Pro Bono Spotlight: NCBA Paralegal Division NC Disaster Legal Services

By Yazmeen Gadalla

Dealing with Disaster 

On September 27, 2024, North Carolina was hit by a major disaster when Hurricane Helene ripped through Western NC. In response to the tragedy, the North Carolina Bar Foundation activated Disaster Legal Services (“DLS”) – an effort where the North Carolina Bar Association’s (“NCBA”) Young Lawyers Division (“YLD”) coordinates with the Young Lawyers Division of the American Bar Association, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) and Legal Aid of North Carolina (“LANC”) to provide disaster-related resources and services to the public. Supporting the YLD is the North Carolina Bar Foundation, the NC Pro Bono Resource Center, and the NCBA Paralegal Division (“NCBA PD”).

How the NCBA Paralegal Division is Getting Involved

The Paralegal Division’s involvement in the project is being coordinated by Pro-Bono Co-Chairs Yazmeen Gadalla and Natalie Porter and the Filling the Justice Gap award recipient Rachel Royal. These individuals have been involved with DLS and Hurricane Helene efforts since the beginning. On October 3, Natalie, Rachel, and Yazmeen, along with members of the NCBA and NCBF met to begin discussing the case management approach for DLS. Rachel Royal has been instrumental in setting up the case management for the project. Utilizing Airtable, a collaboration platform to assist with handling workflows, Rachel has provided DLS with the necessary tools to keep processes streamlined.

As the time advanced, Rachel, Natalie, and Yazmeen began to coordinate the paralegal volunteers who had signed up. As of February 15, there are 80 paralegals signed up: four group leaders and 47 case managers. Group Leaders oversee teams of volunteer attorneys and paralegal case managers, playing a vital role in coordinating efforts and ensuring that our clients receive the best possible support. Case managers assist group leaders by following up with attorney volunteers, monitoring case referrals, facilitating the case-closing process, and reporting on the status of cases.

As the process moves forward, the NCBA PD will continue to be involved in the efforts to aid North Carolina residents as they navigate this tragedy. At the last update, there were 341 attorney volunteers, and 122 referrals, with 63 of those from Buncombe County, and 101 of the referrals are housing cases. DLS is working diligently to accept cases without delay to allow for maximum assistance. The NCBA PD is grateful to be part of such an extensive effort to aid our state as emergency efforts are underway and plan to continue involvement with DLS.

If you are a paralegal who wishes to be involved, you can sign up online.

Statement from Rachel Royal

I make time for pro-bono projects like the DLS project because I’ve personally experienced the difficulties of natural disasters and other everyday legal issues with an inability to access the legal help I needed. People have different reasons for not seeking or receiving legal help – many simply can’t afford a lawyer’s fees, others don’t know that their issue has a legal remedy, and still others are overwhelmed and don’t know where to turn for assistance. Because of my volunteer work in pro bono projects, I now dedicate my career to making the legal system more accessible for people who need help during a personal crisis.

I personally am connected to the work with the DLS project and helping Helene victims because I grew up in western North Carolina and understand the geography and culture and the damage this unprecedented disaster has created in that area. My goal with pro bono is to make it as easy as possible for both the clients and the volunteers. Streamlining case management is essential for volunteers to be able to manage the work within their busy schedules and subsequently result in the client receiving more timely and substantive service.

Statement from Natalie Porter

Pro bono work surrounding Hurricane Helene is incredibly meaningful to me because it offers a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the disaster. When people lose their homes, businesses, and loved ones, it’s easy to feel helpless, but offering legal support can help them rebuild. For me, it’s a way to give back to a community in crisis, to be a part of something larger than myself, and to show solidarity with those in need.

I make time for this project because I believe helping others is a core responsibility, not just a professional duty. By dedicating my time to pro bono work, I can contribute to the recovery process in a way that truly matters. It’s a reminder that our work has the power to heal and restore, and it’s a privilege to support those who are struggling. Every small act can help rebuild their hope, and that’s what makes this work so incredibly rewarding.

Statement from Yazmeen Gadalla

When the Disaster Legal Services initiative was restarted following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, the Paralegal Division of the North Carolina Bar Association was eager to assist in any way possible. With the concerted efforts of paralegals, attorneys, and other professionals, the DLS has made strides to assist those impacted. I am honored to work with such inspired and hard-working individuals who make time for such a brilliant pro bono project.

I believe that as time goes on, this project will only get stronger. I am grateful to everyone who has put their time and energy into this endeavor. Without these individuals, we would never be able to provide such services.

 

Yazmeen Gadalla serves as the NCBA PD Pro Bono Recognition Co-Chair.