LEGAL AID VOLUNTEERS

BY PAMELA THOMBS || MANAGING ATTORNEY, LEGAL AID OF NC RALEIGH OFFICE

LEGAL AID OF NORTH CAROLINA’S RALEIGH OFFICE HAS HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE OF HAVING INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEER ATTORNEYS. Today, we’d like to say thank you to all the attorneys who have provided your assistance during 2020 and 2021! The volunteers who are highlighted below have been professional, committed, dedicated and nothing short of extraordinary.

RHONDA TO THE RESCUE

It’s 5 p.m. when Legal Aid needs assistance with an emergency case. One phone call, text or email to Rhonda Young and without a thought, the answer is “Yes.”This “Yes” response is common for Rhonda. Rhonda has taken cases for LANC’s Raleigh office, for TCA-Raleigh and now even TCA-Durham. Rhonda has taken on difficult Guardian ad Litem cases even when faced with the threat of criminal charges. Rhonda has sometimes made pro bono work a priority over cases for pay, when working on emergency cases for Legal Aid. Rhonda’s work on custody cases, DVPO’s and TCA cases have made a major impact on the lives of our clients.

A 2008 graduate of NC Central University School of Law, Rhonda’s career has been an example of “Truth and Service.” Rhonda is the managing attorney of Young’s Law Offices, PLLC.

There are not words to express the gratitude that Legal Aid of Raleigh and TCA have for all the great work done by Rhonda Young for our clients and our mission.Thanks again, Rhonda!

BILL-LESS, BILL MOORE

LANC’s longest serving attorney for its Raleigh office is not an employee:William (Bill) Moore, Emeritus, has been volunteering for Legal Aid for more than 20 years. It is no wonder, with all of Bill’s experience in Legal Aid, that he handles elder law cases, unemployment cases, social security benefits cases and even advises the work of our younger attorneys. Bill moves as quietly and confidently through our Raleigh and Durham offices as any employee without even the smallest expectation of reward or recognition.

Bill’s work continued and increased during the pandemic when others stepped away from volunteer service.

Bill has served as associate corporate counsel at SAS Institute and has managed and negotiated intellectual property and contracts at IBM. Bill is graduate of NC Central University School of Law and epitomizes “Truth and Service. ” Legal Aid is thankful to Bill Moore for being a committed, dependable member of our staff!

DAVIS AND TORTORA

Jaime Davis and Carrie Tortora are both family law attorneys at Gailor Hunt Davis Taylor & Gibbs, PLLC, in Raleigh. Both of these experienced attorneys generously contributed their time and expertise taking pro bono cases through the Child’s Advocate, a special project of Legal Aid.

Recently, Jaime provided direct representation to a young client caught in a contentious custody case. She made sure the client’s voice was heard and her interests were protected, and thankfully, a child-centered resolution was reached.

Carrie recently represented a teenager in a custody case involving relocation of a parent. Carrie skillfully litigated the case getting a decision that reflected the child’s preferences.

Together, Jaime and Carrie have donated almost 200 hours to giving clients a meaningful voice in custody litigation. Legal Aid greatly appreciates the access to justice that they have provided to our clients. Volunteers like Jaime and Carrie enable The Child’s Advocate to serve all the children for whom the Court appoints an attorney.

Jaimie Davis is a board-certified family law specialist with 20 years of exclusive, family law experience. She is a managing co-partner and also hosts a podcast titled “A Year and a Day: Divorced Without Destruction.” She has also authored a book by the same name.

Carrie Tortora is a board-certified family law specialist with an accounting background. Carrie’s unique skill set provides expertise in financial cases such as valuing and dividing business interests, financial support issues and analyzing property distribution.

Thank you to all our volunteers! WBF