Social Services
 

About the Association

Membership
Members of the association are attorneys who represent county departments of social services in North Carolina, attorneys employed by the state who are resources for county social services attorneys, and School of Government faculty who work in the area of social services law. 

Members practice in a variety of settings. A growing number of social services departments employ one or more full-time, in-house attorneys. In some counties, one or more attorneys in a county attorney's office are assigned to do social services work. And some counties retain or contract with private attorneys or firms for legal services. Sometimes the social services attorney also serves as attorney for the county's child support enforcement program. 

How to Join
Attorneys who represent county social services departments are deemed to be members of the association. The only step required to join is to notify the School of Government of the following: 
  • Name 
  • County DSS you represent 
  • Mailing address 
  • Telephone number 
  • Fax number 
  • Email address 
    • The information should be sent to Jessica O'Sullivan, Program Manager, at sullivan@sog.unc.edu or provided to her by calling 919.843.8981.
    Officers
    The association elects officers each year at its Winter/Spring conference. 

    Officers for 2009-2010 are:

    President
    Samantha Cabe, Orange County and Chatham County
    Vice-President
    Julia B. Southwick, Wake County
    Secretary
    Terri Martin, Columbus County
    Treasurer
    Jane Thompson, Assistant Attorney General

    Dues
    The association does not assess regular dues. Infrequently there have been requests for voluntary payment of modest dues.
    Activities
    • The association's primary activities are its two annual conferences. 
    • Many members participate in the DSS Attorneys' listserv. 
    • The association has a representative on the AOC's Court Improvement Program Advisory Committee. 
    • When the legislature is in session association members monitor and share information about proposed legislation.
    Directory of Social Services Attorneys
    Directory of Social Services Attorneys (updated October 2009)

    These directories are intended only for official business by social services attorneys. 

    To correct or update your directory information, please download this

    Roster Update Form or contact Jessica O'Sullivan at sullivan@sog.unc.edu, or 919.843.8981.