Kenneth Schorr will retire as Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy’s Executive Director on April 8, 2022 after 34 years of public service. 

Ken has tirelessly served low-income people in North Carolina throughout his tenure at the Advocacy Center, as well as in leadership roles in many local, state, and national non-profit organizations. Over the years he has been an outspoken advocate for economic security for all, an intrepid supporter of employment rights for North Carolina workers, and a strong proponent of creating a welcoming community for immigrants. Driven by his vision, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy has grown into a respected legal services organization equipped to meet the pressing legal needs of those across the state. 

At the core of his vision is Ken’s dedication to helping low-income and marginalized individuals.  This commitment led the Advocacy Center to establish legal assistance programs for immigrants, veterans, and marginalized communities, years before services were more widely available.  He pushed the Advocacy Center to support unpopular litigation and system advocacy that resulted in positive change for hundreds of thousands of low-income families, strengthening the organization for the future in the process.  His efforts redefined what lawyers could do to help people living in poverty.

Unrelenting dedication would not have been enough for Ken to make the ideal possible. It has taken Ken’s unique form of leadership to inspire community members—judges, lawyers, government officials and others—to assist with the vast undertaking that has been the creation and growth each of our programs. Thanks to Ken, corporate and private firm attorneys have been encouraged and supported to take on pro bono across our service areas.

Ken’s legacy will be evident for years to come thanks to our new facility on Albemarle Road.  His vision has led to the development of a space unique in the legal services community: designed with the needs of our clients in mind, in a location that is accessible, safe, and dignified. The new Advocacy Center allows us to meet the increasing needs of our neighbors and expands our impact in the community.  

Ken’s leadership and service will be missed but he leaves the Advocacy Center in a strong position to move forward with our Interim Director, Jean Pudlo.

An event to honor Ken’s leadership and legacy will be held on April 26, 2022, from 4:30-6:30pm at Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, 5535 Albemarle Road.  Please RSVP.

If you would like to leave a note or tribute to Ken, please share your message in the form below: