For North Carolinians navigating divorce or child custody issues without an attorney, access to reliable legal information can make an enormous difference.

Attorney Manisha Patel, a sole practitioner who already manages the demands of her own law practice (@lompp18), has made an extraordinary commitment to helping these individuals understand their rights and options through Legal Aid of North Carolina's Family Law Listen and Learn program. When Legal Aid sought volunteer presenters to help revitalize the program in 2025, Manisha didn't simply volunteer for a session or two—she offered to present every month! For more than a year and a half, she has consistently led public education webinars on divorce and child custody, providing practical legal information and answering questions from participants. She has also taken the initiative to update and improve the presentation materials, ensuring that the information remains useful and accessible. Manisha's reliability, generosity, and commitment have helped sustain an important resource for North Carolinians who may not otherwise have access to legal guidance. Her service also allows Legal Aid NC staff to devote more time to direct client representation. We are tremendously grateful for her willingness to share her expertise month after month and for the difference she continues to make in our communities! #ProBonoHero #AccessToJustice #LegalAidNC