Partnering for Justice: CLC and Elon Law’s Residency Program

At Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina (CLC), we believe in the power of mentorship, education, and hands-on experience to shape the next generation of legal advocates. That is why we are proud to be a longtime partner of Elon University School of Law and their groundbreaking Residency-in-Practice Program.

Since the early days of the program, CLC has welcomed Elon Law students into our offices to provide an immersive residency experience. More than just an internship, Elon’s Residency Program is thoughtfully designed to bridge classroom learning with real-world legal practice. Each student is paired with an experienced attorney who serves not only as a guardian ad litem supervisor, but as a professor, mentor, and role model.

Through this partnership, law students have gained critical insight into what it truly means to be an advocate; especially in the unique and impactful space of child-focused legal work. During their residency, CLC interns sharpen their legal writing and research skills, navigate complex family and education law cases, and witness the profound responsibility GAL attorneys carry in advocating for vulnerable children in the community and the courtroom.

At the same time, the Residency Program brings tremendous value to CLC. The energy, dedication, and fresh perspectives that Elon Law students bring to our team help expand our capacity to serve and strengthen our mission to protect children’s rights across Forsyth and Guilford counties. These students become part of our core work processes. Our CLC residents have engaged in supporting attorneys and clients need to complete research memorandums and assisting in case strategies; these real-world experiences all contribute to effective legal solutions that make a long-term difference in children’s lives.

We are grateful for the continued collaboration with Elon Law and are looking forward to welcoming many more bright legal minds through this meaningful partnership in the years to come. Together, we are shaping future attorneys and delivering a more hope-filled future for the children in our community.

A big thank you to our most recent residents Catherine Snyder (Winter Residency) and Alyson Hanlon (Spring Residency). We are very proud of their efforts and look forward to seeing their continued journey in the world of law and advocacy.