Pro Bono Spotlight: Aishaah Foster — Advocating for Safety and Dignity
Aishaah Foster
As an associate attorney at Moore & Van Allen, PLLC, Aishaah Foster brings both professional skill and deep personal commitment to her pro bono work with survivors of domestic violence. Since joining the firm in 2020, she has practiced in the Financial Regulatory Advice and Response group, while also dedicating meaningful time outside of their day-to-day practice to serve vulnerable individuals in the community.
In the summer of 2024, she responded to a call for pro bono volunteers and began working with Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) on Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) advice cases. Through this work, she assists individuals who are navigating some of the most frightening and uncertain moments of their lives, often without the financial resources to hire an attorney.
The clients served through this project include both men and women whose home lives have been marked by ongoing domestic violence. Many clients are seeking immediate guidance to protect themselves and their children and to understand their legal options in a system that can feel overwhelming.
Most commonly, the matters involve preparing clients for upcoming DVPO hearings or order renewals. Project volunteers walk clients through what to expect in court, how to prepare effectively, and the legal standards judges apply when considering protective orders. While they do not represent clients in court, the clarity and reassurance they provide can be life-changing.
The motivation behind this work is deeply personal. After experiencing a domestic violence event herself, and having the resources to hire legal help, she recognized how extraordinarily difficult the process can be, even with support — describing it as one of the hardest periods of her life. That experience shaped a lasting commitment to help those who must navigate the system alone.
“I promised myself that I would provide as much assistance as possible to anyone who is trying to navigate the system alone. It is very humbling to know that you are helping a person find a sense of safety in their life again,” states Foster.
Her dedication was recognized with the Legal Aid of North Carolina Pro Bono Hero Award in 2024 and Safe Alliance’s DV Triage Champion Award in 2025. In addition to DVPO advice case work, she also participates in the Charlotte Triage Pro Bono Partnership as a Domestic Violence Triage Champion, encouraging other Charlotte legal professionals to get involved and make a difference.
Foster’s story is a powerful reminder that access to justice can restore not only legal rights, but hope, dignity and safety.