WHO WE ARE
Meet our Consultant
S.M. Kernodle-Hodges
S. M. Kernodle-Hodges is a Principal and Senior Consultant at Tolliver, Richardson & Kernodle, LLC in Raleigh, specializing in project management, compliance, regulatory reform, advocacy, mediation, law enforcement dialogue facilitation, and community engagement. She is also the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the North Carolina Justice for All Project. She played a key role in the 2023 launch of the Wake County Legal Support Center, where she served as Program Coordinator and Clerk, leveraging her extensive municipal experience to oversee and coordinate legal projects. Currently, she is the Operations Officer for Insightful Visionaries, Inc., which promotes community awareness through advocacy, education, wellness, arts and entertainment to empower persons living with disabilities.
With over a decade as a Criminal Justice Official, Kernodle-Hodges holds an Associate of Science in Administrative Justice from Patrick Henry Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Sociology from Averett University. She also earned a graduate certificate from Duke University’s Law Studies Paralegal Program and is a North Carolina Certified Paralegal (NCCP).
Her credentials include recognition as a North Carolina Certified Municipal Clerk (NCCMC), Superior and Federal Court Mediator, Ombudsman, FINRA Arbitrator, Credentialed Advocate (CA), and Victim Services Practitioner (VSP). A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Kernodle-Hodges completed the University of South Florida’s DEI program and actively promotes equity within her organization and community.
Beyond her professional roles, Kernodle-Hodges is deeply committed to public service. As a Guardian ad Litem in Wake County, she advocates for children’s rights. She serves the legal community as a co-chair of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Pro Bono Awards Committee. She is also a Director for the Pauli Murray LGBTQ+ Bar of North Carolina and a Board Member of the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification.
Her volunteer work also includes supporting the North Carolina Emergency Management Team, serving as a COVID Medical Volunteer, and contributing to the Hope4Healers Program to assist healthcare workers and teachers during crises. She also helped establish the Pro Bono Asylum Clinic through the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, assisting Afghan parolees in securing residency and making a lasting impact on the community.
Mission & Values
Our mission is to deliver exceptional legal services and conflict-resolution solutions that empower individuals, families, and communities. We are committed to advancing justice, equity, and well-being, fostering positive outcomes that create lasting impact.
Our core values guide every aspect of our work:
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Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards in all that we do, ensuring transparency, honesty, and fairness in our legal and advocacy efforts.
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Client-Centered Approach: We place our clients at the heart of our practice, tailoring solutions to meet their unique needs and providing compassionate, personalized support.
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Justice & Equity: We are dedicated to advocating for the rights of vulnerable populations, working tirelessly to ensure access to justice and equitable outcomes for all.
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Collaboration & Community Engagement: We believe in the power of partnerships and actively collaborate with organizations, agencies, and communities to drive positive change.
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Innovation: We embrace forward-thinking strategies and innovative legal approaches to solve complex issues and create lasting resolutions.
Our mission is to combine our extensive legal expertise with our deep commitment to social justice, helping individuals and communities overcome their legal challenges with confidence, dignity, and hope.