Sessions available every other month in 2025
After a successful first year, Wake County plans to expand the popular Lawyers in Your Library program in 2025 and offer free family law legal support every other month at libraries across the county. Previously taking place quarterly, this collaboration between Wake County Public Libraries and the Wake County Legal Support Center has provided critical resources to more than 75 families this year, addressing custody, child support, divorce and more.
The program’s final session for 2024 will take place from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 14, at North Regional Library in Raleigh. Residents can schedule an appointment at wake.gov/LIL or drop in during the event for a free 30-minute consultation with a volunteer family law attorney.
“We’re thrilled to see the success of the Lawyers in Your Library program and the positive impact it has had on families across Wake County,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “By expanding access to free legal support, this program is helping residents overcome significant challenges and connect with the resources they need to move forward.”
Limited appointments are available for the Dec. 14 session (but not required) at wake.gov/LIL, with additional slots open for walk-ins.
How it Works
Attorneys will be available to provide free 30-minute consultations to clients on any issues related to family law — from child custody and support to alimony and adoption.
The pro bono attorneys can help advise, counsel, provide form documents and drafting suggestions, and more for many families who may not otherwise have access to legal advice as they navigate the complicated system. By helping them better understand the legal process, the service empowers residents to reach resolution in their cases more efficiently.
“Navigating legal matters can feel overwhelming, so a consultation with an attorney can make all the difference,” said Anh LyJordan, director of the Wake County Legal Support Center. “Our volunteer attorneys provide essential support by helping clients understand court procedures, draft documents and review materials, empowering them to confidently handle their cases in court when they cannot afford legal representation.”
Since 2023, more than 50 volunteers from local family law firms donated over 200 attorney hours to the Attorney of the Day program, helping nearly 350 families at the Wake County Courthouse. Their continued commitment made it possible for the Legal Support Center to staff the twice-a-month program through the end of 2024 at the courthouse, and to explore expanded outreach in Wake County through partnerships like Lawyers in Your Library. The Legal Support Center recently celebrated assisting its 13,000th visitor since it opened in January 2023.
“We’re proud of the tremendous success the Lawyers in Your Library program has seen in 2024 and are thrilled to continue this partnership with the Wake County Legal Support Center,” said Ann Burlingame Diab, deputy library director. “By hosting these events at our libraries, we’ve been able to bring critical legal resources directly into the neighborhoods we serve, making a meaningful impact for families across the county.”
