The Pro Bono Resource Center is delighted to recognize the volunteer efforts of NCDOJ Attorney, Kayla Britt, for her outstanding work with the Housing Stability Project. Read below to learn more about Kayla’s day job, pro bono experiences, and why pro bono is such an important part of her career.

“I am an Assistant Attorney General in the Appellate and Post-Conviction Section of the NC Department of Justice. I prepare the State’s criminal briefs, respond to habeas corpus petitions, and appear before the NC Appellate Courts and Federal District Courts. My favorite part of the job is being able to provide representation for the state while maintaining my commitment to public service.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience volunteering with the Housing Stability Project, which is a partnership between the North Carolina Bar Foundation and the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center. It has been rewarding to learn more about the HOPE program and to have conversations with landlords and tenants about the needs, expectations, and circumstances surrounding HOPE. My proudest pro bono moment has been with this project, as in several matters, I have been able to facilitate the signing of a landlord/tenant agreement when the landlord had previously refused to do so. This is the purpose of the program because it provides housing stability for the tenant. The overwhelming joy tenants exhibit when they find out that we reached an agreement with their landlord has been more than I ever expected to experience in a pro bono role.

One of my other favorite pro bono experiences is volunteering for the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s Wills for Heroes project. I have found that our firefighters across North Carolina are quite the comedians, and I have enjoyed preparing estate planning documents for them. It enriches me personally because it feels good to give them peace in knowing that they have a plan to protect themselves and their families.

Volunteering for these pro bono opportunities enriches me professionally because they allow me to have personal interactions with clients, and I can see almost instantaneous results and appreciation for my work.

If you have not participated in pro bono opportunities, I would encourage you to do so. Many projects, including the ones mentioned above, are designed to provide training to volunteers. The Pro Bono Resource Center and Bar Foundation provide phenomenal support, and while the first experience or two may take a little longer, you will quickly get the hang of things and find fulfillment in the services you provide.”