Category: Uncategorized

Category: Uncategorized

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

  • Chapman and Cutler LLP, Truist Bank, and Wells Fargo Kick Off Gavel Wills Drafting Tool with Legal Aid of NC!
    • When Chapman Cutler generously offered to customize a wills and advance directive automation tool for use by Legal Aid of North Carolina volunteers, Wells Fargo and Truist were excited to help with its launch.
  • Joint Crisis Response Workshop and Housing Conditions Clinic with NCBA Young Lawyers Division and State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division
    • On April 25, the Pro Bono team’s own Lauren Ashley Wright helped lead a collaboration between the North Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division in a joint program aimed at exploring and navigating crisis responses and emergency preparedness.
  • We were also lucky to host:
    • A Raleigh Pro Bono Collaborative Expunction session on May 13 with Kilpatrick
    • A Lawyer on the Line event with LPL Financial, in honor of Financial Institution Pro Bono Day, and more!
  • Featured Pro Bono Opportunities
    • With the start of the 2026 agricultural season, Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Farmworker Unit is seeking Spanish-speaking volunteer attorneys and paralegals to help with visits to migrant farm worker labor camps as part of its Witness for Justice Volunteer Program.
    • We’re seeking assistance from a volunteer attorney and/or paralegal to assist a client with an heirs property matter in Robeson County, though this matter can be handled remotely.
    • We are seeking volunteers to assist clients with disabilities with preparing reasonable accommodation/modification request letters to submit to housing providers.
    • Help our senior client complete court forms for return of surplus funds after foreclosure
    • Help Survivors Get DV Protective Orders

  • Upcoming Events
    • June 10 – Charlotte Triage Housing Lawyer on the Line
    • June 16 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • June 18 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • June 23 – Charlotte Triage Child Custody Complaint Drafting Event
    • June 23 – Raleigh Pro Bono Collaborative Expunction Session hosted by Parker Poe
    • June 24 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • June 26 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • June 26 – Wills Clinic with Smith Anderson and Southeast Raleigh Promise

  • Volunteer Spotlight
  • For years, John has been volunteering his time at the Central Carolina office, assisting the attorney and paralegal team with administrative tasks like case closings. In addition to these contributions – which help offload considerable work for our attorneys and staff – John is a welcoming presence at the office and frequent volunteer for other local organizations in the community, like Meals on Wheels.
  • We have been so fortunate to have Mark Henriques as not only an ardent supporter of Legal Aid of North Carolina but also as a frequent volunteer. Mark has provided invaluable service to our clients post Tropical Storm Helene. Most recently, he negotiated a significant settlement after our client experienced a repair gone wrong and the HOA refused to replace the damage done, leaving the client with an unfinished floor in his home.

  • Congratulations to Garfinkel Immigration!
    • Garfinkel has been recognized by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) as a recipient of the 2026 Pro Bono Champion award for their service to Legal Aid of NC clients. Please join us in celebrating our partner, and Anna Cushman, a former Legal Aid of NC attorney, on this well-deserved honor.

  • 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.
  • Upcoming CLE Opportunities
    • Join us on May 21st, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM for Veterans Benefits & Discharge Issues: A Practical Guide for Non-VA Attorneys
    • Join us on June 8th, 11:00 AM to 12:00PM for Mediation 101: Fundamentals for Effective Advocacy & Resolution
    • Join us June 17th, 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM for North Carolina Child Support 101
  • Lead a Virtual Legal Education Presentation
    • Topics: Child custody, simple divorce, and housing
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2026

2025

Category: Uncategorized

We are excited to announce a job opportunity for the position of Navigator at Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Position Title: Navigator

Employment Type: Full-Time, non-exempt

Location: Durham – North Carolina

Application Deadline: June 15, 2026

About us: Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide, nonprofit law firm that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income individuals and families. Our mission is to ensure equal access to justice and remove legal barriers to economic opportunities.

Legal Aid is an innovative, creative, and progressive civil legal services provider committed to building a justice system where all voices are valued, heard, and respected.

Who we are looking for: Legal Aid’s NC Navigator Consortium seeks a full-time Health Insurance Marketplace Navigator to support the Consortium’s efforts to enroll North Carolinians in affordable health coverage on the Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. Led by Legal Aid of North Carolina, the Consortium is a statewide partnership of six health care, social service and legal aid organizations that is funded by the federal Navigator Grant Program. The Consortium receives the second-largest grant in the U.S. Learn more at ncnavigator.org.

Why this role matters: The work performed in this role will help uninsured and underserved individuals access affordable health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid. This position supports outreach and education, assists with enrollment and eligibility determinations, and connects individuals to needed social services. It also helps expand access statewide by building community partnerships and recruiting volunteer Navigators.

What you will do: The Navigator will:

  • Conduct outreach and education to uninsured individuals, individuals eligible for public benefits, and those who need additional health coverage literacy information.
  • Recruit partners and build partnerships/coalitions with local community organizations to facilitate outreach, education, and enrollment efforts.
  • Engage in outreach, education, and enrollment activities with priority populations, and underserved and vulnerable communities.
  • Share information regarding the Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM), Medicaid, and public benefits including:
    • Eligibility requirements for federal tax subsidies and cost-sharing subsidies.
    • Eligibility for Qualified Health Plans (QHP) on the FFM and Medicaid, and how to enroll in qualified health plans or Medicaid, on healthcare.gov or ePASS.
    • Eligibility requirements for public benefits including SNAP, WIC, and LIEAP.
  • Meet with individuals and facilitate health coverage plan selection based on the needs of the individual/family, assess tax implications and premium and cost-sharing requirements, premium tax credits, application submission, renewal, and disenrollment processes.
  • Facilitate eligibility determinations for public benefits, QHPs or Medicaid and premium tax subsidies.
  • Provide referrals to appropriate agencies, including applicants and enrollees with grievances, complaints, questions, or need for other social services.

What you will bring to Legal Aid of North Carolina:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Prior academic course work and/or professional or volunteer experience for issue-based campaigns or other nonprofits.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
  • Strong writing skills.
  • Must reside in office’s service area throughout duration of employment.

What we offer:

  • Compensation: The salary for this position is $41,000 annually. Candidates who are bilingual in Spanish may be eligible for additional compensation.
  • Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents
  • Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with a discretionary employer contribution
  • Work Environment: Culture that promotes work-life balance, flexibility, and overall employee well-being
  • Paid Leave: Generous paid time off and recognized holidays
  • Parental Leave: Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible employees
  • Insurance Coverage: Employer-paid life, short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
  • Professional Development: Ongoing learning and leadership development opportunities

Application Instructions:

How to apply:

Legal Aid of North Carolina believes all our professionals bring unique perspectives and ideas that strengthen our work and mission.

If you are interested in joining our team, please submit a cover letter and resume with the subject line “Navigator” and the posting number: 202605-457 to: jobs@legalaidnc.org.

Professional reference checks and a pre-employment background check will be conducted as a condition of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Legal Aid of North Carolina is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants and make employment decisions based on experience, qualifications, and organizational needs.

Category: Uncategorized

For the past 20 years, Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Centralized Intake Unit has served as the primary entry point for people seeking civil legal help statewide.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Centralized Intake Unit (CIU), which helps connect people across all 100 counties to civil legal assistance. The team of intake specialists and attorneys supports individuals and families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Each year, more than 300,000 people contact LANC for help, most often related to housing instability and domestic violence issues that can threaten family safety or lead to homelessness. Over the past five years alone, CIU has completed more than 287,000 intakes, helping individuals and families access legal advice, brief services, and referrals to critical resources.

“Access to justice begins with access to information and a real person who will listen,” said Ashley Campbell, Executive Director of Legal Aid of North Carolina. “For 20 years, our Centralized Intake Unit has made it possible for people across North Carolina to reach us, be heard, and get connected to help. It is one of the most important ways we carry out our mission.”

CIU was first envisioned by LANC founder and former Executive Director George Hausen, who recognized the need for a consistent and accessible way for people statewide to seek civil legal help. Working alongside longtime Legal Aid attorney Vilma Suarez, Hausen helped design and launch the unit, drawing inspiration from a centralized intake model in Chicago and adapting it to meet North Carolina’s needs.

From the beginning, CIU was designed not only to streamline access to legal services, but also to provide meaningful assistance as early as possible. By offering advice, brief services, and referrals over the phone, the unit allows LANC’s field offices to focus on more complex cases while ensuring that people still receive timely support.

“Centralized Intake fundamentally changed how we serve our clients,” said Allison Weller Tikare, Director of Intake and Client Services at Legal Aid of North Carolina. “It created a consistent, high‑quality entry point into our services and helped us better understand client needs across the state. That original vision continues to shape how we deliver legal aid today.”

At launch, CIU was staffed by a small team that included a managing attorney, supervising attorney, paralegal, office manager, and six part‑time hourly attorneys. That early structure laid the foundation for the statewide intake system serving North Carolinians today.

Today, CIU has grown into a team of 27 staff members with over 68 years of intake experience and more than 215 years of legal experience combined.

Over time, CIU also helped pave the way for several statewide initiatives that previously did not exist in a coordinated way, including pro bono programming, Continuing Legal Education opportunities, Lunch and Learn sessions, Listen and Learn sessions, and the integration of social work support services.

Earlier this year, CIU partnered with LANC’s Legal Innovation Lab to launch JusticeHub, a new online intake and client portal designed to make it easier for people across North Carolina to apply for civil legal help and access reliable legal information. JusticeHub serves as a single, centralized entry point for LANC’s services and improves upon the previous online intake process, which was often confusing for clients.

The platform is mobile‑friendly, available 24 hours a day, and designed with accessibility at its core, including support for users with low literacy, disabilities, limited English proficiency, and limited access to technology. North Carolinians can also apply by phone from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 866‑219‑5252.

Together, CIU and JusticeHub reflect LANC’s commitment to modernizing access to justice while keeping people at the center of every improvement. That commitment is critical in a state where approximately 1.5 million residents are financially eligible for Legal Aid services and available resources remain limited.

Legal Aid of North Carolina recently marked the milestone with a 20th anniversary celebration recognizing the staff who have helped build and sustain the Centralized Intake Unit over the past two decades.

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Category: Uncategorized

Raleigh, NC – A recent performance audit of the North Carolina State Bar’s Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program found that IOLTA funds were awarded to qualified nonprofit organizations serving North Carolina residents and supported civil legal services for low-income individuals, consistent with IOLTA’s statutory purpose.

“The audit found that IOLTA’s grant award process complied with applicable eligibility requirements, such as limiting awards to organizations serving North Carolina residents, meeting charitable organization criteria under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and aligning funded activities to IOLTA’s authorized purposes.”  (State Auditor Report, Executive Summary, p. 4).

IOLTA’s largest grantee, Legal Aid of North Carolina, responded today indicating that it appreciates the independent Auditor’s recognition that IOLTA funding has been properly directed to organizations providing critical civil legal aid across the state.

The audit report noted that some IOLTA grantees did not include specific outcome goals in their grant applications.  The report did not identify which grantees were referenced.

Legal Aid of North Carolina shared that it does include outcome goals and measurable results in its grant reporting and has consistently demonstrated that it is a responsible steward of IOLTA funds. Recent reporting reflects:

  • In 2025, more than 21,000 clients served and over 53,000 household members impacted
  • 5,900+ evictions prevented and 2,500+ domestic violence protective orders secured
  • Hundreds of homeowners protected from foreclosure and loss of housing
  • Thousands of North Carolinians reached through community legal education and outreach
  • Significant positive impact for North Carolinians living in rural areas and those recovering from Hurricane Helene.

These outcomes reflect Legal Aid’s decades of focus on delivering concrete, measurable results for low-income North Carolinians in every region of the state.

The State Auditor also recommended enhanced oversight practices for the IOLTA program.  Legal Aid of North Carolina stated that it supports oversight and grant monitoring and noted that it already operates under extensive oversight and accountability measures. The organization undergoes regular independent financial audits and recently received a clean opinion in its FY2025 audit.

In addition to independent audits, Legal Aid of North Carolina maintains strong internal controls to ensure IOLTA funds are used for their intended purposes. The organization tracks cases, clients, outcomes, and service delivery through centralized case management systems; allocates costs proportionally based on IOLTA’s share of overall funding; and provides program level supervision across its offices and initiatives.

“IOLTA funding is essential to ensuring access to justice for people who otherwise could not afford legal help,” said Ashley Campbell, CEO of Legal Aid of North Carolina. “Our recent independent audit confirms that Legal Aid of North Carolina manages resources responsibly, complies fully with all requirements, and delivers meaningful results for the people we serve.”

As a condition of receiving IOLTA funding, Legal Aid of North Carolina submits regular, detailed reports to the NC State Bar’s IOLTA program. These reports include quantitative case and client data, geographic service information, case type breakdowns, narrative explanations of services delivered, staffing updates, and documentation of how IOLTA funds are allocated and used.

IOLTA funding supports critical civil legal services for low‑income North Carolinians, including assistance with housing stability, domestic violence protection, and legal services for seniors and veterans, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

In recent years, shifts in funding availability, including a legislative freeze on IOLTA grantmaking and declines in other key funding sources such as domestic violence services, have significantly constrained civil legal aid resources statewide. As a result, Legal Aid of North Carolina was forced to close several offices, primarily in rural areas, and lay off nearly 50 employees. The organization estimates that approximately 8,000 fewer people will be served in 2026.

“We take our obligations to our clients, funders, and the public seriously,” said Ashley Campbell, CEO of Legal Aid of North Carolina. “Our independent audit confirms that Legal Aid of North Carolina operates with integrity, complies fully with legal and financial requirements, and delivers services consistent with our mission.”

Legal Aid of North Carolina remains committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of all funding received in support of its mission. As a federally funded legal services provider, the organization is prohibited from engaging in any partisan or political activity and remains focused solely on delivering direct civil legal services to low-income North Carolinians.

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Category: Uncategorized

Kerri Sigler, an attorney with Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Winston-Salem office, doesn’t practice law from behind a desk or inside a single courthouse. Her work stretches across county lines, along back roads and into small rural courtrooms where access to legal help is often limited or sometimes doesn’t exist at all.

As a traveling attorney in the domestic violence unit, she serves Yadkin, Surry, and Stokes counties, places where many survivors would otherwise have no attorney. In a state where people are not guaranteed a lawyer in civil cases, her presence is critical.

Each morning starts the same way: in mom mode, doing the school drop-off, before quickly shifting into attorney mode. From there, she is on the road, sometimes driving an hour or more to whichever courthouse needs her that day.

“As a lawyer handling three counties, being a traveling attorney means I am never in the city where my office is located,” she says. “And I am always in at least one, if not several, other counties on a daily basis.”

Her days move quickly. She goes from case to case, standing beside clients during some of the most difficult and dangerous moments of their lives. By midday, she is shifting gears, documenting cases, reaching out to new clients, working with interns, and preparing for what comes next before getting back on the road to do it all again.

This is what it looks like to serve rural communities at Legal Aid of North Carolina. It means meeting people where they are, not where it is convenient. It means making sure geography does not decide who gets help and who does not.

Survivors in these communities are often deeply isolated and cut off from financial resources. These factors make it notably difficult for them to seek help on their own. Many cannot afford an attorney, and without Legal Aid, they would be left to navigate the legal system alone or remain in dangerous situations.

“These victims are often isolated from friends and family and forbidden from working,” Kerri explains. “So they’re trapped. I love being able to step in and fight for them just because it’s the right thing to do, no money required.”

The impact of that work shows up in quiet, unexpected ways. One day in Surry County, a man approached her in a courthouse parking lot just to say thank you. He had seen her in court before and recognized what she was doing for survivors.

“It touched my heart that it meant something to this man for me to be up there representing DV victims,” she says.

But the weight of her work is most felt in the stories that unfold inside the courtroom.

She remembers representing a woman who had endured decades of abuse, including repeated sexual violence within her marriage. When the woman arrived in court, she was overwhelmed and terrified at the thought of testifying. The opposing party initially demanded a trial, which would have forced her to relive years of trauma.

“I really wanted to rip this guy’s head off,” Kerri says. “But that was not going to help my client.”

So instead, she stepped outside with the defendant and approached the conversation calmly. Within minutes, the case was resolved.

No trial. No testimony. No additional trauma. Her client was able to walk away that day and begin again.

“That was a good win and a good day,” she says.

After 17 years as an attorney, Kerri describes this as the most challenging work she has ever done.

“This work is exhausting,” she says. “The three years of exclusive DV work have been by far the most mentally and emotionally challenging.”

And still, it is the most meaningful.

“This is by far the most fulfilling work I have done as a lawyer.”

Her work reflects something bigger about Legal Aid of North Carolina. As a nonprofit serving all 100 counties, Legal Aid exists to make sure people are not left without help simply because they cannot afford it or because of where they live. Nearly half of North Carolina’s counties are considered legal deserts, places where there simply are not enough attorneys to meet the need.

“I am going to fight for you no matter what,” she says.

For Kerri, it really comes down to showing up and using her strength for someone who needs it. Mile after mile, case after case, she carries that commitment with her, making sure access to justice is not determined by location, income, or circumstance.

In the end, her work is not defined by the distance she drives, but by what that distance makes possible.

Category: Uncategorized

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

  • Over the last few weeks, we have been serving clients across the state with the help of our incredible team and community partners:
    • Legal Aid NC’s Disaster Relief Project
    • Legal Aid NC’s Central Carolina office
    • SAS
    • Wake Forest University School of Law
    • NCCU School of Law
    • Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton
    • Senior Services, Inc.
    • High Point University School of Law
    • Smith Anderson
    • Harvard Law
    • First United Methodist Church of Waynesville
    • Billy Graham Training Center, Samaritan’s Purse
  • Featured Pro Bono Opportunities
    • We are looking to consult with an attorney with experience in nonprofits to understand how we can go about wrapping up a nonprofit organization in the wake of the founder’s passing.
    • We are seeking volunteers to assist clients with disabilities with preparing reasonable accommodation/modification request letters to submit to housing providers.
    • Help our senior client complete court forms for return of surplus funds after foreclosure.
    • Wills and advance directive volunteers are needed (drafting + execution) in the following counties: Cabarrus, Randolph, Rockingham, Wilson.
    • We’re looking for attorney volunteers to represent DV survivors: Winston-Salem, Raleigh, and statewide.
  • Spring Giving Day is back – April 30th
    • Legal Aid of NC’s Annual Giving Day will be Thursday, April 30th. To celebrate, donations are doubled all month long by the North Carolina Bar Association. That means when you give in April, your support will be matched to provide even more neighbors with equal access to justice. Click here to help us reach our full matching challenge goal.
  • Thanks to our Charlotte Triage Volunteers!
    • Last month, we held our quarterly child custody complaint drafting clinic, where volunteers assisted our clients, survivors of domestic violence, with preparing pro se custody complaints. We’re grateful to our Charlotte Triage domestic violence champions, Brian Soja and LPL Financial and Leah Baucom and K&L Gates for hosting.
    • We were also lucky to have a group of returning volunteers for our March 24th and 26th eviction courthouse clinics. Attorneys provided on the spot advice and representation to several tenants facing eviction. Without the assistance of our pro bono volunteers and LANC housing attorneys, these tenants would have had to navigate an intimidating legal system alone. Thank you to our March Triage Champions – Julie Leopold & Dechert LLP and Mark Taylor & Wells Fargo!
  • Upcoming Events
    • April 21 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • April 23 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • May 7 – Charlotte Triage Housing Lawyer on the Line
    • May 20 – Raleigh Pro Bono Collaborative Expunction Session
  • Volunteer Spotlight
    • In 2025 alone, the attorneys at Garfinkel Immigration Law assisted 15 of our clients in filing U visa–based adjustment applications and employment authorization renewals, directly contributing to these individuals’ ability to rebuild their lives. Additionally, following funding cuts and staff reductions, Garfinkel offered to take on 18 clients to assist with employment authorization renewals to ensure continuity of representation.
    • Ben Edwards, Vice President & Senior Counsel at Lincoln Financial Group, has been a steadfast volunteer with Legal Aid of North Carolina for over a decade. He has assisted roughly 35 clients during his tenure as a LANC volunteer in a range of practice areas, but most recently, in drafting and preparing wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives. In addition to assisting with will preparation and drafting, Ben recently advised our client in Cumberland County on beneficiary designations on her life insurance policy to ensure her wishes were reflected in her estate documents.
  • 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.
  • Register for an upcoming Expunction Law CLE
    • Join us on May 13th for our virtual “ENorth Carolina Child Custody 101” CLE.
  • Lead a Virtual Legal Education Presentation
    • Topics: Child custody, simple divorce, and housing
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Past Issues

2026

2025

Category: Uncategorized

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

  • Over the last few weeks, our team has been serving clients across the state with the help of our incredible community partners:
    • Cisco
    • Wake Forest University School of Law
    • UNC School of Law
    • Habitat for Humanity of Orange County
    • NCCU School of Law
    • Wake County Bar Association
    • Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
    • Elon University School of Law
    • Harvard Law
    • Billy Graham Training Center, Samaritan’s Purse
    • First United Methodist Church of Waynesville
  • NC Lawyers on Call
    • As part of the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s 19th Annual NC Lawyers on Call event, thousands of North Carolinians received free assistance with their legal questions on topics as varied as family law, housing, employment, and estate planning.
  • Featured Pro Bono Opportunities
    • Wills and advance directive volunteers are needed (drafting + execution) in the following counties: Cabarrus, Randolph, Rockingham, Wilson.
    • We’re looking for attorney volunteers to represent DV survivors: Winston-Salem, Raleigh, and statewide.
  • UNC School of Law Students and Alumni Receive Dogwood Awards
    • North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson recognized UNC School of Law students and alumni with Dogwood Awards for participating in last year’s spring break trip with Legal Aid of North Carolina’s Pro Bono Programs and Disaster Relief teams.
  • Thanks to our Charlotte Triage Volunteers!
    • On March 5th, over 15 volunteer attorneys and law students joined our Lawyer on the Line event at the Charlotte offices of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft to provide advice to tenants experiencing serious habitability issues.
    • Wells Fargo’s Pro Bono Program and Ellen Patterson, Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel, received the Laurie D. Zelon Pro Bono Award as part of the Pro Bono Institute’s 2026 Annual Conference. Congratulations to the Wells Fargo team!
  • Upcoming Events
    • March 19 – Raleigh Pro Bono Collaborative Expunction Session
    • March 24 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • March 26 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • March 31 – Charlotte Triage Child Custody Complaint Drafting
    • April 16 – Charlotte Triage Housing Lawyer on the Line
    • April 21 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • April 23 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
  • Mark Your Calendar!
    • Legal Aid of NC’s Annual Giving Day will be Thursday, April 30th.
  • Volunteer Spotlight
    • Susan Yanagi, a Legal Aid of NC volunteer attorney, secured a domestic violence protective order for her client, as well as sole custody of her child.  
    • Mueni Muli Raburu, a managing attorney at Wanjohl & Muli Law Firm, assisted in providing critical translation services for one of our clients.
  • 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.
  • Register for an upcoming Expunction Law CLE
    • Join us on March 25th for our virtual “Expunction 101: NC Expunction Law and Courtroom Best Practices” CLE, from 12 – 1:45 PM. 
  • Lead a Virtual Legal Education Presentation
    • Topics: Child custody, simple divorce, and housing
  • Pro Bono Go
    • Help serve clients through our Volunteer Wills Program
    • Have a few hours to volunteer? Join us as a Resource Counsel!
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Past Issues

2026

2025

Category: Uncategorized

RALEIGH · April 13, 2025 – NC Governor Josh Stein has declared April 12-18, 2026, as Enrollment Assister Appreciation Week, honoring the invaluable work of Navigators and Certified Application Counselors who help North Carolinians access quality, affordable health coverage through Medicaid and HealthCare.gov, and other public benefit programs.

Governor Stein’s official proclamation highlights the critical role Enrollment Assisters play in connecting North Carolina residents to care, particularly in the wake of recent Medicaid and HealthCare.gov policy changes, and Medicaid Expansion. Since North Carolina expanded Medicaid on December 1, 2023, more than 720,000 people have enrolled, far exceeding projections, and Enrollment Assisters have been on the front lines of this historic effort.

“Enrollment Assisters play a critical role in ensuring North Carolinians stay healthy,” said NC Governor Josh Stein. “Because of [Enrollment Assister’s] dedication and compassion, people are better equipped to access care. [They] help folks across our state manage their health proactively, before small concerns become serious medical issues.”

Enrollment Assisters conduct vital outreach and education, providing free, unbiased support to individuals and families navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid, and other public benefits like SNAP, WIC, and energy assistance programs. Their work has helped North Carolina consistently rank third in the nation among states using the Federally-Facilitated HealthCare.gov Marketplace.

Governor Stein’s proclamation commends these frontline champions, noting that their work directly contributes to the health and well-being of more than 3 million North Carolinians who now benefit from Medicaid, including children, older adults, people with disabilities, and working families.

The NC Navigator Consortium encourages all North Carolinians to recognize and thank the Enrollment Assisters in their communities during this week of appreciation.

Learn more about how to connect with an Enrollment Assister: NCNavigator.org.


ABOUT
Started in 2014, the NC Navigator Consortium is the only federally funded Navigator entity
in the state that serves all 100 counties across North Carolina. Learn more at ncnavigator.org, and
follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Members of the Consortium are Access East,
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Kintegra Health, NC Field and Pisgah Legal Services. The
Consortium is led by Legal Aid of North Carolina.

Category: Uncategorized

In the wake of the legislature’s freeze on IOLTA funding and its significant impact on rural legal services across North Carolina, Wayne County leaders have stepped forward to ensure local residents continue to have access to justice. Widely recognized as a legal desert, Wayne County faces significant barriers to affordable civil legal help. Through the leadership, generosity, and partnership of Wayne County, Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) will be able to maintain a physical presence in Goldsboro.

The new office, located at 218 Walnut Street, opened Feb. 1 and is next to the Wayne County Courthouse, a location that underscores the community’s commitment to keeping legal help accessible and visible for residents who need it most.

The space, owned by Wayne County, is available to LANC for a nominal rent of $1 for one year. This arrangement ensures that LANC can continue serving clients in Wayne County despite statewide funding disruptions, while maintaining broader regional service through its Wilson office, which also serves Wilson, Nash, Edgecombe, Wayne, Greene, Lenoir, Halifax, Northampton, and Hertford counties.

The reopening follows the closure of the previous Goldsboro office, one of nine LANC offices directly affected by the IOLTA funding freeze resulting from Senate Bill 429. IOLTA, or Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts, historically provides roughly 15 percent of LANC’s funding. The legislative freeze halted IOLTA grant distributions through June 30, 2026, creating a multimillion-dollar shortfall that forced layoffs of approximately 45 staff positions and the closure of nine offices statewide, particularly in rural communities. LANC estimates the freeze will result in about 8,000 fewer people receiving services statewide annually.

In Goldsboro, however, local leaders made clear that access to legal services is deeply valued. Rather than allow the community to lose its physical office presence, county officials worked collaboratively with LANC to bridge the gap and preserve local service.

Key partners who made this possible include Julie Whitfield, Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court; the Wayne County Commissioners; and the Wayne County Attorney’s office. Ann Sims, longtime Goldsboro paralegal, played a critical role in building and maintaining relationships with county officials, helping make this new space a reality.

“Wayne County’s support demonstrates the power of community partnership to ensure access to justice even in the face of significant funding challenges,” said Ayanda Meachem, managing attorney for the Goldsboro office. “We are deeply grateful to Clerk of Court Julie Whitfield, the Wayne County Commissioners, and county staff who made this possible. Having a local office means we can meet clients where they live and help them with urgent legal needs that affect their safety, families, and livelihoods.”

Julie Whitfield, Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court, added, “As Clerk of Superior Court, I see firsthand the difference Legal Aid makes in our community. Ms. Ann has faithfully served with Legal Aid for several years and is often the first face people see when they walk through the door. Her servant’s heart makes her perfectly suited for this role, and we are grateful that Legal Aid is available to help answer legal questions our community members may have.”

LANC provides free civil legal services to people who cannot afford an attorney, including survivors of domestic violence, veterans seeking benefits, and residents recovering from disasters. Last year, LANC handled nearly 20,000 cases, assisting more than 47,000 household members, including over 21,000 children.

The reopening of the Goldsboro office reflects the strength of local partnership and ensures that Wayne County residents continue to have reliable, accessible, community-based legal support.

Category: Uncategorized

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

  • Help open doors to employment and housing opportunities for our clients – with just three hours of your time!
    • Join us for our next expunction working session, sponsored by the Wake County Bar Association, on Thursday, February 19th, 2 – 5 PM, at Legal Aid of North Carolina’s offices at 1425 Promise Beacon Circle, Suite 201, Raleigh.
  • Featured Pro Bono Opportunities:
    • Help seniors with their estate planning needs.
    • Help survivors of domestic violence prepare for court.
  • NC DOJ Honors UNC School of Law and Legal Aid of NC Spring Break Pro Bono Project
    • On February 13, the North Carolina Department of Justice will celebrate the students and attorneys who developed and participated in UNC School of Law’s pro bono project over spring break in March of last year.
  • NCBA Corporate Counsel Section, NCCU School of Law, and NCBA Young Lawyers Division Pro Bono Leadership Cohort Partner for Expunction Work Session
  • Welcome, Ida!
    • We’re excited to share we have a new member of our Pro Bono team: Ida Baker, our new Eastern North Carolina 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!
    • Our Lawyer on the Line volunteers gathered at Wells Fargo last week to provide pro bono legal advice to clients facing serious housing conditions challenges.
  • Upcoming Events
    • February 19 – Raleigh Expunction Session at 1425 Promise Beacon Circle, Suite 201
    • February 24 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • February 26 – Access to Justice Breakfast 2026
    • February 27 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • March 5 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • March 11 – Charlotte Triage Domestic Violence Child Custody Complaint Drafting Event
    • March 24 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
    • March 26 – Charlotte Triage Eviction Courthouse Clinic
  • Volunteer Spotlight
    • Hannah E. Miller, an attorney and advocate serving Newton, Hickory, and Catawba counties, assists clients in divorce proceedings and with child custody, spousal support, and property division matters.
    • Over the past year, Legal Aid of NC has partnered with Stout, an international advisory firm, to review and refine data within our housing practice. Thanks to Samantha DiDomenico and Neil Steinkamp for their dedication to this project!
  • 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.
  • Lead a Virtual Legal Education Presentation
    • Topics: Child custody, simple divorce, and housing
  • Pro Bono Go
    • Help serve clients through our Volunteer Wills Program
    • Help Single Mother Get Deposit Returned
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