NCBA Presents $100,000 Gift to LANC

Article Date: Monday, March 16, 2009

Written By: Russell Rawlings

President Charles Becton

The North Carolina Bar Association, in response to the ongoing economic downturn and its impact on Legal Aid of North Carolina, voted Monday to award a one-time unrestricted gift in the amount of $100,000 to LANC.

Accompanying the unprecedented gesture was a plea from NCBA President Charles Becton for North Carolina lawyers and law firms to renew their efforts in providing pro bono legal assistance to our neediest citizens.

“In these uncertain times, it is important that we as a bar association and we as legal professionals step forward,” Becton stated in announcing the gift. “At a time when Legal Aid of North Carolina is experiencing unparalleled demand for legal assistance, it is also experiencing decreases in funding, thereby necessitating this bold gesture on behalf of the North Carolina Bar Association and its 15,000 members.

“It is my strong belief that the lawyers of North Carolina and the members of the North Carolina Bar Association are ready, willing and able to underscore this gift with their contributions of time and talent. In fact, I firmly believe the lawyers of this state will exceed tenfold the value of this gift through pro bono service."

Consideration of the emergency funding gift by the executive committee of the NCBA Foundation Board of Directors grew out of recent coverage regarding the funding and staffing needs of LANC, which have been the focal point of the NCBA and its 4ALL Initiative in recent years. These efforts include the establishment of an endowed LANC Fund and the initiation of an association-wide statewide service day, the first of which attracted more than 1,000 volunteers last year.

The second 4ALL Service Day is scheduled March 6.

“At a time of increasing economic uncertainty for those of modest means,” said George Hausen, executive director of LANC, “the North Carolina Bar Association once again has demonstrated its leadership with this extraordinary gift that will benefit hundreds of households whose legal needs might otherwise have gone unmet.”

Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal services to the poor. LANC operates in all 100 counties in North Carolina through 24 geographically based offices. Its predecessor, Legal Services of North Carolina, was established by the NCBA in 1976.

Last Update: Monday, April 27, 2009