Pro Bono Spotlight: Sarah Beth Withers

Sarah Beth Withers is dedicated to bridging the justice gap in Eastern North Carolina. In 2017, She founded Inner Banks Legal Services, a non-profit law firm based in Historic Downtown Washington. Her goal was – and still is – to provide quality legal services for low-income and modest-means individuals and families who earn too much to qualify for Legal Aid of North Carolina’s services but may not earn enough to afford traditional legal fees. In just four years, she has helped over 400 families in Eastern North Carolina. Last year, Withers tracked over 225 pro bono hours locally. She is a committed servant leader, serving her team, her community, and her clients with compassion, professionalism, openness, and grace.

Over the last four years, Withers has worked diligently to connect with attorneys, agencies, churches, and businesses in the community; she understands the critical partnerships needed to care for her neighbors. These relationships, coupled with Withers’ financial savvy and business acumen, have led to consistent, steady growth ensuring Inner Banks Legal Services’ longevity in Eastern North Carolina. In 2018, Withers recognized a need for family law services, hired the team to address that need, and expanded the office footprint. In 2020, the firm was granted funding to expand its legal specialties once again in order to offer pro bono legal services to domestic violence survivors – 20 individuals and families fleeing domestic violence received pro bono family law and bankruptcy services in the program’s first quarter alone. Thank you, Sarah Beth Withers, for your continued dedication to serving North Carolinians through Pro Bono!