Our Programs

Pro Bono Go

Pro Bono Go is NC’s one-stop shop for pro bono opportunities. Easily find, sign up for, share, and create customized email alerts for pro bono opportunities from NC’s leading civil-justice organizations, including Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Pro bono programs

Lawyer on the Line

Lawyer on the Line is our advice-only pro bono program. Working under the supervision of our attorneys, pro bono volunteers — attorneys, paralegals and law students! — provide critical legal advice over the phone to our clients struggling with common legal problems. Lawyer on the Line provides volunteers with a quick and impactful way to get involved with pro bono at Legal Aid NC.

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Volunteer Wills Program

Help us meet the overwhelming needs of seniors in North Carolina who own property but have income low enough to qualify for Legal Aid NC services. Volunteers interview the client by phone, and prepare the will and advanced directives. Execution is completed either independently by the volunteer or in conjunction with a Signing Day clinic.

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Heir Property Pro Bono Project

Our Heir Property Pro Bono Project partners with the Real Property Section of the North Carolina Bar Association, with support from the North Carolina Bar Foundation, to recruit North Carolina real-estate lawyers to help heir property owners establish clear title to their home and land. The project’s mission is to preserve both generational wealth in families and safe and affordable housing in low-income communities.

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Summer Associate Pro Bono Program

Our Summer Associate Pro Bono Program is your firm or organization’s opportunity to give your summer associates the well-rounded and exciting experience that law students seek. Open to firms and organizations of all sizes, the program provides your summer associates with a real-world training and service experience that allows them to expand their skills, interact with clients, and collaborate with experienced attorneys – all while making a meaningful difference in the lives of North Carolinians in need.

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Second Chance Project

We are taking a brief pause on some aspects of the current operations of the Second Chance Project to enhance and innovate our services. Learn more

Representation

Volunteer type: NC attorneys with expunction experience
Service level: Extended service. Volunteers represent clients throughout the course of expunction proceedings, possibly including at court appearances.
Service location: Volunteers may select counties in which they are willing to serve clients.
Volunteer support: Malpractice insurance. Mentoring by Legal Aid NC attorneys if needed. Learn more.

Expunction clinics

Volunteer type: NC attorneys, paralegals, and law students; no experience required
Service level: Volunteers receive prepared case materials and complete petition forms.
Service format:  Volunteers may gather in person or remotely. Volunteers will work to complete petitions but will not interact with clients.
Service duration: Project can be completed in one half-day session, and there are options to set up recurring clinics.
Hosting a clinic: Clinics may be organized for as few as 8 volunteers from a firm, organization, or law school. The organization should provide the location for the clinic and contact the Pro Bono Programs team to schedule a date and time. Training will be provided.

Learn more about the Second Chance Project

Immigration Pathways for Victims

Volunteer type: Experienced immigration attorneys with Spanish fluency or access to language translator.
Service level:  Extended service. Volunteers represent clients through application of U-Visa adjustment.
Service format:  Remote.

Learn more about Immigration Pathways for Victims

Resource Counsel Program

Volunteer type: Attorneys with specialized experience and expertise
Service level: Legal Aid of North Carolina seeks to add to our list of experts for consultation on case matters or issues. By volunteering for the Resource Counsel Program, you agree to be open to outreach from Legal Aid attorneys seeking expert assistance.
Service location: Remote

Evictions in Mecklenburg County

Eviction clinic

Volunteer type: NC attorneys
Service location: Mecklenburg County Courthouse
Service levels: Provide legal advice to tenants who have an eviction hearing in small claims court. Volunteers have the option to represent tenants at their eviction hearing.
Volunteer support: Experienced Legal Aid NC attorneys will be on hand for real-time consultation.

Representation

Volunteer type: NC attorneys
Service location: Remote and in person. Much of the volunteer’s interaction with their client can be done via phone or email, but volunteers Volunteers may need to meet with their clients in person or represent them in court.
Service level: Extended service: Volunteers represent clients throughout the course of eviction proceedings, possibly including at court appearances.
Volunteer support: Malpractice insurance. Practice-area training and resources (guides, checklists, templates, etc.). Mentoring by an experienced Legal Aid NC attorney. Learn more.

The Child’s Advocate (Wake and Durham counties)

Volunteer type: Attorneys in Wake and Durham counties with 3-5 years of family law experience (or those attorneys working alongside a member of the same firm who is an experienced TCA volunteer)
Service level: Extended service. The Child’s Advocate provides attorneys for children who have been traumatically impacted by their parents’ contentious private custody cases. Pro bono volunteers represent the child through the course of the custody proceedings consistent with the child’s expressed wishes and objectives. TCA is appointed by judges in Wake and Durham for the following cases: a child with special needs, substance abuse by a parent, mental illness of a parent, allegations or findings of child abuse, allegations or findings of domestic violence, cases where the child’s gender identity or sexual orientation is an issue in the litigation, and potential relocation of a parent.
Service location: Wake and Durham counties
Volunteer support: Malpractice insurance. Extensive trauma-informed training and resources. Mentoring by The Child’s Advocate attorneys throughout the case. Learn more.

Learn more about The Child’s Advocate at thechildsadvocate.org

Field office volunteers

Our Durham, Gastonia, Greensboro and Smoky Mountain offices have local pro bono coordinators who develop pro bono opportunities and provide case-management support to volunteers during their service. Each of these offices serves multiple counties in its region. To learn about the offices’ geographical service areas, visit our Offices page.

To connect with a pro bono coordinator in one of these offices, please fill out the form below.