The downturn in the economy has the group that provides legal help for the poor in North Carolina expecting more clients.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Tuesday that the expected increase in need comes as Legal Aid of North Carolina faces a drop in donations and grant money because of the recession.

Attorney Victor Boone in Raleigh's Legal Aid office says his office is seeing more unemployment insurance appeals, foreclosures and efforts by creditors to collect. Boone says his office can't help everyone.

Lawyers are guaranteed for the poor in criminal matters, but that doesn't include civil issues such as foreclosures, adoptions, child custody issues, domestic violence and workplace discrimination.

Legal Aid of North Carolina has with 23 offices around the state and a staff of 250.