Fall Break Brings Legal Aid to Wilmington Businesses

October 30, 2024
Aaron Gard (Institute for Innovation, UNC School of Law), Atiba Johnson (Channel), James Jolley ’14 (Smith Anderson), Chakema Clinton-Quintana (Channel), Nicholas Zanzot ’23 (Smith Anderson), Mike Bollinger (Live Oak Bank)
Aaron Gard (Institute for Innovation, UNC School of Law), Atiba Johnson (Channel), James Jolley ’14 (Smith Anderson), Chakema Clinton-Quintana (Channel), Nicholas Zanzot ’23 (Smith Anderson), Mike Bollinger (Live Oak Bank)

UNC School of Law transformed fall break into a catalyst for change in Wilmington this October. Building on the Institute for Innovation‘s existing partnership with Channel, students, faculty, alumni, and staff launched their first pro bono trip, providing crucial legal guidance to twelve minority-owned businesses. 

At Channel, where Director Chakema Clinton-Quintana and Business Advisor Atiba Johnson champion economic growth through free services for minority entrepreneurs, Carolina Law’s pro bono program created something powerful. The trip opened with Dean Martin H. Brinkley ’92 and Law Alumni Association secretary and alumnus Reginald “Reggie” Shuford ’91 exploring Wilmington’s complex history, including the 1898 coup d’état. Shuford’s personal insights from growing up in the community he now serves added depth to the students’ understanding of their work ahead. 

Meghan Moran ’19, director of pro bono initiatives

Students then paired with Smith Anderson attorneys to craft comprehensive advice letters for their clients. The collaboration deepened during afternoon sessions, where James Jolley ’14, a Carolina Law graduate and Smith Anderson attorney, led training on intellectual property protection, engaging both clients and volunteers in practical applications. 

“I met so many inspiring and intelligent people and felt like the work we did together was truly meaningful,” said 1L Sabrina Betz. “It was really great to be able to talk to clients and be reminded of the positive impact you can have on people’s lives as an attorney.” 

“Everyone collaborated on this project – different parts of the law school, Channel, Live Oak Bank, alumni network – and seeing it come together after months of work was really heartwarming,” said Meghan Moran ’19, director of pro bono initiatives. “It wouldn’t have been this quality of a trip had we not all worked together.” 

The success of this expanded partnership has sparked plans for future pro bono trips, creating new pathways for students to transform classroom knowledge into community impact while providing vital legal support to local businesses. 

Photography by Corey Young, Young Soul Media, LLC. Additional photos are available here.