Isabelle Chammas Inducted into North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society

Ward and Smith is proud to announce that attorney Isabelle Chammas has been inducted into the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society in recognition of her outstanding commitment to providing legal services to those in need.

The North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society recognizes attorneys who contribute at least 50 hours of qualifying pro bono legal service during the year, in accordance with Rule 6.1 of the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct. Isabelle far exceeded that benchmark, providing 87 hours of pro bono legal service in 2025.

Her pro bono work included representing, alongside Ward and Smith attorney Chris Edwards, a state inmate in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina in a court-appointed civil rights action arising from a sexual assault by a correctional officer. Following an evidentiary hearing, the court granted the client’s motion for default judgment and awarded compensatory damages.

Isabelle also participated in a collaborative initiative sponsored by Legal Aid of North Carolina and the North Carolina Bar Foundation to help low-income property owners establish clear title to their homes and land. Working with fellow Ward and Smith attorney Ryal Tayloe, she assisted a Wilmington homeowner in securing clear title to her property, helping preserve a valuable family asset.

The recognition also reflects Ward and Smith’s longstanding commitment to community service and expanding access to justice. During 2025, 39 Ward and Smith attorneys collectively contributed more than 535 hours of pro bono legal service to clients and organizations across North Carolina.

The firm congratulates Isabelle on this well-deserved recognition and thanks all of its attorneys who dedicate their time and talents to serving their communities through pro bono work.

About the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society

Established by the North Carolina Pro Bono Resource Center, the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society recognizes attorneys who provide at least 50 hours of qualifying pro bono legal service each year. Honorees receive recognition from the Supreme Court of North Carolina for their commitment to expanding access to justice and serving individuals who are unable to afford legal representation. The Honor Society celebrates the legal profession’s commitment to volunteer service while encouraging attorneys across the state to support their communities through pro bono work.