Winter Break Well Spent: Pro Bono in Cherokee
January 15, 2025
Carolina Law students traveled to Cherokee, North Carolina, this winter break to offer pro bono legal assistance to members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The trip, organized by the Pro Bono Program, aimed to address a significant area of need in the Cherokee community – driver’s license restoration.
“As we were planning this trip, [our partners] let us know that driver’s license restoration work is a huge area of need in Cherokee,” said Meghan Moran, director of pro bono initiatives. “We had over 30 clients that we were able to help, which is a huge number.”

Working under the supervision of attorneys from Legal Aid of North Carolina and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Legal Assistance Office, the students drafted advice letters informing clients of their options for license reinstatement. They also met with clients in person to discuss the letters’ contents and next steps.
“When you have the ability to connect with others, it makes our law degree and our purpose as attorneys seem more tangible,” said Miranda Papes, a second-year student and Special Trips Coordinator for the Pro Bono Board. “Having the opportunity to work with the Cherokee community and learn about their culture was beyond rewarding and has been one of my favorite experiences so far while in law school.”
In addition to providing direct legal services, the program prioritized cultural competency. Students received training at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and met with judges and court staff at the Cherokee Justice Center.
“A big part of our training was ensuring our students were properly trained to provide culturally competent services,” Moran noted. “We got to know a lot about the nuances of working with that community out there.”
“I have always been passionate about giving back to my community, so being able to use my law degree to help those in need throughout North Carolina is extremely rewarding,” Papes explained. “The lack of accessibility in our legal system prevents a lot of people from seeking justice, so I strive to give back with my law degree when the opportunity arises.”
Moran considered the trip a great success and said the pro bono program is already planning future outreach.
“We were able to help many clients,” she said. “The Pro Bono Board strives to connect with these communities and provide services that otherwise would not be readily available.”