Beyond the Courtroom: How Legal Aid Empowers Communities Through Legal Education

When people think of legal aid, they often picture attorneys in court—defending tenants from eviction, protecting survivors of domestic violence, or fighting for workers’ rights. While these services are critical, Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC) also plays another essential role: educating communities about their rights before legal issues arise.

Knowledge is Power

Many legal challenges can be avoided or better managed when people understand their rights and responsibilities. Unfortunately, legal information is often difficult to access, filled with complex language, or simply unknown to those who need it most. That’s where legal education comes in.

At LANC, we believe that empowering people with knowledge is just as important as representing them in court. Our legal education efforts span across North Carolina, helping individuals, families, and communities navigate the legal system with confidence.

How We Educate and Empower

1. Listen & Learn Sessions

Our Listen & Learn sessions are free, online legal education events that provide essential legal knowledge to North Carolinians. These sessions cover some of the most common legal challenges people face, including:

• Child Custody and Visitation – Understanding how custody decisions are made and what rights parents have.
• Criminal Record Expunction – Helping individuals clear eligible criminal records for a fresh start, allowing them to secure jobs and housing.
• Medicaid Rights – Explaining eligibility, benefits, and how to navigate Medicaid services.
• Simple Divorce – Providing step-by-step guidance for individuals seeking an uncontested divorce.
• Social Security Disability – Clarifying eligibility and the application process for disability benefits.
• Tenants’ Rights – Informing renters about eviction laws, security deposits, and landlord obligations.
• Wills and Powers of Attorney – Helping individuals plan for the future by understanding estate planning basics.

These virtual sessions ensure that anyone in North Carolina—regardless of location—can access critical legal information in an easy-to-understand format.

2. LANC & Libraries Project

Through our partnership with public libraries, we bring legal information directly to communities. Libraries serve as accessible hubs where people can learn about legal resources, access self-help materials, and even attend legal clinics.

3. Community Outreach Events

Legal education isn’t just virtual—it happens in person, too. LANC staff regularly attend community outreach events across the state, meeting people where they are. At these events, our teams:

• Provide live legal intake to assess cases and offer immediate guidance.
• Educate the public on key legal topics, from housing rights to public benefits.
• Distribute informational materials to help people understand their legal options.
• Build relationships with local organizations to expand legal access.

By actively participating in community events, we ensure that legal knowledge reaches those who need it most, breaking down barriers to justice.

4. Online Resources & AI-Powered Assistance

Through our website and LANC-LIA, our AI-powered virtual assistant, we provide on-demand legal information to anyone with an internet connection. This innovation is helping thousands of North Carolinians get answers to common legal questions—without needing to step into an office.

Legal Education as Prevention

By providing legal education, we’re not just helping people react to legal problems—we’re helping them prevent issues before they start. Whether it’s a tenant who knows how to properly request repairs, a worker who understands their right to overtime pay, or a parent who learns about child custody laws, knowledge can mean the difference between crisis and stability.

?