Charlotte, NC – In response to the recently released audit of the North Carolina State Bar’s Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy (Advocacy Center) affirms that the report found no misuse of funds by the organization and underscores the strength of its longstanding financial controls and reporting practices.
The comprehensive audit confirmed that IOLTA funds have been awarded appropriately to qualified nonprofit organizations across the state. It also offered recommendations to enhance oversight—steps that the Advocacy Center supports as part of a continued commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Advocacy Center was specifically named in the April 21, 2026 press release issued by the Office of the NC State Auditor. However, the audit report does not identify any misuse of NC IOLTA funds by our organization or make any findings specific to Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy. Direct reference to the Advocacy Center in the report body was limited to listing it as one of the examples of organizations receiving grants from NC IOLTA in 2024.
An IOLTA account is a standard legal financial tool used nationwide. Attorneys hold client funds in these accounts temporarily, and the interest generated is directed to support civil legal aid and other public services. In North Carolina, IOLTA has distributed more than $134 million since 1983 to expand access to justice for people with low incomes—without the use of taxpayer dollars.
“IOLTA funding is a critical resource that allows us to serve individuals and families who otherwise could not afford legal help,” said Larissa Mañón, CEO of the Advocacy Center. “We are proud that this audit reflects what we already know to be true: our organization maintains rigorous reporting, compliance and audit controls to ensure every dollar is used as intended.”
The Advocacy Center receives funding from the federal government, the State of North Carolina, as well as local governments, foundations and corporations. All these funders require performance reports and financial reports for grants and contracts. The Advocacy Center is required to undergo an independent financial audit each year, which is shared with NC IOLTA as well as other funders, including the federal government.
“We welcome strong oversight and clear standards,” Mañón added. “They reinforce public trust and strengthen the impact of programs like IOLTA. Transparency is essential—not just for accountability, but for ensuring that critical legal services remain available to those who need them most.”
The Advocacy Center joins partners across the state in supporting the continued improvement and oversight of the IOLTA program, while emphasizing the importance of reinstating this vital funding for civil legal aid services.
About Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy
Since 1967, our staff and pro bono attorneys have provided comprehensive civil legal services for our region’s low-income residents. We accomplish our mission through individual advice and representation, community education and outreach, representation of groups, self-help remedies, collaboration with other agencies, community economic development, legislative and administrative advocacy, and impact litigation. Our mission is to pursue justice for those in need. Our vision is to build a just community, where all people are treated fairly and have access to legal representation to meet their basic human needs of safety, security and stability. Learn more at charlottelegaladvocacy.org.
