Author: Christian Galens

Author: Christian Galens

The new issue of our pro bono newsletter is hot off the presses! Learn about all the innovative and impactful ways we partner with the private bar to make a meaningful difference for North Carolinians in need.

Table of contents

  • Kick off the New Year by Standing with Domestic Violence Survivors
    • Join us for a virtual presentation on Friday, January 23, from 12 – 1 PM, for an overview of opportunities available for attorneys to assist DV survivors – remotely and in person.
  • UNC School of Law – Winter Break Wills Pro Bono Project
    • On December 16 and 17, as part of UNC Law’s Winter Break Pro Bono project, students served 22 senior clients in Fayetteville and Pembroke.
  • Welcome, Brien!
    • We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our Pro Bono team: Brien Hub, our new Charlotte Community Engagement Manager.
  • Access to Justice Breakfast 2026
    • On February 26th, 2026, join us for a breakfast to help more Charlotteans access legal solutions to barriers in employment, education, safety, housing, and other fundamental needs of life.
  • Thanks to our Charlotte Triage Volunteers!
    • Volunteers gathered at Dechert for our first Lawyer on the Line event of the year! Volunteers provided pro bono legal advice over the phone to clients facing serious housing conditions challenges.
  • Upcoming Events
    • January 15 – Raleigh Expunction Session hosted by Alston & Bird
    • January 21 – Charlotte Triage Child Custody Event @ K&L Gates
    • January 23 – Virtual Domestic Violence Pro Bono Kick off Presentation
    • January 27 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • February 4 – Charlotte Triage Housing Lawyer on the Line
  • Volunteer Spotlight
    • Mark Taylor, counsel at Wells Fargo, is a steadfast volunteer at both our Charlotte Triage courthouse clinics and Lawyer on the Line events.
  • Join Our Justice Legacy Circle – Make Justice Part of Your Legacy
    • By making a planned gift of any size, you become part of the Justice Legacy Circle, a community of supporters whose foresight ensures that Legal Aid’s mission endures long into the future.
  • Virtual Legal Education Presentations
    • Topics: Child custody, simple divorce, and housing
  • Pro Bono Go Opportunities
    • We are in need of volunteers to assist with the execution of wills and advance directives for two clients in Wilson County.
    • Help Helene Survivors with FEMA Appeals
    • Advise Tropical Storm Helene Survivor on Home Insurance Claim Issues
    • We’re looking for volunteer attorneys to assist with interviews and help prepare wills and advance directives.
    • Help Single Mother Get Deposit Returned
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Past Issues

2025

Author: Christian Galens

The new issue of our pro bono newsletter is hot off the presses! Learn about all the innovative and impactful ways we partner with the private bar to make a meaningful difference for North Carolinians in need.

Table of contents

  • Raleigh Pro Bono Collaborative Recap
    • November’s expunction session, hosted by our partner, Smith Anderson, was our most well-attended yet!
    • Interested in joining our next expunction session on January 15th? Email us at probono@legalaidnc.org to reserve your spot!
  • Wake Forest University School of Law – Lawyer on the Line
    • Last month, WFU Law students provided advice to nine clients living in dangerous and unsanitary housing conditions.
  • Thanks to our Charlotte Triage Volunteers!
    • On December 10, fourteen volunteers wrapped up our last Lawyer on the Line event of the year through the Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Partnership.
    • Additionally, last month, a team of nine law firm and in house volunteers participated in our program, sharing legal advice over the phone with Legal Aid of NC clients facing significant housing conditions challenges.
    • The following week, our volunteer attorneys participated in our eviction courthouse clinic, where, alongside our Legal Aid of NC team, volunteers provided on-the-spot legal advice to over 20 tenants facing evictions.
  • Upcoming Events
    • December 16 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • December 18 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • January 15 – Raleigh Expunction Session
  • Join Our Justice Legacy Circle – Make Justice Part of Your Legacy
    • By making a planned gift of any size, you become part of the Justice Legacy Circle, a community of supporters whose foresight ensures that Legal Aid’s mission endures long into the future.
  • Virtual Legal Education Presentations
    • Topics: Child custody, simple divorce, and housing
  • Pro Bono Go Opportunities
    • We are in need of volunteers to assist with the execution of wills and advance directives for two clients in Wilson County.
    • Client seeks assistance confirming inherited property rights from a deceased uncle.
    • Volunteer is needed to advise disaster survivor on insurance coverage issue.
    • We’re looking for volunteer attorneys to assist with interviews and help prepare wills and advance directives.
    • Help Single Mother Get Deposit Returned
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Past Issues

2025

Author: Christian Galens

The new issue of our pro bono newsletter is hot off the presses! Learn about all the innovative and impactful ways we partner with the private bar to make a meaningful difference for North Carolinians in need.

Table of contents

  • A Note of Gratitude
    • Thank you for your partnership and support!
  • National Celebrate Pro Bono Week Recap
    • Lakethia Jefferies and the NCCU School of Law team including Mekhi Harris and Kameron Smith helped seven clients and their families navigate significant housing conditions challenges
    • Students at Wake Forest University School of Law joined Legal Aid of NC attorney Matthew Fox for a Lawyer on the Line event with our Winston-Salem office
    • U.S. Bank and McGuireWoods LLP attorneys provided free legal advice to clients facing dangerous housing conditions
    • UNC Law students assisted clients by gathering information and advising on possible options in the face of extremely challenging housing conditions issues
  • Raleigh Pro Bono Collaborative Session
    • The Raleigh Pro Bono Collaborative wrapped up two events last month, both hosted by our partner, Kilpatrick
  • Duke Law – Lawyer on the Line
    • Duke students assisted clients as part of our Lawyer on the Line program
  • Campbell Law Wills & Advance Directive Clinic
    • Campbell Law students joined Legal Aid of NC for a clinic to serve clients in Johnston County with advance directive and power of attorney preparation
  • Thanks to our Charlotte Triage Volunteers
    • Volunteer attorneys from in house teams and partner firms represented tenants facing eviction through our Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Partnership
  • Upcoming Events
    • November 13 – Charlotte Triage Lawyer on the Line
    • November 18 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • November 20 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • November 20 – Expunction Session @ Smith Anderson
    • December 10 – Charlotte Triage Lawyer on the Line
    • December 16 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • December 18 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
  • Compliance Reminders
    • For each case, we open a case file and are required to document the work done to satisfy funding requirements; this is why we might be emailing you asking for a closing form!
  • Volunteer Spotlights
    • Chapman Cutler LLP
    • Robinson Bradshaw
  • Join Our Justice Legacy Circle – Make Justice Part of Your Legacy
    • By making a planned gift of any size, you become part of the Justice Legacy Circle, a community of supporters whose foresight ensures that Legal Aid’s mission endures long into the future
  • Virtual Legal Education Presentations
    • Topics: Child custody & simple divorce
  • Pro Bono Go Opportunities
    • Assist client with title issues involving a manufactured home that was severely damaged as a result of Helene
    • Assist Helene survivor with determining whether they may have a viable claim under North Carolina’s Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act or other applicable consumer laws
    • Help Tropical Storm Helene Survivor with denials of emergency funds
    • Help serve clients through our Volunteer Wills Program
    • Help Single Mother Get Deposit Returned
    • Help Stalking Victim Collect Judgment Awarded Against Abuser
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Past Issues

2025

Author: Christian Galens

The new issue of our pro bono newsletter is hot off the presses! Learn about all the innovative and impactful ways we partner with the private bar to make a meaningful difference for North Carolinians in need.

Table of contents

  • Pro Bono Week
    • Thank you for the compassion and care you bring to our clients and community!
  • Highlights from Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Statewide Summit
    • Highlighting Pro Bono award winners
  • Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grant from Legal Services Corporation
    • Our partner, LSC, has awarded Legal Aid of NC with a two year Pro Bono Innovation Fund Grant
  • Raleigh Pro Bono Collaborative Expunction Session
    • We held our first session of the Raleigh Pro Bono Collaborative, an initiative in which participating law firms take turns hosting monthly pro bono opportunities
  • Cheers to our Charlotte Triage Volunteers
    • Volunteers assisted clients with child custody and housing conditions matters
  • Charlotte Triage Program
    • Upcoming Charlotte Triage events:
      • Lawyer on the Line – November 13
      • Eviction Courthouse Clinics – November 18 & 20
      • Lawyer on the Line – December 10
  • Upcoming Events
    • November 13 – Charlotte Triage Lawyer on the Line
    • November 18 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • November 20 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • December 10 – Charlotte Triage Lawyer on the Line
  • Volunteer Spotlights
    • Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law Students
    • UNC School of Law – Law Students Against Sexual and Domestic Violence
    • Manisha Patel
  • Virtual Legal Education Presentations
    • Topics: Child custody & simple divorce
    • Monthly presentation schedule and volunteer details
  • Pro Bono Go Opportunities
    • Assist Disaster Survivor with FEMA Application Status
    • Help Tropical Storm Helene Survivor with denials of emergency funds
    • Help Helene Survivor with FEMA Appeal for Rental
    • Help serve clients through our Volunteer Wills Program
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Past Issues

2025

Author: Christian Galens

The new issue of our pro bono newsletter is hot off the presses! Learn about all the innovative and impactful ways we partner with the private bar to make a meaningful difference for North Carolinians in need.

Table of contents

New Location in Raleigh

  • We’ve moved to our new space in Raleigh
  • Will be holding an open house soon

Featured Volunteer Opportunities

  • Looking for volunteer domestic violence attorneys in Wake and Johnston counties
  • Searching for volunteer attorneys for an expunction clinic in Raleigh

Volunteers Needed for Ask a Lawyer – WNC Disaster Recovery Hotline Event

  • Help answer calls and provide brief legal advice and resources to WNC residents who have legal questions related to disaster recovery

Virtual Lawyer on the Line Housing Conditions Event Recap

  • Last month, volunteers joined us across the state to prepare advice letters for clients facing difficult housing conditions

Charlotte Triage Program

  • About Charlotte Triage
  • Save the Date: September 18, 2025
  • July 15 Lawyer on the Line Recap
  • Upcoming Events
    • Charlotte Triage Fall Preview: August 20
    • Lawyer on the Line: September 3
    • Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Partnership Day: September 18
    • Courthouse Clinics: September 23 & September 25

Thanks to our July and August Charlotte Triage Volunteers

  • Over the past two months, volunteer attorneys from around the state advised attendees on housing condition issues, domestic violence cases, and more.

Volunteer Spotlights

  • Peter Robinson (Raleigh)
  • UNC Law Class of 2028 (Chapel Hill)

Virtual Legal Education Presentations

  • Topics: Child Custody & Simple Divorce
  • Volunteer details and dates

Pro Bono Go Opportunities

  • Caveat Action – Haywood County
  • Quiet Title Action
  • File Claim for Tenant Improperly Locked Out Who Lost All Belongings
  • Help Single Mother Get Deposit Returned
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Past Issues

2025

Author: Christian Galens

William Scott

In a world where access to justice often hinges on financial means, public service and pro bono legal work stand as pillars of equity. This summer, the participants in our Martin Luther King Jr. Internship Program found that this work can be both challenging and profoundly rewarding. One of our interns, William Scott, brought a unique perspective to his time with us by applying some of his knowledge from his experience in the United States Army to Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Scott graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2017 and proceeded to serve in the U.S. Army for six years, concluding his service as a Military Intelligence Officer for the 101st Airborne Division. Currently, he studies as a law student and JD candidate at the Wake Forest University School of Law.

A previous volunteer, Scott excelled as one of Legal Aid NC’s Martin Luther King Jr. interns, joining us to continue pursuing his passion for public service. Scott explained his decision to intern here this summer, “I applied for a LANC summer internship because of how fulfilling it was to volunteer with LANC throughout my first year of law school. I am grateful for the opportunity to directly serve those in need.”

Scott worked closely with the Veterans Law Project team to provide civil legal services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk for homelessness. He explained why this work was important to him on a personal and developmental level, “Working with homeless veterans through LANC’s Veterans Law Project was especially impactful because I am a veteran. One client in particular is hard of hearing and needed extensive support to apply for personal identification forms. Learning how best to serve a client who was afraid and at times difficult to communicate with helped me develop compassion and patience.”

When comparing the work we do at Legal Aid NC to his experience in the U.S. Army, Scott said, “The U.S. Army & LANC are both people-oriented organizations where leaders are expected to know how to handle difficult situations with grace. Serving in the Army helped me develop authentic emotional engagement, planning skills, and time management techniques I used while working for Legal Aid. Since serving in the military, I have become more acutely attuned to how best to serve individual people in the context that’s most helpful to them. Some solutions in the military are ‘one size fits all,’ which is an approach I could not use while serving Legal Aid because of how specific clients’ needs are.”

Legal Aid NC would like to thank Scott for all his hard work this summer and for his service in our nation’s military. We look forward to seeing his career in law and public service take off, and know he will excel at promoting equity in our community.

Author: Christian Galens

Kyle Coffino, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid of NC

BOONE, NC – Recently, 30 tenants of the Watauga Green Apartments were surprised with a sudden notice of eviction citing that they failed to submit their recertification paperwork. However, a majority of the tenants involved had already completed and submitted their paperwork within the last three months of the notice.

Legal Aid of North Carolina was contacted and began work on litigation, challenging whether summary ejectment was proper when the alleged breach of lease was due to mismanagement on the part of the landlord. The primary objective of the litigation was focused to prevent the evictions and preserve public housing eligibility for applicable tenants.

Kyle Coffino, a Legal Aid of NC staff attorney working on this litigation, gives us a look into how the litigation process works in relation to this event, “For summary ejectment cases, landlords must utilize the court process. A landlord cannot evict a tenant without filing a complaint in small claims court and cannot physically remove a tenant from the property without an order from a magistrate. However, if a magistrate enters an order siding with the landlord, there is a ten-day period from the date of judgment that a tenant can appeal the ruling to district court. If a tenant appeals, a new trial is held with the outcome decided by a district court judge.”

Legal Aid of NC has helped to advocate for several of the tenants, many of whom live on a limited income. In the most recent update, Coffino has reported that the cases that Legal Aid of NC assisted on have all been dismissed. As the litigation progresses, Legal Aid of NC hopes to protect the tenancy of those facing eviction at Watauga Green, preserve eligibility for housing assistance, and provide crucial support and advocacy to others in the High Country area facing civil legal issues.

Our team is always willing and prepared to step in and assist North Carolina’s most vulnerable population. We believe that these people are seen through our involvement and we hope to continue strengthening this relationship with our communities.

Coffino reflects, “In the nearly seven months I have been working for LANC, the tenants we helped from Watauga Green Apartments are especially noteworthy. Our office learned of a potential injustice and mobilized to provide assistance to as many as we could in a short period of time. I think these kinds of cases really demonstrate the commitment that our local office has in showing up for the communities we serve, however and whenever we can.”

For those facing similar challenges, we encourage you to reach out to Legal Aid of NC. We can advise you on how to prepare for small claims court, and in some cases provide representation on appeal, among other means of support.

Author: Christian Galens

RALEIGH, NC – September 25, 2023 – In response to the increase in domestic violence throughout the state, Legal Aid of North Carolina announced today the launch of its new Breaking the Silence: Abuse Affects Us All campaign. The campaign’s focus is amplifying survivor stories and increasing awareness of domestic violence resources available to survivors. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, the campaign will also focus on increasing awareness and education statewide.

“Domestic violence is on the rise throughout the state of North Carolina and this is a sensitive topic that impacts so many of us,” said TeAndra Miller, project manager of Legal Aid North Carolina’s Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative. “We want to empower survivors with resources to break the silence surrounding domestic violence and encourage others to get involved through our pledge campaign.”

From 2019 to 2021, there were more than 138,300 reports of assaults committed by former intimate partners or family members, according to the Criminal Justice Analysis Center, North Carolina’s Statistical Analysis Center. Additionally, within the first six months of this year, 39 domestic violence homicides have been reported, according to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence Fatality Report.

The Break the Silence: Abuse Affects Us All campaign includes:

  • An interactive website stopthecyclenc.org with resources for survivors
  • Compelling creative statewide outreach to increase awareness of services that are available through Legal Aid of North Carolina for survivors
  • A powerful documentary that provides an intimate look at stories of domestic violence survivors in North Carolina and a series of documentary screenings throughout the state to uplift and provide survivors with resources
  • A Break the Silence: Abuse Affects Us All pledge to engage and educate families, loved ones and allies

For more information, visit stopthecyclenc.org/pledge.

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About Legal Aid of North Carolina

Rooted in more than 40 years of experience, Legal Aid of North Carolina has provided legal assistance to any victim of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking, regardless of income or immigration status. Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people in order to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunity. Learn more at legalaidnc.org.

Author: Christian Galens

Raleigh, N.C. – Legal Aid of North Carolina is excited to announce Atiya Mosley as the new managing attorney and co-director of The Child’s Advocate, a project of Legal Aid NC. Mosley will join co-director Suzanne Chester, who has successfully led the project for the past 10 years.

With 17 years of experience as a Legal Aid attorney and vast involvement in the legal community, Mosley is the ideal leader to fill this role.  In addition to bringing commitment, ability and passion to this position, Mosley participated in the advisory committee when Sally Scherer founded The Child’s Advocate.

Mosley expressed her enthusiasm in being selected as the co-director, stating, “I am grateful for the opportunity to co-lead a team that I have thoroughly enjoyed working with for the past 6 years.  I am honored to be stepping into this role with Suzanne Chester, who has long been a mentor and friend. The Child’s Advocate holds immense importance in advocating for the rights and well-being of some of the most vulnerable children in our community and I am excited to be leading its growth.”

Mosley’s legal journey began at George Washington University Law School and in 2005, she joined Legal Aid NC as a Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative attorney in the Raleigh office. Since 2017, she has been a vital part of The Child’s Advocate team, expanding the project to Durham County.

Ashley Campbell, CEO of Legal Aid NC, expressed her utmost excitement for Mosley, stating, “We are thrilled to have Atiya leading The Child’s Advocate. Her extensive experience, exceptional skills, and unwavering dedication make her the perfect fit for this role.”

Atiya has served in numerous leadership roles, including implementing Legal Aid NC’s strategic plan as Strategy Manager. She actively contributes to the Wake County Bar Association (WCBA) Foundation’s Steering Committee and has been involved in public relations efforts through the WCBA Professionalism Committee, recently writing a blog post on cultural competence. Mosley has also presented many Continuing Legal Education (CLE) programs on topics like lawyer well-being, ethics, domestic violence and family law. Her outstanding work in the field has been recognized, earning her the prestigious Attorney Child Advocate of the Year award in 2003 and the distinction of being selected as the first Wake Woman of the Year by the Wake Women Attorneys in 2016.

Legal Aid NC is excited to promote Mosley to the position of managing attorney and co-director of The Child’s Advocate. In her new role, she will be dedicated to expanding the project and introducing it to other critical regional sites across the state.

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Author: Christian Galens

For over two decades, the Battered Immigrant Project of Legal Aid of North Carolina has provided critical legal assistance to immigrants suffering from domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Now, the project team is excited to announce they have changed their name to Immigration Pathways for Victims, or IMMPAV.

Rona Karacaova, managing attorney at IMMPAV, says on the change, “When Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Battered Immigrant Project was created in 2002, due to federal restrictions, its focus was to assist immigrant victims of domestic violence. Since that time, the scope of the immigration services which Legal Aid of North Carolina provides has expanded to include services for victims of sexual assault and human trafficking due the federal government’s recognition that that immigrant victims of these crimes are especially vulnerable and need legal services. Thus, we are now changing our name to Immigration Pathways for Victims (IMMPAV) to accurately reflect the services we provide immigrant victims of crimes.”

IMMPAV will perform the same duties and responsibilities of the Battered Immigrant Project. With this name change, the team aims to continue handling the same category of cases with the same efficiency, efficacy, and empathy that they’ve regularly employed over the last twenty years.

Karacaova continues, “IMMPAV’s goal is to help victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking obtain the immigration benefits which Congress created for them. These benefits include employment authorization and legal status so that victims can emerge from the shadows, work, and support their family members without being tempted to return to abusive situations in order to provide shelter and food for their children and themselves. Immigration law is complex, and the process to apply for various benefits is confusing and can take years. Without our assistance, many victims and their family members would not be able to access the benefits to which they are entitled.”

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