Dear Litigation Section Members:

We know better than most how great a disruption the COVID-19 pandemic has caused to the legal system. Trials have been postponed indefinitely, motions are just starting to be heard remotely, and how we connect with, advise, and counsel our clients is so very different than it was just two months ago.

While we litigators want the courts to open up as soon as is safely possible, the reopening of the Courts carries a whole different significance for many North Carolinians. For many in our state, the reopening of the courts—particularly the Small Claims Court—represents the moment when they must face the reality of eviction proceedings stemming from an inability to pay residential rent due to the impact of COVID-19 on their personal financial situations.

In anticipation of the surge of eviction filings expected to hit the courts in June (or later if the Chief Justice extends her current order), the Litigation Section is partnering with the NC Bar Foundation and Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) on the COVID-19 Eviction Assistance Project to help clients who are facing eviction as a result of pandemic-related economic disruption.

Volunteers are needed to provide brief advice and counsel to LANC-screened clients who have been served with an eviction notice. Attorneys are not expected to appear in court but will instead help clients negotiate with landlords and prepare for court, if necessary. Note that no prior eviction proceeding experience is necessary. Training will be provided to those who would like it.

Please sign up here to volunteer and be contacted as cases become available once the courts reopen!

Thanks!

Will Quick is the Chair of the Litigation Section Pro Bono Committee.

May 20, 2020/by Litigation

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