Local public defender attorney duo Named “OpenDoors Laureate of the Year” recipients

Press release:

(Asheville, NC) – Two local attorneys and active community service volunteers  – Yolanda Fair and Martin Moore – will be honored as “Laureates of the Year” on Saturday, March 5th, during a special awards ceremony. The award, presented by the local not-for-profit organization OpenDoors of Asheville, is reserved for outstanding individuals in the greater WNC community who are passionate champions of education and act as exemplary, dedicated advocates for children and families challenged by multigenerational poverty.

Attorney Yolanda Fair became a Public Defender to help others understand and navigate the criminal justice system. She believes that everyone, regardless of economic status, is entitled to legal representation and should have an advocate who cares about their rights and works hard to protect them.  As a Public Defender in Buncombe County she has resolved more than 900 cases. Among the many types of cases she has worked and functions she has carried out, Ms. Fair has represented juveniles charged with criminal offenses and indigent adults charged with misdemeanors, while also advocating for juvenile clients in family team meetings. Ms. Fair is also passionate about assisting and educating young people, believing that every child deserves equal access to education and a well-rounded curriculum. Originally from Durham, NC, Ms. Fair holds a BA in International Relations from Tufts University and a law degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. In her free time she enjoys capoeira, which is a Brazilian martial art; playing ukulele; watching Tarheel sports; and teaching children at her church, the Rock Church of  Asheville.

Attorney Martin Moore, the son of a teacher, grew up believing that education and a strong work ethic were the foundation for long-term success and that every young man and woman deserves access to a quality education. He feels that there is a civic obligation to remove barriers for the next generation of students, whether those barriers are financial or academic. As a Public Defender for Buncombe County, he represents juvenile clients in felony and misdemeanor cases; adult defendants in all aspects of litigation in district and superior court; and clients in bond hearings. He also assists clients with obtaining mental health and substance abuse treatment. Mr. Moore, who was born in Georgia, raised in Maryland, and attended UNC-Chapel Hill before moving to Asheville, holds undergraduate degrees in both Political Science and Philosophy – in addition to his law degree. An avid fan of UNC sports, he enjoys spending his free time playing chess and guitar and volunteering within the community.

The Laureate of the Year award presentation takes place during the 7th Annual OpenDoors Art Affair fundraising celebration,  at the new Green Man Brewery facility located at 27 Buxton Avenue on Asheville’s South Slope. For more information please visit opendoorsasheville.org or call OpenDoors of Asheville at (828) 777-1135.