media

Pro Bono Lawyers for Disaster Justice

Legal Services for Climate Emergencies

Disaster Lawyer Guide Co-Author On Prepping For Next Crisis

Helping Communities Prepare for and Respond to Disasters

COVID-19 Has Created A Legal Aid Crisis. FEMA's Usual Response Is Missing

Actions Speak Louder than Words: Responding to Disaster Survivors’ Needs anid COVID-19

Legal Services for Disaster Victims with Linda Anderson Stanley

Meet The Attys Who Rushed In After Ida Stormed Out

Current & Emerging Issues in Disaster Response: Legal Strategies and Practices for Helping Survivors

Equal Justice Works’ Disaster Resilience Program offers free legal advice to people in need of FEMA aid and recovery funds.

Disaster Preparedness Starts With an Investment in Public Interest Law | Opinion

Lehotay de León ’23 Awarded Equal Justice Fellowship

Meet the 2021 Class of Disaster Resilience Program Student Fellows

ABA On The Rise: 2021 Honorees