News Article

Traditionally, pro bono work has been the exclusive domain of attorneys. But increasingly, paralegals are stepping in to provide valuable pro bono service to their communities.

Such is the case at Womble Carlyle, where a group of paralegals with the firm's Case Management Facility is working to aid local victims of domestic violence.

Located on the Seventh Floor of the Forsyth County Hall of Justice, the Safe on Seven Center brings all together the key resources needed by domestic violence victims, including court system officials, law enforcement, victim advocates, legal advocates and social services representatives, in one location. Previously, domestic violence victims had to seek help at multiple locations, creating unnecessary stress during an already difficult time in their lives.

The pro bono partnership between Womble Carlyle and Safe on Seven began last November when attorney Chris Douglas with the Case Management Facility contacted Legal Aid of North Carolina to offer her team's help. Womble Carlyle paralegals help victims with the court process, specifically in filing requests for civil restraining and protective orders. To date, the paralegals have logged more than 300 pro bono hours in support of this partnership.

Participating paralegals are Leslie Gough, Kristie Foster, Julie Hardison, Deborah Roberts, Amy Barneycastle, Dianna Killmeyer, Kim Kuhel, Ashley Mathis, Barbara Norman, Chrissy Johnson, and Brett Niston. The Womble Carlyle team recently was honored by Legal Aid of North Carolina for its support of this worthwhile and needed cause.

"This is a very serious topic. Some of this you can't help but take home with you," said Gough, one of the Womble Carlyle paralegals offering pro bono help.

On March 26, Gough and Douglas were among those honored at Legal Aid's Pro Bono Attorney Celebration, which highlighted the firm's partnership with Legal Aid of North Carolina.