Category: Media release

At the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards luncheon May 6 in Durham, William C. “Bill” Moore stands with (left to right) Gina Reyman and Dietrich McMillan from Legal Aid NC; Lakethia Jefferies, Director of the Pro Bono Legal Clinic at NCCU Law; and Sarah Moore (no relation) and Sharon Council from Legal Aid NC.

We love our pro bono volunteers! HUGE congratulations to William C. Moore, one of our most legendary volunteers, for winning a Governor’s Volunteer Service Award for his lifetime of pro bono service to our firm and North Carolina Central University School of Law.

Bill volunteers as the supervising attorney of the Elder Law Project, a partnership between our Durham office and NCCU Law. Bill works with the project’s faculty, staff and law-student volunteers to provide free legal help to Durham senior citizens referred by the Durham Center for Senior Life.

“It’s hard to imagine the Elder Law Project without Bill Moore,” says Lakethia Jefferies, Director of the Pro Bono Clinic at NCCU Law. “He has played such an integral role in the project since its inception. While we have had many volunteer attorneys for the project, Mr. Moore is our shining star. His dedication and commitment to the project is unmatched. Each year, I have the privilege and joy of training another group of project law students. I can say that Mr. Moore has played an important role in the growth and professional development of our students. As a result, I can say without hesitation that North Carolina’s legal community is better off because of Attorney Bill Moore.”

Bill’s work with the Elder Law Project is just the tip of the iceberg. Since 2003, he has provided a total of nearly 1,500 hours of pro bono service to hundreds of our clients, ranking him among our most prolific — and impactful — volunteers ever.

“It’s almost impossible to overstate the value of Bill Moore’s service to our clients and our organization,” says Gina Reyman, Triangle Regional Manager for LANC and former head of its Durham office. “His longtime leadership of the Elder Law Project and his additional pro bono service over the last 20 years speak to the quality of his character and the strength of his commitment to public service. When it comes to pro bono volunteers, Mr. Moore is unmatched in his persistent, dedicated and quality services to our community.”

“With Bill,” says Sharon Council, pro bono coordinator for LANC’s Durham office, “it’s not just the amount of pro bono he does that makes him so special—it’s also the way he does it. He treats every client as if they’re the most important person in the world. He listens to their stories, empathizes with them, makes sure he understands what they want AND that they understand what he can and can’t do for them. His dedication to service is evident in every one of his client interactions. It has been my true joy to work with such a person who treats our clients and other colleagues with such great respect and dignity.”

One of Mr. Moore’s recent wills clients agrees. “Thank you for putting me in touch with attorney Bill Moore,” said the client. “He is such a caring person and a professional and friendly lawyer.”

Sarah Moore (no relation), a case coordinator on LANC’s statewide Pro Bono Programs team, who also works with Mr. Moore, says, “He is my go-to volunteer for estate-planning cases. He often works with multiple clients at a time. Whenever he finds himself with only one client, he always reaches out to ask if there are any new cases he can take on. That’s an extraordinary level of dedication for one of our pro bono volunteers.”

Learn more about the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards.

Category: Media release

We’re making an impact in “Will-mington”! On May 4, we partnered with attorneys from Ward and Smith, P.A., to provide pro bono wills and advanced directives to senior citizens in the Port City. Working at the MLK Community Center, the Ward and Smith volunteers drafted 16 documents throughout the day.

“We are grateful for this partnership with Ward and Smith and the peace of mind and security their volunteers brought to our clients,” said Allison Constance, our Director of Pro Bono Programs, who provided support to the volunteers at the clinic.

Shoutout to volunteers Isabelle Chammas, Dana Lingenfelser, Avery Locklear, Taylor Rodney Marks, Zach Marks and Emily Martchek!

Are you an attorney who wants to make a difference for NC seniors? Learn more about our Volunteer Wills Program.

Photos

Ward and Smith attorneys Taylor Rodney Marks (left) and Avery Locklear

Category: Media release

Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) unveiled its innovative LANCMobile unit at a launch event held yesterday, May 1st, at the Haywood County Public Library: Canton Branch. The event marked a significant step forward in the organization’s mission to provide vital legal services to underserved communities, particularly in disaster-stricken and rural areas. The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured special remarks from LANC staff and the Mayor of Canton, NC, Zeb Smathers.

LANCMobile addresses a critical gap in the American justice system, where low-income individuals facing civil legal matters often lack adequate representation. According to recent studies, 92% of civil legal problems reported by low-income Americans receive inadequate or no legal help. In North Carolina, approximately two million people, 18% of the population, are eligible for LANC services but face geographical barriers preventing access.

Born out of the pressing need exacerbated by natural disasters like Tropical Storm Fred in 2021, LANCMobile was established with a grant from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). The initiative aims to serve disaster-affected areas while also addressing broader issues of legal deserts and rural community neglect.

“Our primary purpose is to get people the assistance they need,” said Alicia Edwards, Project Director of LANC’s Disaster Relief Project. “We have two fully serviced offices inside where we can meet clients. We can come out to their community, screen them, deal with their legal issues, and provide fully serviced assistance right from the bus.”

Scheree Gilchrist, Chief Innovation Officer at LANC, emphasized LANCMobile’s broader mission beyond disaster relief. “We are going to take the bus and identify the areas that have the most need and work with our community partners to deliver those services,” Gilchrist stated.

The event garnered support from Mayor Zeb Smathers, who highlighted the significance of LANCMobile in bringing hope to communities in need. “This is where you affect people in the trenches… This is where you make a difference,” said Mayor Smathers. “Where y’all go and this bus goes, hope is not too far behind.”

LANCMobile’s impact extends beyond immediate legal aid provision. Through data-driven strategies and community partnerships, LANC aims to identify rural communities most in need and devise tailored solutions to overcome communication, infrastructure, and service accessibility challenges.

“This is a crucial step in our commitment to innovation and making a lasting impact in the communities we serve,” noted Gilchrist. “LANCMobile not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a culture of community engagement, empowering rural communities to assert their rights and access legal resources.”

LANCMobile’s schedule can be found at legalaidnc.org/lancmobile.

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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.

Media Contact

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

Category: Media release

RALEIGH, N.C. – Legal Aid of North Carolina announces a Conciliation and Voluntary Compliance Agreement, resolving a housing discrimination complaint filed against the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR). The complaint was filed on behalf of an individual whose application to the ReBuild NC Homeowner Recovery Program was rejected due to proof of ownership requirements applied to owners of heirs’ properties. The ReBuild NC Homeowner Recovery Program administers Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Relief (CDBG-DR) funds to assist survivors of Hurricanes Matthew and Florence in rebuilding their homes.

The complaint, filed in February 2023 with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), alleged that NCORR’s proof of ownership requirements, as applied to owners of heirs’ properties, disproportionately impacted and denied equal housing opportunities to Black/African American homeowners seeking disaster recovery assistance funds, in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act. “Heirs’ property” is a term used to describe family-owned property that is passed between generations of family members without a valid will or formal estate. While heirs’ property can present challenges, each heir shares legal ownership of the entire property with the other heirs and can maintain it through repairs, improvements, and payment of property taxes. Decades of research shows that heirs’ property issues most often impact Black families, and that heirs’ properties, particularly in the South, are disproportionately owned by Black/African American landowners.

As a result of the Conciliation and Voluntary Compliance Agreement, Respondent NCORR has agreed to:

Adopt a new proof of ownership policy, now in Version 9.0 of the CDBG-DR Homeowner Recovery Program Manual and corresponding forms, that complies with the requirements of the Fair Housing Act. Under the revised policy, owners of heirs’ property will now only need to agree that they have or will notify, in whatever way they see fit, any party that may have an ownership interest in the property about their participation in the ReBuild program, if such parties are known to the applicant;
Provide written notice of the new policy to the approximately 74 applicants previously rejected from, or otherwise deemed ineligible for, the ReBuild Homeowner Recovery Program due to previous proof of ownership requirements as applied to owners of heirs’ property;
Allow these approximately 74 applicants previously rejected from the program due to the prior proof of ownership requirements applied to owners of heirs’ property to submit appeals for reentry into the Program; and
Train NCORR staff on the requirements of the new policy.

With these changes, NCORR affirms its commitment to compliance with federal fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability.

“Legal Aid of North Carolina is proud to announce this resolution, which reduces unnecessary barriers for owners in heirs’ properties to access crucial disaster relief funding, while also preserving the existing homeownership structure and keeping these properties in the family. We hope that these revised policies can serve as a model for other disaster relief programs in North Carolina and CDBG-DR funded programs across the country,” said A.D. Skaff, Supervising Attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Fair Housing Project.

“We commend NCORR for prioritizing fair housing, implementing these new policies, and working with us to resolve this matter, so all homeowners in North Carolina recovering from devastating natural disasters have equal housing opportunities,” said Lauren Brasil, Co-Director and Managing Attorney of Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Fair Housing Project.

A copy of the Conciliation Agreement is available here.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination can contact Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Fair Housing Project by calling 1-855-797-3247.

Legal Aid of North Carolina’s involvement in this litigation was made possible in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program.

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Media Contact

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

Category: Media release

NCCU Law, NCBA Corporate Counsel Section, Legal Aid NC partner up for expunction event

DURHAM · NC Central University School of Law and our Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program hosted some special guests April 5 at an expunction clinic at the law school. Members of the Corporate Counsel Section of the NC Bar Association joined us to partner with law students to provide pro bono expunctions to Legal Aid NC clients in Durham.

“I was worried this would be really complicated, but it wasn’t” said Elizabeth McKee, Chair of the Corporate Counsel Section, who volunteered at the event. “It was really easy. It helped that I partnered with a seasoned person who knew what they were doing.”

That “seasoned person” was NCCU Law 2L Taiesha Morgan, a frequent participant in the law school’s expunction clinics. Asked about her interest in the subject, Taiesha, who wants to work in criminal law, said, “People have the right to expunge their records, but it’s a complicated process. Just being able to help is awesome.”

Providing an opportunity for law students to network with attorneys was an important goal of the clinic, according to Jane Paksoy, Co-Chair of the Corporate Counsel Section’s Pro Bono/Community Service Committee, who participated in the event along with fellow Co-Chair Tracy Gaskins. Another goal was to provide in-house counsel with a meaningful and manageable pro bono opportunity.

“In-house attorneys have less exposure to traditional pro bono opportunities than some of our colleagues,” Jane said. “Pro bono opportunities like today’s clinic are ideal for in-house attorneys. You don’t need a criminal law background to do expunction work and it’s a meaningful way to make an impact in a short amount of time.”

Making an impact is what motivates Lakethia Jefferies, Director of the Pro Bono Clinic at NCCU Law, to organize these clinics. She wants to show students the meaningful difference that attorneys can make in the real world.

“People with criminal records may not be able to get housing or jobs,” Lakethia said. “Something as simple as clearing a few marks off someone’s record can make a world of difference. These clinics allow law students to do access-to-justice work and see what a difference they can make for real clients. It also shows students that regardless of what practice area they go into, they can still do this work as a volunteer and make a difference.”

Ali Nininger-Finch, attorney with our DEAR Program, provided training to the law students and attorneys on how to prepare an expunction petition. Ali and DEAR paralegal Jeremiah Brutus (an NCCU Law alum), provided support to the volunteers during the clinic.

Photos

NCCU Law 2L Vanessa Johnson (left) and attorney Laura Snead Morgan from LM Advocacy & Consulting

Category: Media release

← 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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Media Contact

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

Category: Media release

← 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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Category: Media release

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.

Category: Media release

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:

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.

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.

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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Media Contact

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

Category: Media release

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Meet Hannah Guerrier, our Charlotte Community Engagement Manager, a new role for both her and Legal Aid of North Carolina. In November 2023, Hannah transitioned from Supervising Attorney in our Charlotte office’s housing unit to assume the role, the first of its kind for our organization.

Hannah serves as the liaison with our supporters and stakeholders in the Queen City, including our robust corps of pro bono volunteers. She leads Legal Aid of North Carolina’s involvement with the Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Partnership, a citywide effort to harness the power of pro bono to meet residents’ unmet legal needs.

You’ll find Hannah on the scene at the partnership’s monthly eviction-court clinics, which provide on-the-spot legal advice and representation to tenants facing eviction, and its monthly Lawyer on the Line clinics, which provide free legal advice to tenants struggling with dangerous and unsanitary housing conditions. She also helps organize the partnership’s monthly domestic violence clinics, held jointly with Safe Alliance, where pro bono volunteers help survivors draft complaints for Domestic Violence Protective Orders.

Keep reading to learn more about Hannah.

In her own words

Why is pro bono so important?

Because legal representation in matters of safety and stability is essential to achieving actual justice. We see how representation changes outcomes for litigants every day – whether it’s a domestic violence survivor seeking and protective order or a tenant trying to defend against an eviction. And because the need for these services is greater than Legal Aid staff can address on their own.

What’s the best part of your job?

As cliche as it sounds, the people. I get to work every day with some of the most genuine and hardworking human beings on behalf of other genuine and hardworking human beings. It’s a pleasure and an honor to help bring justice to our communities alongside such dedicated advocates.

What do you do in your free time?

Spoil my three pups with treats, walks, and cuddles. Puzzles and board games with my husband. And travel as much as I possibly can with him.

At a glance

Legal Aid of North Carolina

Charlotte Community Engagement Manager, 2023 – Present
Supervising Attorney, Housing Unit, Charlotte office, 2020 – 2023
Staff Attorney, Housing Unit, Charlotte office, 2018 – 2020
Housing Fellow Attorney, Charlotte office, 2016 – 2017

Selected previous experience

Georgetown Law Juvenile Justice Clinic, Graduate Legal Assistant and Student Attorney
US Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, Law Clerk
Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, Child Protection Section Law Clerk

Education

Georgetown University Law Center, JD
Duke University, BS and AB