The coming absence in Chapel Hill’s legal community created by the retirement of Dorothy Bernholz, creator and director of UNC’s Carolina Student Legal Services, truly marks the end of an era. “Dottie,” as students have known Bernholz for years, has literally built Student Legal Services from the ground up.
As the Board of Directors of CSLS searches for her replacement, they should keep Dottie’s legacy in mind.
In a world of increasingly intricate legal policies affecting students, the most important characteristic her successor should possess is the ability to navigate the sea of town and state policies that affect students’ day-to-day lives.
Being proactive has also highlighted Bernholz’s career at Carolina. According to Bernholz, the new director must be on top of offering input on town policies as they relate to students. Being a proactive legal voice for students in advising on the creation and implementation of town policies should be a crucial component of any candidate.
However, Bernholz’s legacy in Chapel Hill encompasses much more than her legal counseling. To students that had the pleasure of interacting with her, Bernholz has embodied the meaning of the phrase “above and beyond.” Bernholz’s expertise in student legal counseling is unparalleled, yet no interaction with her leaves a student feeling talked down to. Following her precedent, Bernholz’ successor must be at once legal adviser and friend to students.
In its search for Bernholz’s successor, the board of CSLS should take extra care to find a candidate that brings both the legal expertise and personable demeanor that has highlighted Dottie’s career. A successor may be found, but Dottie Bernholz’ spot in the Carolina community will never be replaced.
