Pioneering Effort: The Hispanic Outreach Task Force

Moore & Van Allen’s commitment to community is highlighted by our role in the Hispanic Outreach Task Force.  In 2001, attorneys in our Charlotte office identified the need to assist the Hispanic community in North Carolina, a community facing many challenges.  We formed a partnership with Legal Services of Southern Piedmont and Bank of America’s legal department:  the Hispanic Outreach Task Force.

To combat the unauthorized practice of law by notary publics serving Latinos, the Hispanic Outreach Task Force laid the groundwork and drafted legislation to prohibit notary publics from advertising their services as Notario Publico, a misleading name since Notario Publicos are able to perform legal services in their native countries.  Dan Clodfelter, a North Carolina State Senator and Moore & Van Allen attorney, skillfully guided the bill through the North Carolina Legislature.  It was later signed into law by Governor Mike Easley.