The North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program trains and empowers community volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children in our state's courts. Pro bono attorneys play a vital role in the program's volunteer mission by using their legal skills and knowledge to advocate for GAL's child clients when cases are appealed.

GAL pro bono attorneys represent the child throughout the appeals process, including by settling the record on appeal, filing an appellate brief, and, when necessary, appearing for oral argument. The GAL program offers support and training to the pro bono attorneys, including semi-annual free CLE training programs in child welfare law, appellate advocacy, and other relevant topics. GAL pro bono attorneys are not generally required to appear in court, and most documents are filed and served electronically, so it is convenient to do GAL pro bono work from anywhere in the state. The program requires volunteers to hold an active North Carolina law license and to provide their own malpractice insurance.