At North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law, students are expanding access to justice, not only from a courtroom, but from their laptops as well.
Through the NC Free Legal Answers Clinic, a remote, tech-enabled pro bono, NCCU law students are helping North Carolinians navigate civil legal issues. Through the online platform, income- eligible residents can submit questions related to matters such as housing, family law, employment and consumer concerns.
Under the supervision of licensed attorneys, student volunteers research client questions and draft responses that help individuals better understand their legal options. The work is practical, meaningful, and directly supports the School of Law’s mission of service and advocacy.
For the student volunteers, the experience is a reminder of why they chose to study law.
Student Reflections
“I enjoyed working with the Free Legal Answers Clinic. I love research, and even though each request typically focuses on one issue, it still feels like impactful work,” said law student Euraja Anderson. “It was rewarding to receive positive feedback about my response — my legal analysis was on point. With law school and parenting being such a tedious balance, the Clinic didn’t feel like work or a responsibility. It was enjoyable and rewarding.”
Similarly, law student Elikem Dodor believes the true value of volunteering with the clinic lies in being able to translate complex ideas into clear, practical guidance that people can use.
“Legal knowledge is only useful when it can be clearly conveyed to the people you aim to serve,” she said. “It strengthened my confidence and better prepared me to continue serving the community through pro bono after licensure.”
Real Impact
Lakethia Jefferies ’09, director of the NCCU School of Law Pro Bono Clinic, notes that the platform removes barriers for students and clients
“This platform allows our students to strengthen their skills while providing legal support to individuals who may otherwise have nowhere to turn,” she said. “Their contributions have a real, tangible impact on people’s lives and help advance access to justice across our state.”
To learn more about the platform, visit: NC.FreeLegalAnswers.org