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Celebrating National Pro Bono Week: Perspectives from the YLD Pro Bono Committee

Taylor, a Black woman with dark brown hair, wears a blue and white blouse and navy blue blazer.
Ashley, a white woman with blond hair, wears a black blouse.
Taylor Gibbs & Ashley Clasen

For someone facing an unfamiliar legal problem, a few hours of an attorney’s time can make the difference between navigating the system alone and understanding their rights and options. In celebration of National Pro Bono Week, which runs from October 25 to October 31, 2026, the North Carolina Bar Association Young Lawyers Division’s (“YLD”) Pro Bono Committee is highlighting why pro bono matters and encouraging more law students and legal professionals to get involved. Our committee also invites law students and lawyers to share their interests, experiences and suggestions through our new Pro Bono Survey so the YLD can better support and encourage pro bono participation.

Access to justice is key to a fair legal system, but for many North Carolinians, finding affordable legal assistance remains a challenge. In 2023, the North Carolina Office of Indigent Defense Services identified 48 of North Carolina’s 100 counties as legal deserts, with fewer than one attorney per 1,000 residents. Pro bono work is one way we can help to bridge those gaps by connecting individuals with legal assistance they might otherwise be unable to access. These efforts can take many forms, including volunteering at clinics, educating the public and directly representing clients at no cost.

For those new to pro bono work, getting started can feel intimidating. It may be difficult to find the right opportunity or to know whether you have enough experience to help. As co-chairs of the Pro Bono Committee, we asked two committee members to share their perspectives: Kelsey McAlister, a law student at the Wake Forest University School of Law, and Brooke McCormick, an associate attorney at Brock, Crouch, Keeter, Behm & Sayed, LLP. They discuss what motivates them to serve, what they have learned and what advice they would offer to those interested in getting involved.

Kelsey, a white woman with brown hair, wears a black graduation gown.
Kelsey McAlister
Brooke, a white woman with blond hair, wears a pink blouse and black blazer.
Brooke McCormick

Why do you do pro bono?

Kelsey: I do pro bono to honor the reason I first wanted to go to law school: hearing the lived experience of Mr. Anthony Ray Hinton, who was wrongfully convicted and spent nearly three decades on death row. Mr. Hinton and many other exonerees are free today because of the attorneys who take on their cases pro bono and have advocated tirelessly.

Brooke: I feel pro bono work is such an integral part of our profession and an easy way to give back to the community. There are hundreds of people who attend court every day who don’t necessarily know what they are doing, whether that involves their rights or even the court process. Additionally, many people are scared of the legal system because they don’t know how it works and don’t have the time or money to be advised on the law. As a legal professional, I think it is imperative that we help our communities, even in a small way, understand the legal system.

What has been your favorite pro bono experience?

Kelsey: My favorite part of pro bono work has been interacting directly with clients and seeing how meaningful seemingly small amounts of legal assistance can be. Their gratitude is incredibly rewarding and grounding, reminding me of what matters most.

Brooke: My favorite pro bono experience is any “will clinic” in which we prepare end-of-life documents for individuals who cannot afford legal services. End of life is a scary topic for most people, whether old or young, and the clients who attend these clinics are so grateful for guidance in drafting their estate documents.

What piece of advice would you tell a law student or attorney who is interested in getting more involved?

Kelsey: Seek out opportunities! There are countless ways to get involved, whether through virtual opportunities, direct client work or more group-like projects. Pro bono does not only mean taking on a major case; instead, it can be as simple as answering one question through NC Free Legal Answers during your lunch break or reviewing someone’s record for expungement eligibility this weekend. If you are looking for opportunities in a particular area, reach out to our committee — we would be happy to help you find one that fits your interests and schedule!

Brooke: I would tell anyone who is interested in doing more pro bono work to just sign up! So many organizations are looking for attorneys to help with pro bono work, and your involvement doesn’t need to be a huge commitment; it can be answering a legal question on nc.freelegalanswers.org or volunteering for a few hours at a pop-up clinic. Although it may not be as glamorous as the billable hour, it can remind you why you are becoming or became an attorney and what this profession is about.

As Kelsey best puts it, “money should never be a barrier to justice.” Until it is no longer a barrier, attorneys and future attorneys have a responsibility to use their skills and privilege to serve those who cannot otherwise afford adequate legal representation. The NCBA YLD Pro Bono Committee is committed to helping young lawyers and law students discover pro bono opportunities, build confidence and find meaningful ways to serve their communities.