Author: Helen Hobson

← Back to For Seniors

Lenoir, NC – Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) recently organized a free wills clinic in Caldwell County, providing legal assistance to seniors in the community. The event, held on March 18th and 19th at the Caldwell County Library, saw 47 seniors receive support from LANC staff and volunteers.

The clinic aimed to address a crucial need among the elderly population by offering guidance and assistance in drafting wills and advanced directives. For many seniors, ensuring their affairs are in order brings a sense of security and peace of mind. By providing these services at no cost, LANC is increasing access to justice and legal resources for vulnerable members of the community.

“I was very pleased and delighted to meet with the LANC attorneys,” said Ms. Hernandez (pictured on the right), a client who received assistance at the clinic. “Everyone was very friendly and made me feel very comfortable during this process. I am grateful that [they] were there to guide me and provide this much-needed service.”

During the two-day event, LANC staff and volunteers provided personalized support to each attendee, ensuring their individual needs and concerns were addressed. From drafting legal documents to providing guidance on estate planning, the clinic offered comprehensive assistance to help seniors navigate complex legal processes.

Staff Attorney Savannah Morgan shared her experience, highlighting the connection formed with seniors throughout the clinic. “It is very fulfilling to be able to serve seniors in this way,” Morgan remarked. “I received so many hugs during the two-day will clinic. It is always great to chat and get to know our clients.”

LANC is committed to serving communities across the state, advocating for the rights and needs of low-income individuals and families. Events like the free wills clinic in Caldwell County highlight the organization’s dedication to providing essential legal services and resources to those who need them most.

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Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunity. Learn more at legalaidnc.org.

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Media Contact

Helen Hobson, Chief Communications Officer, 704-430-7616, HelenH2@legalaidnc.org

Author: Helen Hobson

In every workplace, there’s that one person who seems to hold everything together. At our Foothills office, that person is Brenda Carlin, beloved support staff member, and dog mom to two office mascots – Shitzu’s April and Skylar. Brenda is versatile, navigating through responsibilities including client intake, office management, telephone correspondence, walk-in assistance, attorney support, procurement of supplies, mail organization, troubleshooting computer issues, and an array of other vital tasks.

Learn more about Brenda as she answers questions about her role at Legal Aid of North Carolina.

What is your favorite part about being a support staff?

I like to help people. I like making time for our clients. Whether it’s a walk-in, telephone call, or processing a domestic violence or housing case – I think that, in some ways, I help people by just giving them someone to talk to.  I try to make them feel like I have no other cases and it’s their time.  I have several contacts and resources that I give to most of our clients. I always offer them a cup of coffee or a cold drink and take a few minutes to just listen. 

What is your favorite part about working at Legal Aid of North Carolina?

My favorite part is working with the attorneys and being able to help our clients.  Even if they don’t become clients, I hope that I have been able to help them in some way. 

A lot of my passion comes from the fact that I grew up in a rural country community and was dirt poor.  I have four sisters and two half-brothers, and we didn’t miss anything growing up, because we didn’t know it was there to be missed. 

I have learned over the years that just listening to our clients, wishing them a good day, and giving them any information is sometimes all it takes. 

What is your favorite part about working with clients?

We get all kinds of people and all kinds of issues, but I truly enjoy listening and trying to get as many cases in as possible. 

Some of the clients have their own stories of life and it’s interesting.  I had one client who when he came in with a Will issue, stood and played with April and Skylar and then informed me that he had just lost his wife and was trying to get everything done before they buried her.  He looked at me and told me how nice it was to be able just to play with the dogs and then proceeded to say that he would love to take them home. I realized that I have a special Managing Attorney who allows me to bring April and Skylar. On many occasions, they have warmed clients’ hearts.

Do you have a favorite client memory?

I remember one client in the last six months that came into the office.  I don’t remember her particular issue, but it was one that we could not help with.  I remember she had her phone stuffed down her shirt, listening to a preacher preach.  And she wasn’t about to turn down the sound because when it stopped, she simply restarted it.  But she was telling me about her issues and how they kept telling her to come into our office. So, I listened for a while and finally offered her the NC referral number. I remember telling her that maybe her church could help.  She agreed and left after a few minutes.  Two days later she was back.  I listened to see if anything had changed for her, but it was the same story.  She looked and me and said that they had told her to come here, so I asked her who they were, and she informed me it was the birds.

More about Brenda:

Brenda’s life is enriched by the joy of being a grandmother to two sets of twins. Her daughters have each given her a grandson and granddaughter who share the special bond of twinship—one set at the age of five, and the other just celebrating their first year. Alongside her cherished family moments, Brenda finds fulfillment in her artistic endeavors, including reading, drawing, and quilting. One particularly proud moment, captured by Managing Attorney Jonathan Perry, is Brenda standing beside a wall hanging she crafted for the conference room.

As she contemplates her upcoming departure from Legal Aid, Brenda is filled with a mix of emotions. She will miss the camaraderie and meaningful work shared with her colleagues as she prepares to bid farewell at the end of this year.

Author: Helen Hobson

← Back to Education

RALEIGH, NC – Following a complaint filed by Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Right to Education Project (REP), the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) launched a formal investigation into the Wake County Public School System’s (WCPSS) treatment of students with disabilities. The complaint exposes a harsh reality: struggling students with emotional disabilities are being isolated instead of nurtured within the school system.

The complaint, filed on behalf of two African-American students with disabilities who attended East Garner Magnet Middle School (EGMMS), highlights systemic issues at EGMMS and within the district. Despite being bright and creative, the students were repeatedly suspended and removed from their classrooms when displaying dysregulated behaviors. Instead of receiving the necessary support to manage their disabilities and emotions effectively, they were frequently confined to a “behavior stabilization” room, isolated from educational opportunities and peer interaction.

“No parent should have to watch their child endure what my eyes have seen,” declared Ms. Green*, mother of one of the affected children. “There are no support groups, there’s no help. I hope no other child has to endure what my child has endured.”

This investigation follows a lawsuit filed by a WCPSS family whose 8-year-old daughter was repeatedly restrained and forced into a seclusion room. Through the settlement, the public learned Wake County secluded 240 students during the 2022-2023 school year, 44 percent of them being Black students. While a “behavior stabilization” room is different from formal seclusion, these stories highlight a disturbing pattern: perpetuating a culture of isolation instead of offering the necessary support and resources for students to heal and thrive.

“While the investigation by DPI in response to our complaint focuses on systemic practices at EGMMS, the experiences of the students named are not anomalies,” noted Hetali Lodaya, lead attorney for the complaint. “Community members tell us that students across the district—particularly students of color with disabilities—routinely face similar patterns of isolation and ostracization. They are seen as a “problem” to be removed from the classroom, rather than as young people who deserve an education just like their peers.” 

“Our public schools face enormous challenges to fund support and resources for children with disabilities,” said Susan Book, a WCPSS parent and community advocate. “However, it costs zero dollars to treat all children with dignity and basic human decency.”

The complaint requests several remedies to address both individual and systemic violations. Among the requested remedies are compensatory services for named and similarly situated students, independent evaluations, and extensive training and support for school-based staff working with students with disabilities.

Access the full complaint here.

“When educators are trained to help students identify and regulate their emotions, develop healthy communication skills, and build resilience, all students benefit—not just those with disabilities,” emphasized Bekah Brown, Policy and Curriculum Specialist with Education Justice Alliance. “When we commit to investing in more than just the bare essentials, we not only fulfill our educational duty, but we also lay the foundation for a more just and compassionate society.”

This complaint is the fifth systemic complaint that REP has filed against WCPSS regarding its treatment of students with disabilities.

Lodaya shares: “When I asked one of the students named in this complaint what he wanted people to know about what happened to him, I was moved by his response: ‘Don’t let nobody get you down.’ Just as he continues to strive for more, we at REP will continue to fight alongside our clients and our communities for the creation of inclusive and equitable educational opportunities for all.”

*Name changed to protect client confidentiality

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Author: Helen Hobson

Charlotte, NC – Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) is proud to announce that Larissa Mervin, Managing Attorney of their Charlotte office, has been named one of Charlotte Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award recipients for 2024. This accolade celebrates Larissa’s outstanding contributions to the non-profit world and her leadership within the legal community.

Charlotte Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Awards annually celebrate 40 emerging leaders who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in their organizations, communities, and industries before reaching the age of 40. Larissa Mervin’s inclusion underscores her accomplishments and influence as a legal advocate, community leader, and visionary.

Expressing her gratitude for the award, Larissa remarked, “I’m profoundly grateful for this award and feel fortunate to receive recognition for doing meaningful work that I deeply care about. The fact that I get to do it alongside the most amazing friends, colleagues, and organizational partners – all of whom consistently empower me to be the attorney I am and are also deserving of recognition in their own right – is just icing on the cake! Thank you to the Charlotte Business Journal for the recognition, and to my friends at Legal Aid and our pro bono partners for the nomination. I am incredibly appreciative.”

Larissa’s professional journey is characterized by her commitment to serving marginalized communities. Her passion for family law and domestic violence advocacy ignited early in her career, leading her to roles at Triangle Family Services and subsequently at LANC, where she interned during law school. Throughout her tenure, Larissa has advocated for vulnerable individuals and families, providing crucial legal representation, mentorship, and support.

In her role as a domestic violence staff attorney, Larissa litigated civil domestic violence protective orders, civil no-contact orders, and temporary custody cases, all while training and supervising peers and interns. Her leadership and dedication propelled her through the ranks at LANC, where she now serves as Managing Attorney for the Charlotte office and Regional Managing Attorney for surrounding areas – achieving these roles at a young age.

Beyond her professional achievements, Larissa is dedicated to community involvement. She volunteers for the Heritage, Arts, and Cultural Committee in Harrisburg, North Carolina, promoting art and multicultural awareness. Additionally, Larissa is actively engaged with her church, leading high school girls and participating in outreach initiatives locally and internationally.

Larissa’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service continues to inspire her colleagues and peers.

Author: Helen Hobson

Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) announces the temporary limitation of intake for its Second Chance Project as it undergoes a strategic reconfiguration to enhance its impact. This decision comes as part of LANC’s commitment to continually innovate and improve its services to better meet the evolving needs of the community. 

Emily Mistr, head of the Second Chance Project, explains, “We are essentially shutting down the Second Chance Project as it has existed and reconfiguring it. Up to now, we have primarily provided general intake and clinic events for expunction and some driver’s license restoration services to the public. We now aim to refocus our efforts to serve targeted populations more effectively.” 

In collaboration with LANC’s Innovation Lab, Mistr will lead the reorganization effort. During this transition period, the project will have intake limitations to ensure efficient resource allocation: 

  1. Services in New Hanover County: Due to overwhelming demand in New Hanover County, we are pausing phone intake for Second Chance Wilmington. We will only be accepting direct referrals from Port City United.
  1. Durham County Services: Individuals residing in Durham or with cases in Durham seeking expunction or license restoration assistance should apply for services in person at the DEAR office in the Durham County courthouse. 
  1. General Intake for Other Areas Suspended: For residents outside of Durham, general intake for expunction or license restoration services is temporarily suspended. 

“We understand the importance of these services for individuals seeking a second chance and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition,” says Mistr. “We anticipate unveiling the new program by mid-June, after thorough strategic planning and meetings.” 

Legal Aid of North Carolina remains dedicated to its mission of providing access to justice for all, and this reconfiguration of the Second Chance Project reflects its ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to best serve the community. 

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Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income people to ensure equal access to justice and to remove legal barriers to economic opportunity. Learn more at legalaidnc.org

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.  

Media Contact 

Helen Hobson, Chief Communications Officer, 704-430-7616, HelenH2@legalaidnc.org 

Author: Helen Hobson

Access to justice is a fundamental right, yet for many low-income families, this right remains elusive due to financial constraints and limited resources. Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) recognizes the pressing need to address this issue and has taken a groundbreaking step by establishing the Innovation Lab to pioneer transformative solutions.

The Need for Innovation:

Civil legal needs often go unmet, as there is no constitutional right to an attorney for such matters. According to a recent study, 92% of the civil legal problems reported by low-income Americans in a year received inadequate or no legal help. In North Carolina alone, 18% of the population, approximately 2 million people, are eligible for LANC services. Despite the high demand, the current ratio stands at one LANC attorney for every 8000 eligible individuals.

The challenges faced by low-income families are exacerbated by the lack of resources in legal aid programs, hindering their ability to meet the soaring demand for services. Identifying and securing resources to address this need, finding cost-efficient ways to deliver effective legal help, and recognizing the untapped opportunities to advance access to justice have become imperative.

The Vision: Legal Aid of North Carolina Innovation Lab

In response to these challenges, LANC has launched the Innovation Lab. The Lab envisions a human-centered, collaborative, and transformative service delivery model that aims to turn ideas into creative, inclusive solutions. The focus extends beyond technological advancements to a comprehensive consideration of the social and ethical implications of technology in the legal field.

Projects in the Works:

  1. Modernizing Intake:
    • Creating a smart, scalable client intake process.
    • Creating a client centered process, responsive to the needs of diverse client communities.
    • Integrating technology and data driven solutions to create a more convenient, accessible, and equitable process.
  2. Rural Access to Justice:
    • Launching a Mobile Legal Services Unit (LANCMobile), taking services to underserved rural areas.
    • Establishing rural community hubs to serve as centralized resource centers.
  3. Projects to Improve Client Services:
    • Introducing Law Droid, a chat bot tool to streamline legal processes.
    • Improving an Expunction Petition Generator for expediting the expungement process.
    • Implementing integrated advocacy solutions to provide holistic support.
  4. Improvements to Internal Operations:
    • Implementation of innovative solutions that improve internal processes and enhance client access to justice.
    • Conduct regular reviews to identify areas for improvement in its own staff and internal processes.

By fostering inclusive innovation and adopting a holistic approach, LANC’s Innovation Lab aspires to revolutionize legal service delivery. The goal is not only to bridge the gap in access to justice but also to set a precedent for a more equitable and efficient legal system that caters to the diverse needs of the community. As the projects unfold, the Innovation Lab stands to assist those who have long struggled to navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Author: Helen Hobson

Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) is proud to announce that its Chief Innovation Officer (CINO), Scheree Gilchrist, has been recognized by Triangle Business Journal as one of the recipients of the 2024 Women in Business Awards. This accolade celebrates women in the Triangle region who demonstrate outstanding leadership, showcasing accomplishments in both business and community service. 

For the past 26 years, Triangle Business Journal has been honoring women leaders in the area, and Gilchrist’s inclusion in the 2024 Women in Business Awards underscores her contributions to the legal and innovative landscape. 

As the CINO at LANC, Gilchrist shapes the organization’s strategic vision for innovation. She is at the forefront of developing sustainable plans that not only enhance access to justice for clients but also streamline internal processes to better serve the community.  

In her role, Gilchrist serves as the director of LANC’s Innovation Lab, a first-of-its-kind initiative in a legal services program nationwide. In this capacity, she leads an interdisciplinary team dedicated to collaboration, development and implementation of innovative ideas that revolutionize the delivery of legal services in North Carolina.  

Upon learning of her recognition, Gilchrist expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am deeply honored to be recognized among the outstanding women leaders in the Triangle. This award is a testament to the collective efforts of our team and our commitment to innovation in the pursuit of access to justice.” 

Learn more about Scheree Gilchrist here.  

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