At Legal Aid of North Carolina, we believe that access to justice is not a privilege—it’s a right. Every day, our team fights to ensure that North Carolinians, regardless of income, have the legal support they need to protect their homes, families, and livelihoods. As we reflect on 2024, we are proud to share the impact of our work and the lives we’ve touched.

By the Numbers: Legal Aid’s Impact in 2024*

• Over 27,000 cases handled, addressing critical legal needs across the state.
• 32,496 children served, ensuring their safety, stability, and access to essential resources.
• More than 69,000 North Carolinians impacted by our services.
• 53% of the people we served were employed, debunking the misconception that only the unemployed need legal aid. Many of our clients work hard but still struggle to afford legal representation.
• 4,538 seniors supported, safeguarding their housing, healthcare, and financial security.
• Over $44 million saved for our clients in legal fees—because justice should never come at a cost.
• $60 million in home values preserved, preventing foreclosures, evictions, and displacement.
• $56 million saved for our clients in settlement costs, debt relief, public benefits, and other avoided expenses.

*Please note that these numbers do not reflect the impactful work of our NC Navigator Consortium and NC Medicaid Ombudsman, who reach and assist countless individuals across the state.

Beyond the Numbers: The Stories Behind the Impact

These numbers tell a powerful story, but the true impact of our work is seen in the lives we change. It’s the single mother who avoided eviction and kept a roof over her children’s heads. It’s the veteran who finally accessed the benefits he earned through his service. It’s the senior citizen who was protected from financial exploitation.

Every case we take on represents a person—a neighbor, a coworker, a family member—who needed help and found it through Legal Aid of North Carolina. And thanks to the support of our partners, donors, and pro bono volunteers, we are able to continue this work at no cost to those we serve.

Why This Work Matters

Legal aid is more than legal representation; it is a lifeline. When people have access to justice, they have a chance to thrive. They can keep their homes, protect their families, secure their wages, and build stronger futures. Our impact in 2024 is proof of what is possible when we stand together for equal justice.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission. There is still so much work to do, and we invite you to join us—whether by supporting our work, spreading awareness, or helping connect more people with the legal resources they need.

Justice belongs to everyone. And with your support, we will continue making that a reality for all North Carolinians. LegalAidNC.org/Donate.

Ms. Maria (a pseudonym used for confidentiality) was a manager at a restaurant located at the entrance to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. The restaurant’s prime location attracted many employees from other airport eateries who would clock in and out at Ms. Maria’s station—a practice initially tolerated by management but later prohibited. 

One day, Ms. Maria noticed an employee from another restaurant attempting to clock out at her terminal. Despite the restaurant policy prohibiting such actions, the employee persisted. Following standard procedure, Ms. Maria requested to see his ID badge. Although he initially refused, the employee allowed her to view his badge after she showed him hers. Ms. Maria informed him that she would take a photo of the badge to send to Human Resources, as per protocol. However, when she tried to retain the badge, the employee became aggressive and threatened her job before leaving the scene. Ms. Maria was unable to file a formal complaint or report the incident due to her responsibilities at the register. 

A few days later, Ms. Maria received word from Human Resources that a complaint had been filed against her. She was asked to respond via email, with no opportunity to speak in person or review any evidence. Despite requesting access to security footage, her request was denied. Within days, she was terminated from her position. 

Facing the loss of her job and uncertainty of her future, Ms. Maria applied for unemployment benefits. However, her employer contested her claim, accusing her of misconduct, including snatching the employee’s badge and causing injury. Initially, the North Carolina Division of Employment Security (NCDES) denied her claim. With rent due and limited financial resources, Ms. Maria turned to Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) for help. 

LANC’s Support: 

When Ms. Maria reached out to LANC, she was under immense stress. Not only had her unemployment claim been denied, but she also faced the threat of eviction. The day before Thanksgiving, she received an eviction notice, adding to her burden. To make matters worse, Ms. Maria had just lost her beloved grandmother on the morning of her appeal hearing. Acknowledging the emotional toll, LANC requested a continuance, giving Ms. Maria the time she needed to grieve. 

Attorney Michael McGurl took on Ms. Maria’s case, thoroughly reviewing the evidence and preparing for the appeal hearing. The employer’s case was based primarily on the testimony of the employee involved in the incident, but the evidence presented was weak—blurry photographs and vague accusations, with no sworn statements or identity for the employee. At the hearing, the employer failed to produce the employee for testimony, relying solely on hearsay. 

It seemed to Attorney McGurl that that the employee had fabricated his account to tarnish Ms. Maria’s reputation and avoid facing repercussions for his actions. He demonstrated the weak and faulty nature of the evidence presented against Ms. Maria who, as a credible and sympathetic witness, was able to clearly explain the incident, noting that she was the victim of harassment. 

Thanks to LANC’s representation and Ms. Maria’s testimony, the Appeals Referee ruled in Ms. Maria’s favor, finding no credible evidence of misconduct or a physical altercation. Ms. Maria was awarded her unemployment benefits, giving her the stability she needed to move forward in life and pursue new career opportunities. 

A New Beginning: 

With the support of Legal Aid of North Carolina, Ms. Maria was able to regain control of her life during a difficult time. Not only did she secure her unemployment benefits, but the experience also gave her the confidence to look ahead to the future. Legal Aid is proud to have helped Ms. Maria navigate these challenges, and we remain optimistic about her success in her next chapter. 

A Grateful Client’s Note: 

Ms. Maria expressed her gratitude to Attorney McGurl with the following message: 

“Dear Michael, 

Happy New Year! 

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all your hard work, dedication, and expertise in helping me win my unemployment case. Your guidance and support made a significant difference, and I truly appreciate the time and effort you invested in my situation. You are a brilliant attorney, and Legal Aid is blessed to have you at their service. 

This victory has helped in healing my heart and brought me a fresh start for the new year. I couldn’t have done it without your help. Thank you so much for standing by me and for being such a reliable and skilled advocate. I wish you a prosperous and joyful New Year filled with blessings, success, and happiness. Thank you again for everything! 

I’m grateful.” 

By Jonathan Perry, Managing Attorney, Legal Aid of North Carolina – Morganton Office

This past week in Bakersville, NC, I witnessed both heartbreaking devastation and awe-inspiring human resilience. In the wake of recent flooding and widespread damage in Mitchell County, we spent the day helping people sign up for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) and FEMA relief. While providing computers and technical support, we quickly realized that this community’s needs extended beyond just paperwork. As the day went on, we began to encounter more traditional legal issues—housing, family law, and other challenges that our office at Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) often addresses.

What has struck me most, however, is how deeply rooted the people here are in their independence and strength. In these mountain communities, asking for help is not common. Many of the individuals we worked with have no power, no water, and no idea when they’ll be able to return to normalcy. Yet, they are humble, gracious, and, in some cases, hesitant to accept assistance from outsiders. One elderly woman, who had lost access to both power and water, tried to pay me for a simple Diet Coke I offered her. It was a moment that captured the deep self-reliance ingrained in so many here.

In Mitchell County, the community has rallied together in ways that go beyond formal aid. At the Mitchell Senior Center, a woman who was a stay-at-home mom just two weeks ago is now leading an eight-person team, coordinating volunteers to answer calls and dispatch help. They’ve received 158 open requests for help, and they’ve answered each one with precision and care. Outside the center, volunteers cook free meals daily for anyone in need, providing supplies without question or charge. This effort is being led by former schoolteachers and retirees who have seamlessly transitioned into roles that serve their neighbors in ways they never imagined.

Driving through nearby Avery County, in small towns like Plumtree and Minneapolis, the devastation is even harder to grasp. Entire homes have washed away, cars remain overturned in the middle of rivers, and sides of mountains have vanished. Amidst this destruction, communities have taken it upon themselves to clear roads, cut up fallen trees for firewood, and ensure that their neighbors are cared for. Every church I passed was providing free clothing, food, and water to anyone who needed it.

Despite the overwhelming need, the people here do not ask for help. They continue to rebuild, quietly and resolutely. It’s only after establishing trust, after hearing that I once lived in these mountains, that they begin to accept the possibility of applying for government assistance. But time is of the essence. Our window to reach these communities, to offer them the help they need and deserve, is small. As we continue to assist at disaster recovery centers (DRCs), I hope we can extend our efforts deeper into these hard-hit areas, to build relationships and deliver aid before the door closes.

To my colleagues and partners, thank you for everything you are doing to support these efforts. Your work matters deeply, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Jonathan Perry

Managing Attorney

Legal Aid of North Carolina – Morganton Office

This column shares Jonathan Perry’s firsthand experience in the recovery efforts following severe flooding in Western North Carolina, emphasizing the resilience of the local community and the importance of building trust to provide effective aid.