In an effort to address the lack of adequate legal representation across North Carolina, the state’s Supreme Court has launched a significant initiative by forming the Commission on Practice Innovation. This body is tasked with exploring solutions for the 48 counties, out of North Carolina’s 100, classified as legal deserts—areas with fewer than one attorney per 1,000 residents. This initiative was highlighted by the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
The Commission is preparing to assess various models of legal service delivery and regulatory frameworks, including those from other jurisdictions. By examining how other states manage licensure and expand roles for paralegals and paraprofessionals, North Carolina aims to make legal services more accessible while maintaining public protection. Co-chair of the commission, North Carolina Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Anita Earls, expressed gratitude towards the stakeholders participating in this initiative, recognizing the effort’s importance in enhancing access to justice.
Justice Phil Berger Jr., also a co-chair, emphasizes the importance of evolving the training and licensing of legal professionals. He views this as an opportunity for the state to innovate in legal service provision while ensuring quality. The commission comprises 16 members, including judges, attorneys, law school representatives, and a paralegal—each bringing diverse perspectives to the table.
The first meeting of this commission is set to take place at the North Carolina State Bar headquarters in collaboration with the North Carolina Equal Access to Justice Commission (NCEAJ). Since its establishment in 2005 by the Supreme Court of North Carolina, the NCEAJ has been pivotal in convening stakeholders to enhance the public’s access to justice, indicating a long-standing commitment to improving legal services within the state.
This initiative reflects a broader movement seen in states across the country, where there is a re-evaluation of how legal services are provided to meet the needs of underserved populations. The solutions explored and potentially implemented by the commission could serve as a model for other regions grappling with similar challenges.