The First Seven Days as a Parent Defender

This guide focuses on what parent attorneys in G.S. 7B juvenile abuse, neglect, and dependency proceedings should do in the first week after being appointed. Strategies are explored that will improve client representation and help attorneys better manage their workloads and stress; these strategies include the use of various templates—examples of which are included in the guide. This guide offers practical tips and highlights concrete steps that parent attorneys can incorporate into their practices to hit the ground running early, including setting up a file, reaching out to the client, conducting discovery, and preparing for court.