Attorneys across several practice areas of the nonprofit and NC IOLTA grantee share snapshots of their days serving the civil legal needs of low-income North Carolinians.
A Day in the Life of a Legal Aid Attorney
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Being a Legal Aid of North Carolina attorney is a commitment to serve the most underserved and vulnerable individuals within our respective service areas. It is not for the faint of heart but is highly rewarding. There is also no typical day. Every day is different, depending on the position, office location and practice area. Often, it is hard to predict what your day or week will look like, given the nature of our caseload. While it is nice to be organized and have a tidy roadmap for your day or week, sometimes you need a few curveballs to keep you growing.
As it is difficult to outline a “typical” day, we decided to spotlight different advocates who chose to share their day. This is by no means exhaustive of the many roles we have at Legal Aid NC, but it provides a snapshot of a “day in the life” of our attorneys. Enjoy!
Domestic Violence Supervising Attorney Kelly Carroll
Since my day varies significantly from day to day, I chose three primary areas that comprise most of my days.
Clients
While all my prospective clients have trauma in common, they all handle it differently. When I call a prospective client, I never know what emotion I will have to triage. It could be hysterical, angry, depressed, hopeful or relieved. No matter how many training courses I have attended on trauma-informed interviewing techniques, it is difficult to channel them when a client is angry that I cannot represent them, hangs up on me or is sharing the most heartbreaking story I have heard.
Litigation
Most domestic violence cases have a very quick turnaround time. From when a prospective client files their complaint to their one-year hearing, there are about 10 days. By the time I receive a client’s referral, there are only two to three days until the one-year hearing. Going to court with a case you have only been familiar with for less than 48 hours (about two days) typically raises anxiety levels. Often, I also don’t know if the defendant will be present in court, if there will be opposing counsel, if I will be presenting my case to a trauma-informed judge or if the defendant will agree to the terms of the protective order and sign a consent order.
Management
In addition to handling my caseload, I also manage four staff attorneys and two paralegals. Most of this work is administrative, which includes closing their cases, making schedules, doing evaluations and conducting case reviews. My favorite part of my management role is seeing my team challenge themselves, advocate for themselves and their clients in court, and engage with the community. It is incredible to witness them handle their first custody or expunction case, see a client bestow their attorney with a hug and bouquet of flowers or have a judge comment on the attorney’s professionalism.
As a domestic violence attorney with Legal Aid, I am grateful for my sporadic apprehension and frequent pivots. It keeps me engaged daily and evolving throughout my career.
Domestic Violence Staff Attorney Susan Yanagi
I decided to outline my day today as I’m going through it. While days certainly change depending on the week and/or caseload, today is a typical day for me:
6 a.m.: My alarm goes off, and the smell of coffee makes its way upstairs. The machine is prepped and ready the night before to ensure I can walk out the door with the energy I need to handle the day. I get up and check my calendar again — I am due in court to meet with my client at 8 a.m. before her 9 a.m. hearing. On occasion, we are assigned cases the day before a hearing and only get to speak with the client once. To gauge their confidence and fully prepare the client before their case is heard, I always try to meet with them at least an hour before to prepare them for every possibility and outcome.
8 a.m.: My client is waiting for my arrival. Usually, they are on high alert, their head on a swivel, looking for the defendant. I walk up, introduce myself, shake their hand, and we get to work. I go over my retainer agreement with them and walk through the draft of the consent agreement I drew up the night before. I explain that I will approach the defendant, should they appear, and try to negotiate a settlement so the matter does not have to go to trial. However, should the defendant want to be heard, we then go over the direct examination and possible cross-examination questions my client may be asked by opposing counsel or the defendant themselves should they appear pro se. We talk about the evidence that will be presented — usually photos of their injuries, text messages containing threats or even medical records if the abuse was so severe that medical attention was required. I explain to the client that this is an emotional experience and that tears are expected and allowed. I encourage them to take their time testifying and to allow themselves to feel as they tell the court the horrible things the defendant has put them through.
9 a.m.: The docket is called. The defendant in my matter is present, so I take a moment to speak with them about a possible consent agreement. This particular defendant wants the court to hear their side of the story, so I inform the court that we are moving forward with a hearing.
10 a.m.: Our case is called. My client begins, and we move through our direct examination flawlessly. They tell the court the abuse they have suffered at the hands of the defendant — strangulation, physical assault, sexual assault, threats to end their life, stalking and/or harassment, etc. We enter exhibits of photos of bruising, blood, text messages and the like to corroborate my client’s story. When finished, it is the defendant’s turn. They have no questions but want to tell the court their version of events. Upon their conclusion, I then jump into cross-examination, poking holes in their narrative and corroborating facts mentioned in my client’s story that line up with the defendant’s. We then give closing arguments and the judge makes their ruling. In this case, the judge grants the order and puts a protection order in place for one year.
11 a.m.: We get the order from the clerk, and I review it with my client outside of the courtroom. They thank me, and we go our separate ways.
11:30 a.m.: Upon my return to the office, I check my email and see that I have been assigned a new matter. I review the complaint and the evidence provided and perform a criminal record-check on both parties. I then look to see if the defendant in this matter has been served.
By the end of their narrative, we have established a sense of trust with one another.
Noon: I call the new client and ask to perform a client interview, during which we go over their complaint — the what, when, where, who, why. This is usually the third or fourth time the client has had to tell their story, so I expect them to be frustrated in having to tell it again. By the end of their narrative, we have established a sense of trust with one another. I walk through what will happen at their hearing, explaining the 50B statute, addressing custody concerns if the client has children, going over their evidence with them and addressing the different outcomes that could happen in court. We end the call, and I inform the client I will let them know if I can provide representation by the end of the day.
1 p.m.: I review my notes from the client interview, the evidence provided by the client, any police reports I was able to obtain prior to our call, the court filings and previous filings. I make the determination that I will provide representation at their hearing, so I call them back to schedule a hearing-preparation call, where we will walk through the direct, possible cross-examination questions leveled by the defendant or opposing counsel, and court expectations.
2 p.m.: I begin prepping for the client’s case.
2:30 p.m.: I complete all the necessary casework, including drafting a response to the defendant’s motions and reviewing the applicable case law. I make sure all documents are properly formatted according to court rules and that all exhibits are organized for the hearing.
3:30 p.m.: I attend a team meeting to discuss upcoming cases, share strategies and support my colleagues. This is an important part of my day, as it allows us to brainstorm solutions to common challenges, discuss difficult cases and make sure we are all on the same page.
4:30 p.m.: I finish up some administrative tasks — responding to emails, returning phone calls and reviewing my calendar for the next few days. I also check in on my ongoing cases to ensure that deadlines are met and clients are being properly supported.
5 p.m.: The office starts to wind down, but I often take some time to reflect on the day’s work. I review any important notes I’ve made, prepare for the next day’s hearings or meetings, and try to wrap up any loose ends.
6 p.m.: As I leave the office, I feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I’ve helped clients navigate a complex and challenging system. I reflect on the emotional weight of my work but also the positive impact I’ve had in helping clients move forward with their lives. The job can be draining, but it’s worth it when I see the change I can make in someone’s life.
Housing Staff Attorney Antonette Edwards
7 a.m.: I start my day early, as I know the caseload for housing issues is often overwhelming. I review my calendar, check for any urgent cases, and make sure I have all the documents I need for today’s hearings and client meetings.
8:30 a.m.: I arrive at the office and dive right into reviewing new referrals. I start by examining their housing issues: evictions, landlord disputes and habitability concerns. I prioritize based on urgency — evictions usually need to be addressed first, while other issues can sometimes wait a day or two.
10 a.m.: I meet with a client to discuss their eviction case. We go over the complaint filed by the landlord and prepare a defense strategy. I explain the eviction process to the client, make sure they understand their rights and review any evidence that might help their case.
11 a.m.: I head to court for an eviction hearing. As I wait for the case to be called, I review my notes one last time, anticipating the landlord’s arguments and preparing my counterpoints. When my case is called, I represent my client, highlighting their defenses and advocating for a fair settlement or delay in the eviction.
12:30 p.m.: The hearing concludes, and I quickly debrief with my client to discuss the outcome. We go over next steps and any further action needed. While sometimes we win cases outright, other times we negotiate agreements that allow clients more time to stay in their homes or find alternative housing.
1 p.m.: I grab lunch at my desk, reviewing any incoming emails or calls from clients, opposing counsel or other stakeholders. I use this time to make sure I’m staying on top of any follow-ups needed for ongoing cases.
2 p.m.: I head back to the office to review documents for an upcoming trial. I prepare witness statements, gather additional evidence and make sure everything is ready for the next court date.
4 p.m.: Another meeting with a client, this time for a lease dispute. We go over the issues with their landlord, explain their rights and assess whether litigation or negotiation is the best path forward. I also advise the client on how to maintain housing while we resolve the dispute.
5:30 p.m.: The workday is winding down, but I finish up any remaining tasks, such as reviewing pleadings, preparing for tomorrow’s cases and responding to client inquiries.
6 p.m.: I head home for the evening, thankful for the opportunity to help clients secure stable housing. It’s a long day, but I know that each case I take on brings my clients closer to stability, which is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Housing Supervising Attorney Tommy Holderness
I supervise housing staff attorneys and maintain my own caseload. I’m also primarily responsible for supervising our housing courthouse clinics. Below is a snapshot of my day today. This can vary but is largely indicative of what a typical day looks like for me.
7:45 a.m.: I check the dockets online to see if any known “bad” landlords are in court today. I also look for pro se landlords who are more likely to fail to prove their case.
8:30 a.m.: I head to the courthouse, introduce myself to people in one or more courtrooms and ask if they have any questions. I provide information to a few people and open cases for three others. Opening a case involves screening them for eligibility, running a conflicts check and interviewing them. One of the cases gets continued and I try the other two that morning — winning both.
11 a.m.: I head home, get the intake sheets and retainers uploaded to Legal Server and enter the hearing summary into Legal Server.
11:30 a.m.: I answer emails and review staff attorneys’ pleadings.
Noon: I grab a quick lunch.
12:15 p.m.: I draft an answer and counterclaims in the case that was continued and get it filed and served. I prepare for trial.
2:30 p.m.: I review the clerk’s website for orders in cases that have been decided before today. Two orders have been entered. I send those orders to the clients and close their cases.
3:15 p.m.: I answer more emails and review a settlement agreement.
3:45 p.m.: I work on a brief for a case in the NC Court of Appeals. We won a $34,000 judgment below, and the landlord has appealed.
4:15 p.m.: I approve case closings for other attorneys.
4:45 p.m.: I plan my weekly training session.
5:00 p.m.: I call and interview a client whose case was assigned to me today. I review the complaint online and ask her to send me all relevant documents. The client lost in small claims court, so I draft appeal paperwork for her and email it to her.
Rural Area Managing Attorney Melanie Tarrant Bull
6 a.m.: I sleepily glance at my clock and do the mental calculations … how much time do I really need to shower, fix lunches, do my daughter’s hair and make it out the door by 7:30 a.m. to drop my son off at school? I decide I can sleep for 30 more minutes, but unfortunately the schedule for the day ahead starts running around my brain and I can’t go back to sleep. Oh well, I probably need the extra time to find a suit jacket that semi-matches the only clean pair of black pants I have left.
9 a.m.: I’ve run through the urgent emails and am heading out the door, hoping I can finish my first cup of coffee during the five-minute drive to our local courthouse. I’m off to attend calendar call with our newest housing attorney on her first district court case. She’s representing a tenant who has been living with brown and smelly water for four years, despite numerous complaints to the landlord. Eventually, our new staff attorney will go on to win her first trial and get a judgment for the client, but today we are asking for a continuance. The landlord still has discovery to answer.
Noon: Back in the office after calendar call and getting ready to have our weekly lunchtime staff meeting. We laugh over humorous exchanges with opposing counsel, rant a bit about cases that did not go our way and generally reconnect while sharing important news. While there are many challenges with small offices, there is a comradery in a small office that makes my 45-minute commute totally worth it.
3 p.m.: Time to meet with a new client. As a managing attorney in a small office, I have my own case load. Today it’s a relatively easy, but important, matter — helping a client fill out her motion to claim exempt property so that she does not lose any essential property to a judgment collection. As I talk to my client, I hear a story that is as familiar as it is frustrating. My client had co-signed for a car for a family member, not realizing that they would be on the hook for the full amount when the family member stopped paying. In this case, the client co-signed for her husband’s truck, for which he did not make a single payment. But to dig the knife even further, the husband then left the client … and took the truck with him. The loan company could not even find the vehicle to repossess it and recoup some of the debt, so the client was sued on the entire loan. Fortunately, the client was able to protect the equity in her home, as well as all of her personal property, and left the appointment feeling much better about the effect that this judgment would have on her life. Note that neither she nor I felt much better about the effect her good-for-nothing husband had on her life.
6 p.m.: I am just arriving home from the office and hanging up the phone, having talked to our paralegal about a new emergency housing case that has walked in at the end of the day. A family has just been served with a writ of possession, which states that the sheriff will be out to lock out the property within three days. We firm up plans for the information we need to get from the client and which staff attorney will attempt to reason with the landlord the following day. But for now, it’s time to switch to mom mode, grab my son and head off to karate practice.
Metropolitan-Area Managing Attorney Larissa Mañón Mervin
My office calls me the “meeting queen” for good reason. While every day looks entirely different for me, it is usually filled with — you guessed it — meetings! They are usually about a variety of issues, such as office management, organizational policy and procedure, community engagement, pro bono partnerships, grants and funding, staff relations, case related questions and review, bar association work and training. I thoroughly enjoy each of these areas and how my skillset has transformed into what it is now from when I traditionally only practiced in direct client representation. I decided to touch on three of my most enjoyable roles below.
We keep people housed, help them achieve safety and economic stability, and serve as a voice for some of the most marginalized members of our community.
Community Engagement
Let’s start with community engagement. This is my absolute favorite part of the job. I get to repeatedly share our mission at various community events and meetings — and it never gets old. It looks different in every setting. I may be chatting with a potential donor or existing grant funder, but I could also be speaking with a prospective client and community member who needs our services. In either setting, I get to share the incredible work our staff engages in. We keep people housed, help them achieve safety and economic stability, and serve as a voice for some of the most marginalized members of our community.
It’s rewarding to be able to use our education and skills to make such impactful change, and the fact that I’m tasked with the responsibility of sharing that across our area is unique and incredible. Despite our longstanding presence in the state, there is still so much about our firm that people don’t know. So, being sure to capitalize on every opportunity to share who we are helps bridge that knowledge gap, which will hopefully help to ultimately bridge the access-to-justice gap.
Staff Relations
Like community engagement, this part of the job brings me great joy. It is a uniquely gratifying experience to train and mentor staff, work to keep staff morale high and meet staff members where they need it most. This inevitably looks different for each staff member depending on their professional development goals, desires, dreams, current needs, caseloads and practice areas. I can never use a “one size fits all” approach, and given the size of my office, it keeps me on my toes. But I love the challenge. Someone may want experience in a different area of the law, and I can try to find opportunities for them to take on work in that area. Or maybe they want to work on a unique type of case, such as an appeal or federal case. I then get to advocate for them to be placed on those teams as they become available. Someone else may want to feel more confident in their public speaking engagements or in trial. I get to work with them to find mentors and training to help them develop those skills. You get the idea. It all varies from person to person, and I get to be a part of their journey.
Organizational Influence
Finally, I’ll end with this. I have already shared how uniquely rewarding our work is. To be in a firm that does this type of work is a gift. To be in a leadership position at a firm that does this type of work may be even more rewarding. I get to help craft what our policies and procedures look like. I regularly brainstorm ideas with other leaders and hear their perspectives from their lived experiences. Together, we all get to help create what our future direction looks like as a firm — and that is pretty cool!
Final Thoughts
Being a staff attorney at Legal Aid requires dedication and emotional resilience, as we frequently navigate complicated legal issues and advocate for clients who are facing difficult situations. Whether working with survivors of domestic violence, tenants at risk of eviction or other vulnerable populations, each day is an opportunity to make a real difference in someone’s life. The work is challenging, but it is also deeply rewarding, and the impact we have on our clients can last a lifetime.
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2025 issue of the North Carolina State Bar Journal and has been lightly edited for style.