Closing Date: 25th September, 2026
Description:
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 of North Carolina seeks a full-time Staff Attorney to join the Wilmington office and provide high-quality legal services to LANC clients. The ideal candidates will have an interest in civil litigation across a variety of legal areas and a commitment to providing effective legal representation. These positions require individuals who are dedicated to serving LANC's clients and must hold a current license to practice law in North Carolina.
Why this role matters: The work performed by the individual in this role will support Legal Aid attorneys and staff who devise strategies and pursue legal remedies to help clients obtain successful outcomes.
What you will do:
- Provide direct civil legal services to eligible clients, with a primary focus on housing and domestic violence cases. Responsibilities may also include representation in other substantive law areas, such as public benefits, family law, consumer law, education, employment, health, disaster relief, or other LANC practice areas, as assigned.
- Conduct client intake, interviews, legal research, case analysis, and strategy development.
- Provide legal advice, brief services, negotiation, administrative advocacy, and litigation as appropriate to the assigned practice area(s).
- Prepare and review pleadings, motions, correspondence, and other legal documents.
- Represent clients in hearings, mediations, negotiations, and court proceedings, as applicable to the practice area.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and timely case records in LANC's case management systems.
- Perform specific duties and advocacy activities related to assigned practice areas in accordance with LANC program priorities, funder requirements, and office or project expectations.
- Stay current on substantive and procedural law relevant to assigned practice areas.
- Participate in practice group meetings, trainings, and strategy sessions related to assigned areas of law.
- Work collaboratively with other attorneys, advocates, paralegals, and support staff to ensure effective service delivery.
- Participate in case reviews, peer consultation, and mentoring as appropriate to experience level.
- Serve as co-counsel on cases when assigned or when beneficial to clients.
- Participate in outreach, community education, and clinic activities relevant to assigned practice areas.
- Build and maintain professional relationships with courts, community partners, and service providers related to practice area responsibilities.
- Participate in training, continuing legal education, and professional development activities to maintain and enhance legal skills.
- Comply with all LANC policies, procedures, ethical standards, and performance expectations.
- Perform other duties as assigned consistent with the responsibilities of a Staff Attorney.
- J.D. degree and admission to practice law in the State of North Carolina.
- No pending North Carolina State Bar disciplinary proceedings.
- Strong litigation, negotiation, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage a caseload independently while working collaboratively in a team environment.
- Flexibility, resilience, and ability to respond to the evolving needs of communities affected by disasters.
- A passion for serving low-income clients.
- A commitment to the mission and values of Legal Aid of North Carolina.
- Strong writing skills.
- Prior legal services experience is a plus.
- Self-motivated with the proven ability to set goals and meet self-imposed and external deadlines.
What we offer:
- Compensation: Based on relevant work experience and established salary scale
- 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
- Loan Repayment Assistance: Support for eligible attorneys repaying qualifying student loans