Volunteer Lawyer Manual Middle Tennessee Edition February 2014
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Volunteer Lawyer Manual Middle Tennessee Edition February 2014
Transcript of Volunteer Lawyer Manual Middle Tennessee Edition February 2014
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Volunteer Lawyer Manual
Middle Tennessee Edition
February 2014
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Table of Contents
I. Program Overview………………………………………………………………...3
II. State Attorney Participation……………………………………………………….5
III. Legal Service Organizations………………………………………………………6
a. General Legal Help………………………………………………………..6
b. Arts………………………………………………………………………...8
c. Consumer and Debt………………………………………………………..9
d. Disability…………………………………………………………………10
e. Domestic Violence and/or Immigration………………………………….11
f. Elder……………………………………………………………………...13
g. Healthcare………………………………………………………………..15
h. Housing and Homelessness………………………………………………16
i. Human Rights……………………………………………………………18
j. Identity Theft…………………………………………………………….18
k. Immigration………………………………………………………………19
l. Pension Rights…………………………………………………………...20
m. Veterans………………………………………………………………….20
IV. Mediation Centers………………………………………………………………..22
V. Social Service Resources………………………………………………………...24
VI. Self-Represented Litigants Resources…………………………………………...31
VII. Other Legal Resources…………………………………………………………...34
VIII. Frequent Legal Topics and Potential Solutions………………………………….36
a. Birth Certificates…………………………………………………………36
b. Child Support and Family Issues………………………………………...37
c. Conservatorship and Power of Attorney…………………………………39
d. Criminal Issues and Expungement……………………………………….40
e. Domestic and Dating Violence…………………………………………..41
f. Driver’s License Issues…………………………………………………..43
g. Food Stamps……………………………………………………………..45
h. Homeless Veterans……………………………………………………….46
i. Immigration and Asylum………………………………………………...47
j. Landlord and Tenant Issues……………………………………………...49
k. Mental Illness and Addiction…………………………………………….50
l. Mortgage Fraud and Predatory Lending…………………………………51
m. Social Security Disability Benefits………………………………………52
n. Subsidized Housing and Home Ownership……………………………...53
o. Suicide Prevention……………………………………………………….54
p. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families………………………………55
q. Unemployment Benefits…………………………………………………56
r. Wage Garnishment Issues………………………………………………..57
IX. Legal Clinics in East Tennessee…………………………………………………58
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Program Overview
The Problem
More than 35 million Americans live below the poverty level, and another 10
million have incomes that are less than 25% higher than the poverty level. At least 40%
of these Americans have a legal problem of some kind each year. About 70% of low-
income Tennesseans experience some type of legal problem each year. Approximately
one million Tennesseans need legal counsel and cannot afford it. However, with only 75
or so Legal Aid attorneys, most of those low income individuals have limited or no
access to legal counsel. They often do not turn to the system for solutions because they
feel shut off from the legal system or believe the system will not help them.
Tennessee Access to Justice Commission
The Access to Justice Commission was created by the Supreme Court to develop
a strategic plan for improving access to justice in Tennessee that includes education of
the public, identification of priorities to meet the need of improved access to justice, and
recommendations to the Supreme Court of projects and programs the Commission
determines to be necessary and appropriate for enhancing access to justice in Tennessee.
The Commission unveiled its first strategic plan in 2010, the second in 2012, and the
third in 2014. One aspect of the strategic plan is to incorporate the faith-based
communities into the initiatives of the Access to Justice Commission.
The Tennessee Faith and Justice Alliance (TFJA)
The TJFA is a project of the Access to Justice Commission. It is an alliance of
faith-based groups in Tennessee who commit to providing legal resources to their
congregations and communities. The TFJA was created to align legal needs that surface
at local churches with local legal resources. The goal is to deliver legal services to those
who often seek assistance in non-legal settings such as a place of worship.
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Malpractice Insurance
• You have full malpractice coverage for any work you do through the TFJA.
• Please complete the Malpractice Insurance Form from the Acceptance Packet and
send it by email, fax, or mail to Christina Magráns, Pro Bono Coordinator. We
need the following information:
– Name and BPR Number of the volunteer attorney
– Type of case the volunteer attorney took
– What actions the volunteer attorney took on the case (also report this to
the program’s lead coordinator)
– Number of hours the volunteer attorney spent on the case
TFJA Contact Information
Christina Magráns
Pro Bono Coordinator
(615) 741-2687 x1414
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State Attorney Participation
State attorneys should be able to participate in the Faith-Based Initiative as we partner
with the legal service provider, TALS, to provide the attorneys with the required
malpractice insurance. Depending on the particular agency, state attorneys may have to
limit their participation to serving as a resource for legal referrals and basic legal
information, rather than taking on full representation. State attorneys should contact the
Access to Justice Commission regarding barriers to participation.
• Judicial Branch Attorneys
– The pro bono activities of Judicial Branch attorneys are governed by
Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 5 and Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-3-804.
– Although these attorneys are precluded from representing a client in court,
the rule and statute makes clear that these attorneys are still able to
participate in pro bono legal activities through an organized legal services
provider that provides malpractice insurance for that attorney.
• Attorney General’s Office Attorneys
– The pro bono activities of attorneys in the Attorney General’s Office are
governed by internal policies as well as Tenn. Code Ann. § 8-6-107.
– Similar to judicial branch attorneys, these attorneys may participate in pro
bono activities as long as they do so through an organized legal services
provider that provides malpractice insurance for that attorney. In addition,
the attorneys in this office also need to seek approval from their
supervising attorney to participate.
• Executive Branch Attorneys
– The pro bono activities of attorneys of executive branch agencies are
governed by the internal policies of each agency as well as Tenn. Code
Ann. § 23-3-102.
The statute makes clear that these attorneys are able to participate in pro bono legal
activities through an organized legal services provider that provides malpractice
insurance for that attorney, barring any restriction from the particular agency of which
they are employed.
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Legal Service Organizations
GENERAL LEGAL HELP
Compassionate Counsel
About: Compassionate Counsel is a Christian legal aid ministry that offers
free legal advice, guidance, and in select cases, representation to
those unable to pay for such services. There is also a monthly
clinic held at the Nashville Rescue Mission on the second Saturday
from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. See the Legal Clinic List for more.
Website: http://compassionatecounsel.org/
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (LAS)
About: LAS provides numerous beneficial services for people in middle
Tennessee.
Requirement for Services:
Clients who meet financial guidelines for low-income households
are eligible for assistance from LAET.
Clients who are 60 years of age or older are eligible for assistance
from LAET.
Contact: Call 1-800-238-1443 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or by visiting the
website at http://www.las.org/contact for different offices in
middle Tennessee. Please have referrals call before they come in.
Services: Family (involving domestic violence), employment (federal
income tax disagreements, wage claims, discrimination, and job
training courses), health (TennCare, Medicaid, and Medicare),
elder (nursing home issues, living wills, powers of attorney, and
some simple wills), housing (section 8 or public housing, evictions,
foreclosures, rental issues, unfair loans, homeowner counseling),
public benefits (SSI, Families First, food stamps, and
unemployment), debt (illegal collection methods and bankruptcy),
and legal counsel for nonprofit organizations. The Legal Aid
Societies publish informational brochures on legal issues and
helping yourself.
Website: http://www.las.org/ (general website)
http://www.las.org/booklets/ (Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and
the Cumberlands – use this for informational brochures only)
http://www.laet.org/Need-Help/Legal-Information.aspx (Legal Aid
of East Tennessee informational brochures)
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Legal Information for Tennesseans (LIFT)
About: LIFT is an online resource which can be used to search for legal
information, legal forms, and attorneys in Tennessee. Additionally,
the program allows Tennesseans to search library databases for
legal documents and to speak with local librarians about accessing
legal information in local libraries.
Contact: Contact the program at http://www.legalinfotn.org/webform/
contact-us.
Website: http://www.legalinfotn.org/
Nashville Lawyer Referral Service
About: If a client thinks he or she may have a legal issue or need an
attorney, the client may call and get referrals to appropriate
resources. Note that there may be a small fee involved depending
on the type of legal issue.
Contact: (615) 242-6546
Website: http://lawyer-referral.nashvillebar.org/
Nashville Pro Bono Program About: If you have a case that you cannot handle or cannot refer to another
member within the Alliance to handle, you may contact the
Nashville Pro Bono Program. It is a local program that coordinates
the provision of free legal representation to low-income clients.
Contact: (615) 244-6610
Website: http://www.las.org/probono/npb
Southeast Legal Services
About: This resource provides access to forms that a person without an
attorney can use in court. Accessible documents and information
covers the areas of general court information, divorce, estate,
landlord-tenant, housing, and guardianship issues.
Website: http://www.selegal.org/
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Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) About: TALS is an alliance of the federally-funded legal aid programs,
independent providers of civil legal services, and supporting
agencies in Tennessee.
Services:
Online TN Justice
People in need of legal services may access this resource at
http://www.onlinetnjustice.org/. The system screens clients for
eligibility and, if qualified, allows them to post a question to a
private messaging system. The questions are answered by private
attorneys volunteering their time. A client using OnlineTNJustice
has the ability to check the system for answers at any time. Only
the name of the client is shared with the volunteer attorney
assisting them.
aLEGALz
This free legal hotline assists Tennesseans in finding resources to
deal with civil legal issues. Those who cannot afford a lawyer may
call the line at 888-aLEGALz (1-888-253-4259) and leave a
message at any time. Calls will be returned by a licensed
Tennessee lawyer.
Contact: 50 Vantage Way, Suite 250, Nashville, TN 37228
(615) 627-0956
Website: http://www.tals.org/
ARTS
Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts (VLPA)
About: VLPA provides legal assistance and education to low-income
artists and non-profit arts organizations statewide. VLPA operates
on an ongoing basis assisting clients both in-house through our
volunteer legal associates and legal interns or by matching them
with a pro bono volunteer lawyer. They also host quarterly legal
clinics in the community.
Contact: Casey Summar, Executive Director
1900 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37212
Website: http://www.abcnashville.org/programs/vlpa
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CONSUMER AND DEBT
State of Tennessee Consumer Affairs Division About: This resource allows those in need to access resources and
information to file complaints with businesses.
Requirement: The consumer must live in Tennessee, or the business must be
located in Tennessee. Consumers are urged to contact the business,
its manager, and owner/headquarters before filing a complaint.
Services: After unsuccessfully talking with the business, its manager, and its
owner/headquarters, consumers may file a complaint with the
Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs. Complaint forms are
available online.
Contact: 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-4737
Website: www.tn.gov/consumer/complaint.shtml
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DISABILITY
Disability Law and Advocacy Center (DLAC)
About: DLAC advocates for the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities to
ensure that they have an equal opportunity to be productive and
respected members of our society.
Services: For people who qualify, DLAC may be able to assist with
problems related to disabilities including:
Abuse and neglect outside of the home
Discrimination in housing, transportation, employment
Access to public and private programs and services
Access to mental health, rehabilitation and support services
Access to appropriate education programs and services
Obtaining and utilizing assistive technology services and
devices
Access to vocational rehabilitation services that promote
employment and independence
Requirements: All people with disability-related concerns are eligible for
information and referral services. Acceptance of direct advocacy
and legal cases must be determined by federal guidelines and
public-driven priorities.
Contact: 2416 21st Avenue South, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37212
(615) 298-1080 or 1-800-342-1660 (toll free) [email protected]
Website: http://dlactn.org/
Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
About: This website provides a way for families and individuals to find
disability resources and services in Tennessee.
Contact: (800) 640-4636
Website: http://kc.vanderbilt.edu/pathfinder/
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND/OR IMMIGRATION
An Abuse, Rape, Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection
About: This is a resource that lists resources available including shelters
and safe houses to domestic violence victims by county. Visit the
website below for local contact information depending on what
resources are required.
Contact: [email protected]
Website: http://www.aardvarc.org/dv/states/tndv.shtml
Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund
About: This program assists victims of crimes or, in the case of a victim's
death, their dependent relatives. These payments are intended to
defray the costs of medical services, loss of earnings, burial costs,
and other financial losses incurred as a direct result of personal
injuries sustained by a criminal offense. Eligible crimes generally
include, but are not limited to, homicide, aggravated assault, sexual
assault, robbery by force, and drunk driving.
Contact: 14th Floor, Andrew Jackson Building, 502 Deaderick Street,
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-2734
Website: http://www.treasury.state.tn.us/injury/
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Sexual Assault Center of Nashville, Tennessee
About: This resource provides services for victims and survivors of sexual
assault and abuse. Services include victim advocacy, resource
referrals, education, and a crisis hotline.
Contact: Contact online at http://www.sacenter.org/About-Us/Connect/
(615) 259-9055
24-hour crisis hotline at (800) 879-1999
Website: http://www.sacenter.org/Home/
Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
About: This Coalition provides civil legal services to sexual assault and
domestic violence victims, including services for immigrants. The
Coalition takes court referrals, walk-ins, and outside referrals. Call
on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm to
complete an intake.
Services: Clients who are sexual assault victims may receive help with civil
legal issues relating to the sexual assault, including assistance with
divorce and breaking a lease. Clients who are immigrants and are
victims of domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking may
receive help with immigration issues as well. The Coalition also
provides some emergency services regardless of immigration
status at 800-289-9018 or www.tncoalition.org/#/findhelp.html.
Contact: Robin Kimbrough, Legal Counsel
2 International Drive, Suite 425, Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 386-9406 or (800) 289-9018 (toll free)
Website: http://tncoalition.org/
Tennessee Economic Council on Women
About: This resource provides a directory for resources for domestic
violence. Resources include 24 hour hotlines, information on
Criminal Injuries Compensations, assault centers, and local
resources.
Contact: 24-hour crisis hotline at 1-800-799-7233
Website: http://tn.gov/sos/ecw/domestic_sexual_violence.html
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WomensLaw.Org
About: This resource provides services and information on laws that
impact domestic violence victims. Legal topics include restraining
orders, divorce, child custody, guns, parental kidnapping, and
crimes. Tribal and religious laws impacting domestic violence are
also included.
Website: http://www.womenslaw.org/gethelp_state_type.php?type_id=1638
&state_code=TN
Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA)
About: The YWCA offers victim advocacy, bilingual services, safety
planning and crisis intervention, education on domestic violence,
referrals, and more.
Contact: 1608 Woodmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37215 (mailing)
Website: http://ywcanashville.com/
ELDER
Council on Aging of Greater Nashville
About: The Council addresses the unmet needs of older adults and
caregivers through information, advocacy and education as well as
by being a catalyst for comprehensive solutions.
Contact: 95 White Bridge Road, Suite 114, Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 353-4235
Website: http://www.councilonaging-midtn.org/
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Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability Services: Access information on health needs and available services; get
information on Alzheimer’s and dementia; report cases of elder
abuse; contact an advocate for the elderly in a facility; get
information on guardianship issues; get counseling on Medicare;
access a directory of Senior Centers; find information on home
makers, personal care, and meal delivery; access Tennessee SHIP
(State Health Insurance Assistance Program); and find local
services providers.
Contact: Laverdia McCullough, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-2056
Website: www.tn.gov/comaging
www.tnmedicarehelp.com/index.aspx (Tennessee SHIP)
Tennessee Ombudsman Program
About: This program helps residents and families resolve questions or
problems by providing information on the admission process to
nursing or assisted living facilities, by advocating for solutions, by
working with and making referrals to other agencies, and by
clarifying facility policies and regulations. The program can
address concerns regarding qualify of care, financial information,
resident rights, admissions, transfer, and discharge. Also included
are questions regarding nursing homes, homes for the aged,
assisted care living facilities, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Contact: Laura Brown, State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
502 Deaderick Street, 9th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 253-4392 or 877-236-0013
Website: http://www.tn.gov/comaging/ombudsman.shtml
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HEALTHCARE
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
About: This agency is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services and leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral
health of the nation.
Contact: To find helpful resources nearby, visit http://beta.samhsa.gov/find-
help or http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/. Call (800) 662-HELP
(4357).
Website: http://beta.samhsa.gov/grants
Tennessee Justice Center (TJC)
About: The TJC is a non-profit, public interest law and advocacy firm
serving families in need. TJC gives priority to policy issues and
civil cases in which the most basic necessities of life are at stake,
and where advocacy can benefit families statewide.
Focus: TJC focuses on providing services to those who are in need of
TennCare or who are already eligible for TennCare. TJC helps
low-income families obtain essential health care, food aid, and
family assistance. TJC also provides information to the uninsured
and provides information on the Affordable Care Act. TJC does
not assist people with private insurance.
Requirements: To qualify for assistance, clients must be uninsured or potentially
eligible for or already receiving TennCare.
Contact: 301 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 255-0331 or 1-877-608-1009 (toll free)
Website: http://www.tnjustice.org/
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HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
Mortgage Assistance Hotline About: This resource provides assistance for homeowners facing
foreclosure and mortgage issues. The hotline is staffed Monday
through Friday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm CST.
Services: Callers can get free counseling over the phone or a referral for in-
person counseling at a local nonprofit. This program provides
relief to eligible homeowners such as loan modifications,
refinance, forbearance, and short sales. The program also sets out
new servicing standards for the servicers to implement to improve
communications with these servicers.
Contact: (855) 876-7283
Website: http://tn.gov/attorneygeneral/
Nashville Project Homeless Connect (PHC)
About: PHC links homeless individuals and families with the resources
needed to help them move toward housing and self-sufficiency.
PHC utilizes a database of volunteer organizations, individuals,
and agencies which provide services including medical, dental,
vision, and mental health care; legal assistance; help with various
benefits programs; food; and information and referral for housing.
Website: http://www.nashville.gov/Social-Services/Homelessness-
Commission/Initiatives-And-Programs/Project-Homeless-
Connect.aspx
National Alliance to End Homelessness About: This Alliance works with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors
to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and
policies that help communities achieve the goal of ending
homelessness.
Contact: 1518 K Street NW, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20005
(202) 638-1526
Website: http://endhomelessness.org/
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National Coalition for the Homeless
About: This resource links people who are currently experiencing or who
have experienced homelessness with activists and advocates,
community-based and faith-based service providers, and others
who are committed to preventing and ending homelessness,
ensuring the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness
are met, protecting civil rights.
Services: Justice in the areas of housing, economics, healthcare, and civil
rights through public education, policy advocacy, and grassroots
organizing.
Contact: 2201 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20037
Website: http://nationalhomeless.org/
Tennessee Fair Housing Council
About: This Council takes complaints of housing discrimination,
investigates those claims, counsels the clients, and sometimes
provides representation. The Council serves the counties of
Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson,
and Wilson.
Contact: (615) 874-2344
Website: http://www.tennfairhousing.org/
Tennessee Human Rights Commission
About: In addition to providing other services, the Human Rights
Commission helps those who believe they have been discriminated
against in the context of housing issues.
Contact: 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 23rd floor, Nashville, TN 37243
(800) 251-3589
Website: http://tn.gov/humanrights/
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HUMAN RIGHTS
Tennessee Human Rights Commission
About: This Commission is responsible for enforcing the Tennessee
Human Rights Act and the Tennessee Disability Act which
prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, and public
accommodation on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin,
religion, sex, disability, familial status (housing only) and age (40
and over in employment). The Commission is also responsible for
coordinating the state’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination based on race,
color and national origin by state agencies receiving federal
financial assistance.
Contact: 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, 23rd floor, Nashville, TN 37243
(800) 251-3589 (general information) or (800) 325-9664 (housing)
Website: http://tn.gov/humanrights/
IDENTITY THEFT
Criminal Investigation Division
About: This website is a guide that provides victims of identity theft with
access to major resources to contact in order to protect their
identity from further theft, details the steps victims should take,
and provides contact information for additional resources.
Contact: 1148 Foster Avenue, Cooper Hall, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 251-5166
Website: http://www.tn.gov/safety/cididtheft.shtml
Federal Trade Commission
About: This commission prevents unfair, anticompetitive, or deceptive
business practices. This commission accepts complaints for
identity theft and consumer issues.
Contact: 1-877-382-4357.
Website: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#&panel1-1
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IMMIGRATION
Catholic Charities
About: This resource provides assistance to children, Hispanics, seniors,
immigrants, refugees, and more. Services include assistance
completing forms, obtaining resources, education, financial
literacy, parenting education, crisis intervention, case management,
referrals, interpreter services, counseling, and adoption services.
Contact: Donna Gann, at (615) 760-2778 OR [email protected]
10 S. 6th
Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Website: http://cctenn.org/
Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON)
About: JFON is a faith driven ministry, welcoming Immigrants into our
communities by providing high quality immigration legal services,
education, and advocacy.
Services: JFON specializes in U-Visas, T-Visas, and Special Juvenile Visas.
JFON holds monthly intake clinics at local churches, but there is
no geographical service limitation. JFON’s waiting list is very
long, so call (615) 823-1945 and leave a message requesting an
appointment.
Contact: Adrienne Kittos, Legal Director
2195 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 835-2512
Website: www.tnjfon.org
Southern Migrant Legal Services
About: Southern Migrant Legal Services is a project of Texas RioGrande
Legal Aid to provide free legal services to migrant and seasonal
farm workers. The Nashville office serves the entire state of
Tennessee.
Services: SMLS focuses on worker’s compensation, immigration, U Visas, T
Visas, and abandoned children.
Contact: 311 Plus Park Boulevard, Suite 135, Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 750-1200 or (866) 721-7828 (toll free)
Website: http://www.trla.org/office/nashville-smls
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Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition
About: The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition is a
statewide, immigrant and refugee-led collaboration to help
immigrants and refugees develop a unified voice, defend their
rights, and create an atmosphere in which they are recognized as
positive contributors to the state.
Services: Community education on immigration issues, promotion of
involvement and advocacy in the legislative process involving
changes in immigration law, immigrant integration, promotion of
community dialogue about immigration issues, and promotion of
youth involvement in immigration issues.
Contact: 446 Metroplex Drive, Building A, Suite 224, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 833-0384
Website: http://www.tnimmigrant.org/
PENSION RIGHTS
Mid-America Pension Rights Project
About: The Mid-America Pension Rights Project is a project of Elder Law
of Michigan. This resource helps those with pension issues
including denials.
Services: This resource finds and calculates retirement benefits, explains and
advises clients on pension rights, investigates denials, and resolves
pension and retirement benefit issues for those with pension issues.
Contact: 1-866-735-7737 from 9:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Website: www.mid-americapensions.org
VETERANS
American Bar Association Commission on Homelessness and Poverty, Veterans’
Directory
About: The American Bar Association’s initiative on homelessness and
poverty created a directory of resources for veterans.
Website: www.ctdol.state.ct.us/veterans/LegalServices.pdf
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National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
About: NVLSP is a nonprofit organization that works to ensure that the
government delivers benefits to veterans and active duty personnel
who have disabilities resulting from their military service.
NVLSP’s current pro bono initiative is to assist veterans with
applications for Combat-Related Special Compensation.
Services: NVLSP provides free legal help for veterans regarding disability
claims and provides a list of law firms that participate in this
program.
Contact: P.O Box 65762, Washington, DC 20035
(202) 265-8305
Website: http://www.nvlsp.org/
Stateside Legal, Directory of Legal Assistance About: Service members, veterans, family members, and advocates can
find easy-to-use legal information, self-help legal resources, and
networking tools.
Services: This resource provides free information on divorce, custody,
veteran’s benefits, training and re-employment opportunities, and
legal rights of service women.
Contact: http://statesidelegal.org/
Website: Visit www.statesidelegal.org/links#legal for a directory of legal
services.
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Mediation Centers
Community Health Mediation Services
Nelsie Wooden, MS, COO, Rule 31 Mediator
507 Main Street, P.O. Box 209, Jacksboro, TN 37757
(423) 563-1040
http://www.communityhealtheasttennessee.com/
Community Mediation Center of Crossville
584 Highway 70 E, Crossville, TN 38555
(931) 484-0972
http://vorpmediation.org/
Contractor/Homeowner Accountability and Mediation Program
500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-4737
http://tn.gov/consumer/champ.shtml
Exchange Club Family Center, Inc.
Laurie Hoffma or Dawn Eaton
139 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37211
(615) 333-2644
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands
Gary Housepian, Executive Director and Iska Hoole, Managing Attorney
123 NW Atlantic Street, Tullahoma, TN 37388
(931) 455-7700
Mediation Center of Columbia
Shawn Snyder, Executive Director
#1 Public Square, Suite 10, Columbia, TN 38401
(931) 840-5583 or (931) 380-1059
http://www.columbiamediation.org/
Mediation Center of Crossville
(931) 840-5583
Mediation Services of Putnam County 117 S. Jefferson Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 528-7145
Mid-South Mediation Services
Mary Ellen Bowen, Executive Director
P.O. Box 13, Hohenwald, TN 38462
(931) 796-7053 or (931) 796-0487
View all 7 offices at http://midsouthmediationservices.org/contacts.html
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Nashville Conflict Resolution Center
Tamara A. Losel, Executive Director
4732 W. Longdale Drive, Nashville, TN 37211
P.O. Box 110801, Nashville, TN 37222
(615) 291-6272 or (615) 333-8400
http://www.nashvilleconflict.org/
Natalie Riley, Rule 31 Mediator
11A South Jefferson Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501
(931) 267-9791
*Child access and visitation issues only*
Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency
P.O. Box 909, 312 Resource Road, Dunlap, TN 37327
1-800-852-6155
http://sethra.us/
Sumner Mediation Services
Doris Brocker, Executive Director
600 Small St., Suite 102B, Gallatin, TN 37066
(615) 206-7447
http://www.tennmediators.org/pg62.cfm
24
Social Service Resources
GENERAL SOCIAL SERVICE HELP
Metropolitan Social Services
About: This resource provides information, referrals, counseling, case
management, homeless services, senior nutrition, homemaker
services, burial services, planning, and coordination.
Contact: 800 2nd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 862-6400
Website: http://www.nashville.gov/Social-Services.aspx
Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency
About: This non-profit organization is committed to helping individuals
and communities become more self-sufficient.
Contact: 1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 331-6033
Website: http://www.mchra.com/About.php
National Directory of Resources for the Needy
About: The Homeless Shelter Directory is not just for the homeless but for
the needy in general. The directory gives you access to many
different resources for the needy.
Services: A directory is available to help find resources for homeless
shelters, homeless service organizations, monetary assistance,
transitional housing, free dental and medical clinics, treatment
centers, outreach centers, day centers, relief organizations,
resources for the abused and for victims of domestic violence, food
pantries, food banks, and soup kitchens.
Website: www.HomelessShelterDirectory.org
25
United Way’s East Tennessee 211 Call Center
About: 2-1-1 is a referral help line for community services in Tennessee
and serves many counties statewide including Knoxville. It is
available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week and staffed by trained
specialists.
Services: 2-1-1 supports a database of more than 7,000 social, educational
and health services offered by nonprofits, government and public
agencies, community, civic and professional organizations, sliding-
scale clinics, and churches and congregations, among others.
Callers will reach counselors who can provide information and
referrals for social services, including the basics of food, utility
assistance, child care, etc. and numerous other social services that
are available in Tennessee.
Contact: Dial 2-1-1 or the alternate number, (865) 588-421
CONSUMER AND DEBT
NeedHelpPayingBills.com
About: This resource provides links to assistance for payment, settlement,
or elimination of bills including medical, housing, energy, and
prescription drug bills. The website also provides links to
charitable organizations and benefit programs that may help pay
for these bills or reduce the burden.
Website: http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/tennessee_assistance
_programs.html
DISASTER RELIEF
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) About: FEMA provides public assistance, grants, shelter, and other
resources to those who need disaster relief.
Contact: 500 C Street SW, Washington, DC 20472
(800) 621-3362
Website: http://www.fema.gov/
26
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
An Abuse, Rape, and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection
About: This is a resource that lists by county many resources available to
domestic violence victims. Examples include shelters, crisis
hotlines, victim advocacy programs, family crisis centers, and
more.
Contact: [email protected] or visit the website below for resource
center phone numbers in your county
Website: http://aardvarc.org/dv/states/tndv.shtml
Kymari House
About: This resource provides a secure and highly monitored location in
which families can complete visitation hours with their children.
Parents are highly supervised and records are kept of activities.
Contact: Complete an intake by calling (615) 594-1522.
Website: http://www.kymarihouse.org/
National Domestic Violence Hotline
About: This hotline provides compassionate support, crisis intervention
information and referral services in over 170 languages. Find
information about domestic violence, safety planning, and local
resources online.
Contact: 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233)
Website: http://www.thehotline.org/
27
Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence
About: This Coalition provides civil legal services to sexual assault and
domestic violence victims, including services for immigrants. The
Coalition takes court referrals, walk-ins, and outside referrals. Call
on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 8:30 am and 12:30 pm to
complete an intake.
Services: Clients who are sexual assault victims may receive help with civil
legal issues relating to the sexual assault, including assistance with
divorce and breaking a lease. Clients who are immigrants and are
victims of domestic violence, stalking, or human trafficking may
receive help with immigration issues as well. The Coalition also
provides some emergency services regardless of immigration
status at 800-289-9018 or www.tncoalition.org/#/findhelp.html.
Contact: Robin Kimbrough, Legal Counsel
2 International Drive, Suite 425, Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 386-9406 or (800) 289-9018 (toll free)
Website: http://tncoalition.org/
ELDER
Council on Aging of Greater Nashville
About: The Council addresses the unmet needs of older adults and
caregivers through information, advocacy and education as well as
by being a catalyst for comprehensive solutions.
Contact: 95 White Bridge Road, Suite 114, Nashville, TN 37205
(615) 353-4235
Website: http://www.councilonaging-midtn.org/
Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency
About: This non-profit organization is committed to helping individuals
and communities become more self-sufficient.
Contact: 1101 Kermit Drive, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37217
(615) 331-6033
Website: http://www.mchra.com/About.php
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HEALTHCARE
Artists’ Health Insurance Resource Center
About: This resource provides a database of health care resources for
artists, performers, freelancers and the self-employed. Access
information on clinics, financial assistance programs, private
insurance, and more at http://www.ahirc.org/categories/TN/view
Website: http://ahirc.org/
Health Assist Tennessee About: This resource provides Healthcare Navigation for the Uninsured,
Medical, and Social Service Interpreting Program, Children's
Advocacy Services, Medicare Part D Selection Assistance for
Adults with SPMI, and Cultural Competency Training for Medical
and Social Service Providers.
Contact: 1-800-269-4038
Website: http://www.healthassisttn.org/
Health Resources and Services Administration About: This resource allows clients to find federally funded healthcare
centers that aid the needy, including people that do not have any
health insurance.
Website: http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/Search_HCC.aspx
NeedyMeds About: This resource provides a free clinic list and resources to help with
prescription costs.
Website: http://www.needymeds.org/free_clinics. taf?_function=list& state
=tn
Ronald McDonald Houses
About: This resource provides housing with cleaning and meal services to
families with a child in the hospital so that parents can be near
their sick children.
Contact: (630) 623-7048
Website: http://www.rmhc.org/chapter-search
29
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS
Housing and Urban Development
About: This resource provides a directory for emergency shelters in
Tennessee for many people including those who are homeless,
have children, are domestic violence victims, or are dependent on
drugs. This resource also provides information for homeowners
who are elderly, veterans, or disabled; who face foreclosure; who
have trouble with predatory lending; or who have been
discriminated against in the context of housing.
Contact: It depends on the specific issue involved, so visit
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/contact to find the
appropriate contact information.
Website: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/tennessee/homeless/
shelters
Nashville Rescue Mission
About: The mission seeks to help the hurting in Middle Tennessee by
offering food, clothing, and shelter to the homeless and recovery
programs to those enslaved in life-degrading problems. Offered
programs include the Life recovery, shelter, emergency, and
educational services.
Contact: 639 Lafayette Street, Nashville, TN 37203 (mailing/men’s
campus)
1716 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37208 (women’s
campus)
(615) 255-2475
Website: http://www.nashvillerescuemission.org/
30
Room in the Inn’s Campus for Human Development About: This resource serves the temporarily and chronically homeless.
Services: Services, assistance, and programs cover the following areas:
shelter, housing, veterans’ drop-in center, rent and utility deposit
assistance, Jail Alternative Partnership, transportation aid, food,
personal care and hygiene aid, communication services, work
training, storage, transportation, education, spiritual reflection,
referrals, transportation, prescription filling, public benefits, and
support.
Website: http://roomintheinn.org/
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)
About: The THDA promotes the production of more affordable new
housing units for low and moderate income individuals and
families in the state, promotes the preservation and rehabilitation
of existing housing units for such persons, and brings greater
stability to the residential construction industry and related
industries so as to assure a steady flow of production of new
housing units.
Services: THDA offers a variety of programs including the Emergency
Repair Program for the Elderly, Emergency Solutions Grant
Program, HOME Program, Housing Trust Fund Competitive
Grants, Housing Modification and Ramp Program, Neighborhood
Stabilization Program, and Weatherization Assistance Program.
Contact: Coralee Holloway, Director of Community Programs
502 Deaderick Street, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 815-2030 or 800-228-THDA (toll free)
Website: http://thda.org/
Tennessee Housing Resource Directory
About: This website contains an online directory for housing resources.
The initiative is funded by THDA.
Contact: 1-866-973-3147, 8:00 am through 7:00 pm CST, Monday through
Friday (English or Spanish)
Website: http://tnhousingresource.org/Resources.html?content=regional
31
Self-Represented Litigants Resources aLEGALz
About: This resource was created by a coalition of Tennessee legal groups
and Memphis-based International Paper. Together, they have
joined forces to fund and operate a toll-free phone line offering
legal information and referrals to low-income Tennesseans.
Services: Low-income residents may call aLEGALz and leave a message
about their legal issue. An attorney will call you back and give you
information and/or resources that may be of help in addressing
your legal issue.
Contact: 1-888-aLEGALz (1-888-253-4259)
Website: http://www.tals.org/1-888-alegalz
Justice for All Tennessee
About: Justice for All Tennessee is a project of the Supreme Court. This
website provides information for those who cannot afford an
attorney and need legal help in civil cases.
Services: This resource provides legal information about the state court
system and how to find an attorney, court forms, information about
representing yourself in court, community resources, and court
alternatives. The site also provides informational videos to aid in
the court process and legal topics.
Contact: You may submit questions online if the site does not provide an
answer by going to www.justiceforalltn.com/contact.
Website: http://justiceforalltn.com/
32
Legal Aid Society Pamphlets and Information Online
About: The Legal Aid Society provides informational pamphlets and links
on helping yourself in civil matters. Call or visit your local Legal
Aid Society office for an informational pamphlet on your
particular legal issue. Currently, the Legal Aid Society offers
pamphlets and/or online information on general legal information,
food stamps, unemployment, Social Security, Conservatorships,
Juvenile Emancipation, Drivers Licenses, Wills, Powers of
Attorney, bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossession, bill collection,
garnishments, representing yourself in General Sessions, etc.
Contact: 1-800-238-1443
Website: http://laet.org/Need-Help/Legal-Information.aspx
http://www.las.org/booklets/ (Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and
the Cumberlands – use this for informational brochures only)
http://wtls.org/publications.htm (West Tennessee Legal Services)
Legal Information for Tennesseans (LIFT)
About: This is an online resource which can be used to search for legal
information, legal forms, and attorneys in Tennessee. Additionally,
the program allows Tennesseans to search library databases for
legal documents and to speak with local librarians about accessing
legal information in local libraries.
Contact: Contact the program at http://www.legalinfotn.org/webform/
contact-us.
Website: http://www.legalinfotn.org/
Online Tennessee Justice
About: Online Tennessee Justice is a joint project of the Tennessee
Alliance for Legal Services and the Tennessee Bar Association. It
is designed to increase low-income residents’ access to justice.
Services: Low-income residents may submit legal questions online. An
attorney will email you back and give you information and/or
resources that may be of help in addressing your legal issue.
Website: http://www.onlinetnjustice.org/
33
Self Help Center, Administrative Office of the Courts
About: This website provides information and videos about the court
system, finding an attorney, locating additional resources, finding a
mediator or court clerk, forms that may be used in court, links to
Tennessee law and court rules, and representing yourself in some
legal matters.
Website: http://www.tncourts.gov/programs/self-help-center
Southeast Tennessee Legal Services About: Southeast Tennessee Legal Services’ website offers free forms and
information for those who pursue legal actions without an attorney.
The website offers forms and information on the following areas of
law: property, estate planning, conservatorships, divorce, housing,
consumer issues, General Sessions Courts, Juvenile Court, Circuit
Court, Chancery Court, Orders of Protection, family, and more.
The site also offers booklets on whether you should represent
yourself, attorneys and limited representation, and judicial
commitment.
Website: http://www.selegal.org/self-help.htm
34
Other Legal Resources
Access to Justice Commission Attorney Training Videos About: The Access to Justice Commission (ATJC) has compiled several
informational videos to aid both attorneys and non-attorneys with
legal issues that frequently arise in pro bono cases. Video topics
for non-attorneys include information on foreclosure and on
General Sessions cases. Video topics for attorneys include
information on foreclosure, domestic violence, the Fair Debt
Collection Practices Act, debt collection, and legal services for
those with disabilities. The ATJC updates these videos
periodically.
Website: http://justiceforalltn.com/videos/
Interactive Tennessee Legal and Social Services Map
About: The Access to Justice Commission provides a map to help people
in need find local resources in their county on a map. Once the
local county has been selected, a list of resources appears.
Website: http://justiceforalltn.com/resources-location/map-view
Pro Bono Clinic in a Box
About: The Access to Justice Commission developed a Pro Bono Clinic in
a Box to help attorneys start a pro bono clinic. This web page
contains all the information and administrative forms an attorney
will need to begin operating a local pro bono clinic.
Website: http://justiceforalltn.com/i-can-help/clinic-box2
35
Tennessee Bar Association (TBA)
About: The TBA is dedicated to enhancing fellowship among the state's
legal community. The TBA offers members many programs and
services designed to assist in professional development. In
addition, the TBA endeavors to build a positive image for the
profession in the community.
Services: The TBA offers access to many different divisions, branches, and
leaders within the organization that may be of assistance to
attorneys. The website also offers helpful information regarding
pro bono work and even a link to the Access to Justice
Commission (“ATJC”).
Website: http://www.tba.org/ (general website)
http://www.tba.org/access-to-justice (link to ATJC)
http://www.tba.org/divisions-sections-committees (link to TBA
branches)
36
Frequent Legal Topics and Potential Solutions
BIRTH CERTIFICATES
Problem: Clients who do not have a copy of their birth certificate may
encounter problems in the context of employment, public benefits,
transportation, and more. Clients whose children’s birth certificates
contain errors encounter additional problems in the context of
education, travel, and medical care.
Solutions: While it is possible to fix an error or request a copy of a birth
certificate administratively, it may be necessary to take additional
steps including a Petition for a Change of Name. Clients may find
the following resources helpful:
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
333 1/2 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20003
1-800-VET-HELP (1-800-838-4357) http://nchv.org/index.php/
help/help/replacing_personal_records/.
Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records
1st Floor, Central Services Building
421 Fifth Avenue, North, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-1763 or 1-855-809-0072
http://health.state.tn.us/vr/.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
37
CHILD SUPPORT AND FAMILY ISSUES
Problem: During divorce proceedings, a judge can order one party to pay
child support to the other party and can approve of a parenting
plan. Child support may be set up almost like a garnishment, in
that tax returns and income may be taken out for the child’s benefit
before the paying party receives the funds.
Solutions: Clients who are seeking payment may find the following resources
useful:
If there have been 30 days of non-payment, clients may send a
written request to the court that issued the Child Support Order
so that the court may determine whether the paying party is in
contempt of court.
Access forms regarding child support that may be used in court
at http://tncourts.gov/node/2083351.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services manages Child
Support Enforcement Offices across the state. Visit
http://www.tn.gov/ humanserv/st_map_cs.html to find the
nearest office by county.
View monthly statements and processed payments online at
https://apps.tn.gov/tcses/.
For general information on child support, visit the Legal Aid
Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands’ website for
informational brochures (remember that this Legal Aid Society
does not serve east Tennessee) at http://www.las.org/booklets/
family_problems/child_support.
Clients who are paying may find the following resources useful:
For information on how much a client owes, call the Child
Support Services Office at 1-800-838-6911 (toll free) or the
Court Clerk’s office where the Child Support Order was
entered.
If a client wants to set up online payments, he or she should
visit https://tn.smartchildsupport.com.
View monthly statements and processed payments online at
https://apps.tn.gov/tcses/.
Clients who need information on parenting plans, mediation, child
custody, and other family issues may find the following resources
useful:
For forms that a client can use in court without an attorney,
38
visit http://www.selegal.org/Family%20Law.htm.
For information on divorce, child custody, parenting plans, and
more, visit the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the
Cumberlands’ website for informational brochures only at
http://www.las.org/booklets/family_problems/.
“Mediation Center” Section: many of the mediation centers
listed here also provide mediation services relating to divorce,
parenting plans, access and visitation schedules, and more.
Kymari House: provides a secure location for parents to meet
so that one parent can have visitation hours in a secure location
where a supervising monitor keeps records of the activities.
Complete an intake by calling (615) 594-1522.
For all other information, see the “Legal Clinics in Middle
Tennessee” Section. Many of these clinics give advice on family
matters.
39
CONSERVATORSHIP AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
Problem: Many low-income families encounter trouble when a member of
their family becomes unable to take care of personal matters. Many
times, this is due to age or disability. Before a person becomes
unable to care for his or her personal matters, a Power of Attorney
for medical and for financial matters can convey the person’s
rights to another person, and this Power of Attorney can become
irrevocable during periods when the person is incapacitated.
However, if there was no Power of Attorney in place, a
conservatorship can prevent exploitation of the vulnerable people
who cannot take care of their personal matters.
Requirements: A Power of Attorney is simply a document that a person uses to
assign his or her rights to another person. The person signing away
rights must be able to appreciate the gravity of that action during a
lucid moment. A conservatorship proceeding is adversarial in
nature because it strips rights away from one person who does not
have the capacity to consent and vests those rights in another
person. The conservator is appointed by the court if there is
sufficient medical documentation for the court to determine that
the conservatee is not able to take care of his or her matters
including financial and medical matters. Potential conservators
must disclose why they are best suited to be appointed conservator
and must disclose additional facts such as criminal records.
Solutions: Clients might find the following resources useful:
Find forms online that clients can use in court at
http://www.selegal.org/conservatorships1.htm.
For information on a Power of Attorney, visit
http://www.laet.org/getattachment/7622f31b-d992-4f8c-9e7f-
cbecc2e03845/What_Is_A_Power_Of_Attorney.aspx.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
40
CRIMINAL ISSUES AND EXPUNGEMENT
Problem: Low-income clients often find that prior and current criminal
issues present frequent barriers to other aspects of their daily lives
such as employment and housing.
Requirements: To be eligible to submit a petition for expungement of some non-
violent crimes (committed between November 1, 1989 and the
present), the client must have not been convicted of any other
crimes; there must be 5 years between the completion of the
sentence for the crime and expungement proceedings; all
requirements imposed by the court must be completed; and there
must be no previous expungements. For non-violent and non-
sexual crimes committed before November 1, 1989, the client may
be eligible to submit a petition for expungement if the client got a
determinate or indeterminate sentence of 3 years or less; and if
there are no previous expungements.
The expungement may be granted if the client was exonerated by
the governor, if charges were dismissed or dropped; if no true bill
was entered by a jury; if was a verdict of not guilty; if there was an
arrest without charges; if the client completed a pretrial diversion
program; if sentences or bond requirements were completed or
have expired; if the court entered a nolle prosequi; if the client
successfully defended an Order of Protection; or if the person has
only one charge before age 21. Sex crimes cannot be expunged.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
To access criminal records:
o Contact the Criminal Court Clerk listed in a directory at
http://www.tsc.state.tn.us/courts/circuit-criminal-
chancery-courts/clerks.
o Contact your local Appellate Court Clerk at
http://www.tncourts.gov/courts/appellate-court-clerks-
office/offices or if the case is pending, visit
http://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/public-
case-history.
To access expungement forms, visit:
o The Papillon Foundation, which gives veterans and
low-income people who have been incarcerated access
to expungement forms and resources online at
http://www.papillonfoundation.org/statespecificinfo/
tennessee.html.
To get assistance with expungement or correcting records,
contact the Knox County Public Defender’s Office at
41
http://www.pdknox.org/ or (865) 594-6120.
DOMESTIC AND DATING VIOLENCE
Problem: Domestic violence impacts people across all cultures, religions,
sexual orientations, genders, and relationships. Solutions such as
“just leave” are not effective with clients who are domestic
violence victims because of the cycle of domestic violence,
financial dependence, presence of children, cultural expectations,
religious reasons, shame, inaction or failure of law enforcement,
and many more factors.
Solutions: Clients who experience domestic violence may benefit from
Orders of Protection, divorce, and social services resources that
offer victim advocacy. Always counsel a client to keep himself or
herself safe as well as any children involved. Although there are no
complete solutions to domestic violence, clients may find the
following resources useful:
For basic information on domestic violence:
o View the Access to Justice Commission’s video at
http://justiceforalltn.com/videos/basics-domestic-
violence.
o View statistics on domestic violence and the Power
Wheel of Domestic Violence online at
http://www.ncadv.org/files/DomesticViolenceFactSheet
%28National%29.pdf.
For information regarding teen dating violence:
o Visit the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and
the Cumberlands’ informational brochure at
http://www.sitemason.com/files/ia95o4/Teen%20OP.
pdf.
For information to help your client stay safe:
o Visit the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and
the Cumberlands’ informational brochure at
http://www.sitemason.com/files/dvyw9O/WebStayingS
afe1009.pdf.
For information on Orders of Protection:
o For a generic guide on Orders of Protection, including
links to safety centers, information on child custody and
child support, visit http://www.selegal.org/guide
%20OOP.htm.
o To prepare a client for an Order of Protection Hearing,
visit the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and
the Cumberlands’ informational brochure at
http://www.sitemason.com/files/grg2He/OPhearingEng.
pdf.
42
o For information on getting an Order of Protection, visit
http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=59
0&state_code=TN&open_id=all.
o For forms that a client can use in court, visit
http://www.selegal.org/Protection%20Orders.htm or
call (423) 756-0128.
For information on divorce:
o For forms that a client can use in court, visit
http://www.selegal.org/divorce%20self-help.htm.
o For information on divorce, visit the Legal Aid Society
of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands’
informational brochure at http://www.las.org/booklets/
family_problems/divorce.
For victim advocacy services and emergency shelters, please
see the “Social Service Resources” Section on domestic
violence.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
43
DRIVER’S LICENSE ISSUES
Problem: Clients who do not have a valid driver’s license may encounter
problems in the context of employment, public benefits,
transportation, and more.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources helpful to obtain a new
driver’s license; to reapply for reinstatement after cancellation,
revocation, or suspension; or request driver records. Clients should
note that they may be required to bring in multiple forms of
identification, money for fees, etc.
To obtain a new driver’s license or renew:
o Apply online at https://www.tn.gov/safety/dlmain.shtml
or at https://apps.tn.gov/tndlr/.
o Apply in person at one of the local Department of
Motor Vehicles Office listed by location on the
following website: www.tn.gov/safety/driverlicense/
dllocationmain.shtml.
To reapply for a driver’s license after satisfying outstanding
requirements after cancellation, suspension, or revocation:
o Apply for reinstatement online at www.tn.gov/safety/
FinancialResponsibility/frlocations.shtml#mail or at
http://tn.gov/safety/FinancialResponsibility/frlocations.
shtml.
o Apply in person between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm EST at
1601 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN 37217.
o Check and pay outstanding requirements and fees at
https://apps.tn.gov/tndlr/.
o Call the Driver License Reinstatement Office at (615)
741-2541 or toll free at 1-866-903-7357 between 8:00
am and 4:30 pm CST.
o Mail a letter (with name, license number, birth date,
mailing address, and signature) to the Tennessee
Department of Safety and Homeland Security,
Financial Responsibility Division, P.O. BOX 945,
Nashville, TN 37202.
To request records of driving history, send name, birth date and
license number to:
o Request online for $7.00 at https://apps.tn.gov/pmvr/.
o Request in person for $5.00 at your local office listed at
www.tn.gov/safety/driverlicense/dllocationmain.shtml.
o Request by mail for $5.00 at Tennessee Department of
Safety, MVR Request, P.O. BOX 945, Nashville, TN
37202.
44
To rectify suspension of a driver’s license due to:
o DUI or DWI charges, the client will need to comply
with probation requirements and submit completion
records.
o Exceeding the maximum allowed points for moving
violations, the client may be able to take a class to
reduce the number of points.
o Failure to appear in court or pay a ticket, the client’s
bench warrant and/or contempt charge must be resolved
before the suspension may be lifted.
o Failure to pay child support, the client’s overdue
support needs to be addressed by payment and/or
agreement with the custodial parent.
o Homeland security issues, the client can correct
inconsistencies in name or Social Security number
records to lift a simple records-related suspension.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
45
FOOD STAMPS
Problem: Clients who have limited income may not be able to purchase
sufficient food and beverages. Food stamps are available for those
who qualify and may be used to offset the cost of food and to
increase the purchasing power of low-income clients.
Eligibility: The Department of Human Services (“DHS”) uses a gross and net
income test to determine if the client is eligible, and if so, how
much the benefit amount should be. DHS will consider your
monthly income and expenses (including rent/mortgage, utilities,
child support, medical, education, etc.) in making this decision.
Solutions: Clients should note that they must apply for food stamps. Clients
who apply for food stamps in person should also know that they
must bring (or submit within 10 days of application) Social
Security numbers and proof of identity, citizenship, income, and
expenses (rent/mortgage, utilities, child support, medical,
education, etc.). Clients may find the following resources helpful:
Apply online with the Department of Human Services (“DHS”)
for food stamps or get screened for potential eligibility at
http://tn.gov/humanserv/forms/FAApp.shtml.
Apply in person at your local DHS Office. Search for the
nearest office to you by county at http://tn.gov/humanserv
/st_map.html.
Call DHS toll free at 1-866-311-4287.
Access information on eligibility, the application process, and
appeals at http://tn.gov/humanserv/adfam/fs_1.html.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
46
HOMELESS VETERANS
Problem: The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans reports that about
12% of the homeless adult population consists of veterans. There
are several resources that focus on helping the veteran population
transition to housing or find assistance to sustain housing.
Eligibility: Depending on the resource listed below, clients must be veterans
and sometimes must also be homeless. Please also see the sections
in Legal Service Organizations and Social Service Resources that
pertain to veterans and/or housing and homelessness issues.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
Department of Veterans Affairs which can make referrals and
provide information on veterans’ services at (615) 741-2931.
Access the Homeless Veteran resource directory at
https://www.nrd.gov/homeless_assistance/states_and_territorie
s/tennessee.
Homeownership for the Brave: a program offered through the
Tennessee Housing and Urban Development Agency designed
to give relief to veterans in the form of lower mortgage interest
rates at http://www.thda.org/index.aspx?nid=479.
U.S. Housing and Urban Development offers a variety of
resources for those who are homeless or at risk to become
homeless at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/
tennessee/homeless/veterans.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
47
IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM
Problem: Immigration and asylum laws are very complicated and can carry
serious consequences to clients who do not comply with statutes.
There may be long wait times before decisions on visas, petitions,
other applications are finalized or issued. Additionally, people
called “notarios” who claim to help people “file papers” or “get
status” often practice law without a license and charge hefty fees
for services. Notarios often file documents for which the “client”
may not be eligible, and frivolous filing in these cases can have
penalties including sanctions, fraud charges, and bars to relief.
Information: This information was provided by Chay Sengkhounmany, an
attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the
Cumberlands for Middle Tennessee.
All cases involving immigration issues are complex, and
application for citizenship can be risky. Always consult with an
immigration expert in these types of cases.
People can become lawful permanent residents in many ways:
through a relationship with a family member or spouse
(“conditional residence”), employment, the “lottery” system, or
another special program. Applying for lawful permanent
residence through an employer is complicated; applying for
status through the lottery is easy but most applicants don’t win.
Getting status through a relative can be a very lengthy process,
depending on which relative applies for the noncitizen.
Noncitizens have these rights: to speak to an attorney before
answering questions or signing documents; have a hearing with
an Immigration Judge; have an attorney represent them at
interviews and hearings; and request release from detention.
If a client wishes to travel outside the U.S., counsel that client
to speak with an immigration expert first because even lawful
permanent residents and noncitizens may be barred from
reentry or swiftly removed due to travel outside the U.S.
Lawful permanent residents (those who hold “green cards” and
are authorized to work) may file petitions for lawful permanent
residence for themselves, spouses, and unmarried children.
Applicants under the Violence Against Women Act (victims of
abuse or extreme cruelty by a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent
resident spouse or parent), T visa applicants (victims or sex or
labor trafficking), or U visa applicants (crime victims) can get
permission to work, can receive certain federal public benefits
that many noncitizens do not get, and eventually may become
lawful permanent residents.
48
Applicants who are asylees (those whose petition is based on a
“well founded fear” of persecution in their homelands based on
race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a
social group) or refugees may apply for lawful permanent
residence after one year, but there is an annual limit to how
many asylees and refugees receive lawful permanent residence.
The laws involving people from Cuban, Haiti, Guatemala,
Nicaragua, El Salvador, Soviet Republic, and other Eastern
European Countries are even more complicated and involve
additional options for those immigrants.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
For advocacy services and assistance with immigration
proceedings:
o Catholic Charities: offers immigration and resettlement
advice, as well as legal representation for obtaining
legal status and in deportation proceedings. To set up an
appointment with Catholic Charities, the client can call
(615) 352-3087. Their address is 30 White Bridge Road
Nashville, TN 37205.
o Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual
Violence offers a legal clinic for immigrants. Call (615)
386-9406 or (800) 289-9018 Tuesday or Thursday from
8:30 to 12:30 to complete an intake.
o Justice for Our Neighbors: offers legal services and
guidance on immigration matters. They may be reached
at (615) 823-1945 or http://tnjfon.org/. An appointment
is required to meet with an attorney.
o Young Women’s Christian Association: offers a Victim
Advocacy Program with both civil and criminal legal
assistance. Call (615) 269-9922. Go online at
http://ywcanashville.com/.
For victims of “notarios,” identity theft, and similar issues:
Contact the Attorney General’s Office at (615) 741-3491.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
49
LANDLORD AND TENANT ISSUES
Problem: Many low-income Tennesseans face landlord-tenant issues due to
tensions between both parties’ struggle to meet financial
obligations and keep up with demanding responsibilities.
Requirements: If the county has 68,000 or more people, then URLTA applies
(Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-28-101 et seq.); if the county has less than
68,000 people, URLTA does not apply. In the context of public
housing, Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 13-20-101 applies.
A landlord may evict a tenant for non-payment of rent, abnormal
damage to the property, or commission of dangerous acts on the
property. In this case, the landlord must give 14 days’ notice. A
landlord could also evict a tenant for failure to surrender the
premises after the lease terminates, or breach under the lease which
triggers the landlord’s right to evict. In these cases, 30 days’ notice
is required. Landlords cannot shut off utilities, lock out tenants,
etc. even if the lease says so. To evict, a landlord must go to
General Sessions and get a Detainer Warrant.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
To file a complaint against a landlord in a county of 68,000
people or more, visit the state Department of Commerce and
Insurance at http://tn.gov/consumer/.
To file a complaint when the property is a member of the
Better Business Bureau, visit http://nashville.bbb.org/.
Call the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs Consumer
Hotline for concerns at (615) 741-4737.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
50
MENTAL ILLNESS AND ADDICTION
Problem: Many low-income families and individuals do not have insurance
or do not otherwise have access to mental healthcare or addiction
services.
Services: Clients may find the following resources useful in obtaining access
to mental health or addiction services:
AGAPE Link: a directory of mental health and addiction
recovery services in Tennessee. Visit
http://www.theagapecenter.com/Treatment-Centers/Tennessee.
htm.
Alcoholics Anonymous of Middle Tennessee: offers meetings
and support services to those struggling with alcohol
dependence. Visit http://www.aanashville.org/ for a meeting
schedule and support services. Call (615) 832-1136
or for those not in the (615) area code, call (800) 559-2252.
Nashville Behavioral Health Services Screening Program:
provides free counseling services for those with mental or
behavioral health issues. Appointments are preferred. Visit
Lentz Public Health Center, 311 23rd Avenue North, Room
211 in Nashville or call (615) 340-2172.
Nashville Rescue Mission: provides recovery, counseling,
faith-based, and substance abuse treatment services for men
and women who are chemically dependent. Call (615) 255-
2475.
Salvation Army Treatment Center for Men: call (615) 259-
1786.
Tennessee Department of Mental Health: offers services and
referrals for those with mental illnesses or with substance
abuse issues. Call (615) 741-3111, (615) 532-6500, or email at
For more resources, please see the “Social Service Resource”
Section.
51
MORTGAGE FRAUD AND PREDATORY LENDING
Problem: Especially after the recent housing crash, legal issues involving
foreclosures, predatory lending, and mortgage scams have become
more prominent.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the nearest
office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
To get advice, attend a local Legal Aid Society Clinic (See
Legal Clinics in Middle Tennessee, below).
If you need to file a complaint against a mortgage lender, mortgage
broker, or home improvement contractor who has engaged in
fraudulent or illegal activity with respect to their services, contact:
Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions (which has the
legal responsibility for ensuring that Tennessee financial
institutions remain fiscally strong and comply with governing
authority). Call (615) 741-2236.
Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance at
http://tn.gov/consumer/ or (615) 741-4737.
Federal Trade Commission (which also accepts complaints
regarding identity theft) at https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.
gov/#&panel1-1 or call 1-877-382-4357.
If the wrongdoer is a member of the Better Business Bureau,
visit http://nashville.bbb.org/.
52
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS
Problem: Clients who have disabilities are often unable to work and earn an
income. By applying for Social Security disability, eligible clients
with disabilities can receive financial assistance to offset their
inability to work and earn an income.
Eligibility: Clients must meet certain criteria in order to qualify as disabled
(the client must be unable to engage in any substantial gainful
employment, and the medical condition must either be expected to
last a year or end in death). Clients must submit medical
information, proof of identification and citizenship, employment
information (if any), workers compensation information, Social
Security number, and resource information (i.e. savings accounts).
Depending on certain factors such as work history, the client may
be required to fill out multiple forms or applications.
Solutions: Clients who have a disability must apply for benefits. Clients may
find the following resources useful:
Apply for Social Security disability benefits online at
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability/.
Apply for benefits over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213
between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.
Apply for benefits by calling to make an appointment at your
local office (find your local office at
https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp).
Frequently asked questions and “starter kit” to help applicants
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits_adult_eng.
htm.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
53
SUBSIDIZED HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP
Problem: Many who fall on hard times encounter difficulties in keeping their
housing. By turning to subsidized housing or to financial assistance
programs for homeowners, clients can avoid losing their homes or
suffering without utilities or food.
Eligibility: Eligibility depends on the program selected. For Public Housing or
for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), clients must be
employed for a full year and make at least $14,500, have no debt to
a housing agency, and must not have defaulted on a mortgage.
There are some exceptions for the elderly or disabled. For Public
Housing or for Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), clients will
need to know basic information about their tenants, rental history,
income estimates, and contact information to verify income. There
are often waiting lists, and once housing becomes available, the
client must pay the greater of 30% of net income or $50 per month.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
To apply for Public Housing or for Housing Choice Vouchers
(Section 8), contact your local Public Housing Agency at
http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/pha/contacts/states/tn.cfm.
NeedHelpPayingBills.com: provides clients with assistance for
payment, settlement, or elimination of bills including medical,
housing, energy, and prescription drug bills. The website also
provides links to charitable organizations and benefit programs
that may help pay for these bills or reduce the burden. Visit
http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/tennessee_assistanc
e _programs.html for more information.
Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Low-Income
Home Energy Assistance Program: one-time financial
assistance for those who have immediate heating and cooling
needs. Visit http://thda.org/index.aspx?NID=591 for more
information. Generally, clients must meet or be below 150% of the
Poverty Guidelines.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
54
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Problem: If a client threatens or contemplates suicide, the client needs access
to professional counseling or medical services.
Solutions: Clients who are contemplating suicide should call a crisis hotline:
National Suicide Hotline at (800) 784-2433, (800) 273-8255, or
for the hearing impaired at (800) 799-4889.
Mobile Crisis by county:
o Bedford, Cheatham, Coffee, Dickson, Franklin, Giles,
Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis,
Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Montgomery, Moore, Perry,
Robertson, Stewart, Wayne: Call 1-800-681-7444 for
Centerstone Community Mental Health Center
o Davidson: Call 615-726-0125 for Mental Health
Cooperative
o Bledsoe, Bradley, Cannon, Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb,
Fentress, Grundy, Hamilton, Jackson, Macon, Marion,
McMinn, Meigs, Overton, Putnam, Pickett, Polk, Rhea,
Rutherford, Sequatchie, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale, Van
Buren, Warren, White, Williamson, Wilson: Call 800-
704-2651for Volunteer Behavioral Health
Tennessee Crisis Line (state Department of Mental Health) at
(800) 809-9957 or (855) 274-7471.
55
TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES OR “FAMILIES FIRST”
Problem: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is also called
Families First. This state program provides monthly financial
assistance to low-income families for a maximum of 5 years (with
some exceptions to time counted against the 5 year maximum).
Eligibility: To be eligible, generally clients must complete a Personal
Responsibility Plan (“PRP”) which details that the client will keep
children in school, keep their healthcare up to date, cooperate with
child support requirements, and participate in work training. The
client’s child usually must either be less than 18 (or 19 if still in
school), a U.S. citizen and Tennessee resident, and the family must
meet an income test. Legal guardians or relatives (such as a
grandparent, aunt/uncle, sister/brother, or cousin) could also get
Families First if the child meets the other usual conditions and the
parent is absent, dead, incapacitated, unemployed, or
underemployed. Additionally, women who are at least 6 months
pregnant may be eligible for TANF/Families First. There also may
be a work requirement of 30 hours per week for adult recipients.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
To apply in person, find your local DHS Office at
http://www.tennessee.gov/humanserv/st_map.html.
Call your local DHS Office at 1-866-311-4287
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
56
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Problem: Clients who have suffered a reduction of hours at work or who
have lost their jobs through no fault of their own often struggle to
meet their financial obligations. Unemployment benefits can
provide clients with financial support while they actively look for
new employment.
Eligibility: If the client did not voluntarily quit and was not fired for good
cause, it is possible that the client qualifies for unemployment
benefits. The client must be available to work (the client is
physically able to work, has a way to get to work, and is ready to
accept a job) and must be actively seeking employment. Clients
will need to have information regarding their last employer,
information on the circumstances of the termination of
employment, work history details, and a Social Security number.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
Apply for unemployment benefits by phone at 1 (877) 813-
0950.
Apply for unemployment benefits online at https://ui.tn.gov/.
If a person is fired because of race, age, sex, handicap, or for
participating in protected activity such as filing a grievance or
participating in a workplace investigation, that person should
contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) at 1-800-669-4000.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
57
WAGE GARNISHMENT
Problem: Low-income clients often face a garnishment or levy when they are
behind on their financial obligations. A garnishment or levy might
be placed on income, property, legal judgments, bank accounts, tax
refunds, and more. However, a garnishment or levy might also
mean inability to pay for essentials such as food or housing.
Requirements: There are limits to the amount that can be garnished, and there are
several steps a client can take to lessen the impact of a
garnishment. For debts that are not related to taxes, bankruptcy, or
support of another person, the maximum is the lesser of 25% of
disposable wages, or the amount by which weekly wages are over
30 times the federal minimum wage. The garnishment may not be
made on public benefits such as disability benefits or Families
First.
Solutions: Clients may find the following resources useful:
To make a Motion to Pay by Installment (sometimes called a
“slow pay”), visit the Court Clerk where the client was sued
over the debt. The clerk will need information from the client
including the debt amount, how much has already been paid,
the case number, and contact information for the person who
sued over the debt. The case will usually be brought back to
court. See the Legal Aid Society of East Tennessee’s self-help
brochure for information on garnishment issues at
http://www.laet.org/getattachment/6aeb7f64-1aa1-4596-b316-
01081cf58ea9/Stopping_A_Garnishment.aspx.
To protect up to $10,000 of property and up to $217.50 per
week of wages, file a Personal Property Exemption form with
the Court Clerk. The clerk should have these forms at the
courthouse. See the Legal Aid Society of East Tennessee
brochure above.
For more questions or assistance, contact:
o The local Legal Aid Society Office; go online for the
nearest office at http://las.org/ or call 1-800-238-1443.
o Local Legal Aid Society Clinics (See Legal Clinics in
Middle Tennessee, below).
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
CURRENT LEGAL CLINICS OFFERED IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE
Contact Christina Magráns at [email protected] if you know of a clinic that
is not included in this list or if you have updated information for the list. Thank you for your help.
STATEWIDE LEGAL CLINICS CLINIC
NAME
REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY
INVOLVEMENT
EVENT QUESTIONS
Wills for
Heroes
All 1. Jackson: Sat. Feb. 22, 2014
all day at Jackson Chamber of
Commerce (197 Auditorium
St.)
2. Sevierville: Sat. March 8,
2014 all day; location is not set
3. Franklin: Sat. March 29,
2014 all day at Williamson
County Library (1314
Columbia Ave.)
4. Knoxville: Sat. March 29,
2014 all day at Knoxville Police
Dept., Safety Building (800
Howard Baker Jr. Avenue)
5. Chattanooga: Sat. April 5,
2014 all day; location is not set
6. Cookeville: Sat. April 5,
2014 all day; location is not set
7. Maryville: Fri. May 16, 2014
all day; location is not set
First responders in
Tennessee can get
wills, powers of
attorney and other
similar documents
Tennessee
Bar
Association,
Young
Lawyers
Division
Contact Bradley
Carter, Attorney
at
1. Jackson Clinic: Brittani Kendrick,
(731) 668-5995, [email protected]
2. Sevierville Clinic: Bryce McKenzie,
(865) 428-8780,
3. Franklin Clinic: Shauna Billingsley,
(615) 550-6652,
4. Knoxville Clinic: Ian Hennessey,
(865) 637-0203, [email protected]
5. Chattanooga Clinic: Jason Demastus,
(423) 209-7400,
6. Cookeville Clinic: Jason Hicks,
(931) 526-3311, [email protected]
7. Maryville Clinic: Ashley Bentley,
(865) 927-8389,
HELP
(Homeless
Experience
Legal
Protection)
All Clinic times, days, and
locations for 2014 are TBA. Legal services to
those who are
homeless
(employment, estate,
tax, some criminal)
Baker
Donelson
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Appellate
Litigation Clinic
Middle Courts appoint attorneys in
this clinic; this clinic does
not operate during the
summer months
Help with appeals in
the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the
Sixth Circuit, the
Board of
Immigration
Appeals, and
Tennessee state
appellate courts
Vanderbilt
Law School
Contact Prof. Alistair Newbern
at (615) 322-4964,
Contact Prof. Alistair
Newbern at (615) 322-
4964,
Appellate Pro
Bono Program
of TN
Middle Program accepts referrals
from other pro bono
attorneys, judges, and courts.
Cases that have
already been heard,
and where there is a
right to appeal
TN Bar
Association
and Tennessee
Alliance for
Legal Services
Contact Liz Todaro, TBA
Access to Justice Coordinator at
Contact Liz Todaro,
TBA Access to Justice
Coordinator at
Bedford County
Legal Clinic
Middle Jan. 14, May 13, Aug. 12,
and Nov. 11 at 9:00 am at
Bedford County Courthouse
(1 Public Square,
Shelbyville, TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
Contact Jack Giddens, Pro
Bono Coordinator at
[email protected] or at 931-
455-7000
For Nashville Office, contact
Alysse Gregory at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7131
Contact the Legal Aid
Society, Tullahoma
Office at (931) 455-
7000 or 1-866-898-0171
Clinic
(Robertson
County)
Middle Mar. 6, June 5, Sept. 4, and
Dec. 4 at 9:30 am at
Gorham-MacBane Public
Library (405 White St.,
Springfield, TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
and TN
Alliance for
Legal Services
Montgomery county residents
call (931) 552-6656 or 1-800-
238-1443; residents of other
counties call 1-800-342-3317
For Nashville Office, contact
Alysse Gregory at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7131
Montgomery county
residents call (931) 552-
6656 or 1-800-238-
1443; residents of other
counties call 1-800-342-
3317
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Clinic (Dickson
County)
Middle Clinic times and days for
2014 are TBA. Historically
held at Helping hands (103
Hwy. 13 South, Waverly,
TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
and TN
Alliance for
Legal Services
Montgomery county residents
call (931) 552-6656 or 1-800-
238-1443; residents of other
counties call 1-800-342-3317
Montgomery county
residents call (931) 552-
6656 or 1-800-238-
1443; residents of other
counties call 1-800-342-
3317
Clinica Legal Middle Third Friday of each month
(except for April) at 2:00 pm
at Our Lady of Guadalupe
Church (3112 Nolensville
Pike, Nashville TN 37211)
Immigration
assistance
Pro Bono
Project, Legal
Aid Society of
Middle
Tennessee and
the
Cumberlands
Contact Lucinda Smith, Pro
Bono Director at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7127
For Nashville Office, contact
Alysse Gregory at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7131
Call (615) 244-6610 for
information
Contact your local Legal
Aid Office at
http://www.las.org/probono
Civil Practice
Clinic
Middle This clinic accepts referrals
for Special Education cases
and takes court
appointments only for SSI
cases
General civil cases
including Special
Education and SSI
cases
Vanderbilt
Law School
Contact Prof. Alex Hurder at
(615) 322-4964,
Contact Prof. Alex
Hurder at (615) 322-
4964,
Compassionate
Counsel
Middle Appointments only; office is
located at 216 Centerview
Drive, Suite 317,
Brentwood, TN 37027.
Clinic at Nashville Rescue
Ministries from 9:00 am to
12:00 pm on the second
Saturday of each month.
Landlord/tenant,
detainer warrants,
debtor/creditor,
estate, foreclosure,
and general civil
work; no criminal
and generally no
divorce
Compassionate
Counsel
Contact Nick Tidwell, Attorney
at
Contact Nick Tidwell,
Attorney at
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Criminal
Practice Clinic
Middle Courts appoint attorneys in
this clinic; this clinic does not
operate during the summer
months
Criminal cases
(pretrial, trial,
appeal, and post-
conviction)
Vanderbilt
Law School
Contact Prof. Susan Kay at
(615) 322-4964,
Contact Prof. Susan Kay
at (615) 322-4964,
Davidson
County Second
Tuesday Clinic
Middle Second Tuesday of each
month at 4:30 pm at the Legal
Aid Society (300 Deaderick
St., Nashville TN 37201)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate,
family, property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Pro Bono
Project,
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle
Tennessee
and the
Cumberlands
Contact Lucinda Smith, Pro
Bono Director at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7127
For Nashville Office, contact
Alysse Gregory at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7131
Call (615) 244-6610 for
information
Contact your local Legal
Aid Office at
http://www.las.org/probono
Debt Clinic
(Davidson
County)
Middle Call (615) 244-6610 for an
appointment and eligibility
screening first; clinics are
held on the first Tuesday of
each month at 5:00 pm at the
Legal Aid Society (300
Deaderick St., Nashville, TN)
Advice relating to
debtor and creditor
issues
Pro Bono
Project,
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN
and the
Cumberlands
Contact Lucinda Smith, Pro
Bono Director at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7127
For Nashville Office, contact
Alysse Gregory at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7131
Call (615) 244-6610 for
information
Contact your local Legal
Aid Office at
http://www.las.org/probono
Debt Clinic
(Williamson
County)
Middle First Tuesday of each month
from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at
the Williamson County
Public Library (1314
Columbia Avenue, Franklin
TN 37064)
Advice on legal
issues pertaining to
debtor and creditor
issues
Pro Bono
Project,
Legal Aid
Society, and
Williamson
County Bar
Association
Contact Lucinda Smith, Pro
Bono Director at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7127
For Nashville Office, contact
Alysse Gregory at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7131
Contact the Legal Aid
Society, Nashville Office
at (615) 244-6610
Contact your local Legal
Aid Office at
http://www.las.org/probono
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Deferred Action
for Childhood
Arrivals Clinic
Middle
and East Clinic times, days, and
locations for 2014 are
TBA.
Assistance for those
including
immigrants who
need to change a
name
Legal Aid of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office closest to you at
http://www.las.org/probono
Call (865) 483-8454
Elder Law and
Caregiver Clinic
Middle On the third Thursday each
month at Vanderbilt
University beginning at
11:30 am; clients must make
an appointment at (615) 936-
1990 or email Stacey Bonner
at
Elder law issues Pro Bono
Project
Contact Lucinda Smith, Pro
Bono Director at (615) 780-
7127 or email at [email protected]
Contact Lucinda Smith,
Pro Bono Director at
(615) 780-7127 or email
Family Law and
Domestic
Violence Clinic
Middle This clinic accepts private
referrals, but it does not
operate during the summer
months
Family matters
including orders of
protection, divorce,
child custody for
clients who are
victims of domestic
violence
Vanderbilt
Law School
Contact Prof. Yolanda Redero
at (615) 322-4964,
Contact Prof. Yolanda
Redero at (615) 322-
4964,
Franklin County
Legal Clinic
Middle Mar. 25, June 24, Sept. 23,
and Dec. 9 at 9:30 am at
Franklin County Judicial
Center (360 Wilton Cir.,
Winchester, TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society
Contact Jack Giddens, Pro
Bono Coordinator at
[email protected] or at 931-
455-7000
Contact the Legal Aid
Society, Tullahoma
Office at (931) 455-
7000 or 1-866-898-0171
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Gallatin Legal
Clinic
Middle First Tuesday of each month
from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at
Shalom Zone (600 Small St.,
Gallatin, TN)
Giles County
Wednesday
Legal Clinic
Middle Last Wednesday of each
month (not December) at the
Giles County Senior Center
(100 Senior Citizens Dr.,
Pulaski, TN) from 10:00 am
to 12:00 pm
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
and TN
Alliance for
Legal Services
Call the Legal Aid Society,
Columbia Office at (931) 381-
5533
Call the Legal Aid
Society, Columbia
Office at (931) 381-
5533
Grundy County
Legal Clinic
Middle Jan. 28, April 22, July 22,
and Oct. 28 at 9:30 am
Grundy County Courthouse
(68 Cumberland St.,
Altamont, TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society
Contact Jack Giddens, Pro
Bono Coordinator at
[email protected] or at 931-
455-7000
Contact the Legal Aid
Society, Tullahoma
Office at (931) 455-
7000 or 1-866-898-0171
Hickman County
Tuesday Legal
Clinic
Middle First Tuesday of each month
(not January) at the Hickman
County Senior Center (107
Armory St. #1,
Centerville, TN) from 11:00
am to 12:00 pm
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
and TN
Alliance for
Legal Services
Call the Legal Aid Society,
Columbia Office at (931) 381-
5533
Call the Legal Aid
Society, Columbia
Office at (931) 381-
5533
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Immigration
Clinic (Catholic
Charities)
Middle Call (615) 445-8310 ext. 223
to set up an appointment.
First Friday of each month
from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm (no
cost).
Note that there may be a
nominal fee for additional
services.
Status adjustment,
consular processing,
Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals
(DACA),
employment
authorization,
family-based
petitions,
naturalization,
citizenship,
Temporary
Protected Status, and
some non-legal
services
Catholic
Charities
Contact Donna Gann,
Coordinator at
Contact Donna Gann,
Coordinator at
call (615) 760-2778
Immigration
Clinic (Justice
for Our
Neighbors)
Middle Set an appointment by
calling (615) 835-2512
Clinic is usually held at
Hillcrest United Methodist
Church at 5112 Raywood
Lane, Nashville, TN 37211
Legal services,
education, and
advocacy for
immigrants (U visas,
Victim of Crime
visas, Green Cards,
Special Immigrant
Juvenile Status
petitions,
Naturalization,
Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals,
Violence Against
Women petitions,
Justice for Our
Neighbors
Attorneys should contact
Adrienne Kittos, Legal Director
Call (615) 835-2512;
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Immigration
Clinic with the
TN Coalition to
End Domestic
and Sexual
Violence
Middle You must call (615) 386-
9406 or (800) 289-9018 on
Tuesday or Thursday
between 8:30 am and 12:30
pm to complete an intake
before getting help
Victims of
trafficking, sexual
assault, or domestic
violence can get free
legal help with
immigration issues
(status adjustment,
asylum applications,
consular processing,
Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals
(DACA),
employment
authorization,
family-based
petitions, NACARA,
naturalization/citizen
ship, removal
hearings, special
immigrant juvenile
status, T visas,
Temporary
Protected Status
(TPS), U visas,
Violence Against
Women Act
(VAWA) petitions)
TN Coalition
to End
Domestic and
Sexual
Violence
Contact Robin Kimbrough,
Attorney at (615) 386-9406 or
attorneys do not need to be
fluent in other languages in
order to participate
TN Coalition to End
Domestic and Sexual
Violence at (615) 386-
9406
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Intellectual
Property and the
Arts Clinic
Middle This clinic accepts private
referrals, but it does not
operate during the summer
months
Copyright,
trademark, publicity
rights, trade secrets
Vanderbilt
Law School
Contact Prof. Michael
Bressman at (615) 322-4964 or
Contact Prof. Michael
Bressman at (615) 322-
4964 or at
Lawrence
County Legal
Clinic
Middle Last Thursday of each
month (not December) from
10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the
Lawrence County Senior
Center (220 Centennial
Ave., Lawrenceburg, TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
Call the Legal Aid Society,
Columbia Office at (931) 381-
5533
Call the Legal Aid
Society, Columbia
Office at (931) 381-
5533
Lewis County
Tuesday Legal
Clinic
Middle Third Tuesday of each
month at the Lewis County
Senior Center (347 E. Main
St., Hohenwald, TN) from
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
and TN
Alliance for
Legal Services
Call the Legal Aid Society,
Columbia Office at (931) 381-
5533
Call the Legal Aid
Society, Columbia
Office at (931) 381-
5533
Lincoln County
Legal Clinic
Middle Feb. 3, May 5, Aug. 4, and
Nov. 3 at 9:30 am at Lincoln
County Courthouse (112
Main Ave. S., Fayetteville,
TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
Contact Jack Giddens, Pro
Bono Coordinator at
[email protected] or at 931-
455-7000
Contact the Legal Aid
Society, Tullahoma
Office at (931) 455-
7000 or 1-866-898-0171
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Maury County
Wednesday
Legal Clinic
Middle Second Wednesday of each
month (not January) at the
Maury County Senior Center
(1020 Maury County Park
Dr.,
Columbia, TN) from 9:30
am to 11:00 am
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
and TN
Alliance for
Legal Services
Call the Legal Aid Society,
Columbia Office at (931) 381-
5533
Call the Legal Aid
Society, Columbia
Office at (931) 381-
5533
Maury County
Thursday Legal
Clinic
Middle Second Thursday of each
month (not January) at the
Mt. Pleasant Senior Center
(501 Gray Ln., Mt. Pleasant
TN) from 10:30 am to 12:00
pm
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
and TN
Alliance for
Legal Services
Call the Legal Aid Society,
Columbia Office at (931) 381-
5533
Call the Legal Aid
Society, Columbia
Office at (931) 381-
5533
Moore County
Legal Clinic
Middle Feb. 4, May 6, Aug. 5, and
Nov. 3 at 10:00 am at Moore
County Courthouse (196
Main St., Lynchburg, TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
Contact Jack Giddens, Pro
Bono Coordinator at
[email protected] or at 931-
455-7000
Contact the Legal Aid
Society, Tullahoma
Office at (931) 455-
7000 or 1-866-898-0171
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
McHugh Legal
Clinic
Middle Last Saturday of each month
(not April or December) at
9:00 am at Legal Aid
Society (300 Deaderick St.,
Nashville, TN 37201)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Pro Bono
Project, Legal
Aid Society of
Middle
Tennessee and
the
Cumberlands
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office closest to you at
http://www.las.org/probono
Contact Lucinda Smith, Pro
Bono Director at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7127
Call (615) 244-6610 for
information
Murfreesboro
Thursday Clinic
Middle Every Thursday of each
month from 4:00 to 6:00 m
at Greenhouse Ministries
(309 S. Spring St.,
Murfreesboro, TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle
Tennessee and
the
Cumberlands
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office closest to you at
http://www.las.org/probono
Contact Lucinda Smith, Pro
Bono Director at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7127
Call (615) 244-6610 for
information
Murfreesboro
Saturday Clinic
Middle Third Saturday of each
month from 9:00 am to
11:00 am at Higher Ground
Worship Center (2424
Yearwood Ave.,
Murfreesboro, TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle
Tennessee and
the
Cumberlands
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office closest to you at
http://www.las.org/probono
Contact Lucinda Smith, Pro
Bono Director at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7127
Call (615) 244-6610 for
information
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Name Change
Clinic
Middle
and East Clinic times, days, and
locations for 2014 are
TBA.
Assistance for those
who need to change
their names
including
immigrants
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office closest to you at
http://www.las.org/probono
Call (865) 483-8454
Nashville Arts
and
Entertainment
Law Clinic
Middle Clinic times, days, and
locations for 2014 are
TBA. Historically held at
Church of the Redeemer
(920 Caldwell Ln.,
Nashville, TN)
Intellectual property
and related matters
including
copyrights,
contracts, etc.
Arts &
Business
Council of
Greater
Nashville
For more information, call
(615) 460-8274 or email Casey
Gill Summar, Executive
Director at
Call (615) 460-8274
Nashville Dial-
A-Lawyer
Middle Call (615) 242-9272
between 6:00 pm and 8:00
pm on the first Tuesday of
every month
General advice on
any legal matter
Nashville Bar
Association
Contact Wendy Cozby,
Nashville Bar Association,
(615) 242-9272,
Wendy Cozby,
Nashville Bar
Association, (615) 242-
9272,
wendy.cozby@nashville
bar.org
Open Door
Rural Intake and
Advice Clinic
(Bledsoe
County)
Middle
and East Clinic times, days, and
locations for 2014 are
TBA.
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid of
East TN,
Chattanooga
Office
Contact Charles McDaniel, Pro
Bono Director at
Call (423) 209-7400
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND
TIME
AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Open Door
Rural Intake and
Advice Clinic
(Marion County)
Middle
and East Clinic times, days, and
locations for 2014 are
TBA.
General advice on civil
matters (housing,
estate, benefits, tax,
family, property,
contract,
landlord/tenant, etc.)
Legal Aid of
East TN,
Chattanooga
Office
Contact Charles McDaniel, Pro
Bono Director at
Call (423) 209-7400
Open Door
Rural Intake and
Advice Clinic
(Sequatchie
County)
Middle
and East Clinic times, days, and
locations for 2014 are
TBA.
General advice on
civil matters (housing,
benefits, taxes, estate,
family, property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid of
East TN,
Chattanooga
Office
Contact Charles McDaniel, Pro
Bono Director at
Call (423) 209-7400
Operation Stand
Down
Middle Call (615) 248-1981 to
schedule an appointment;
clinics are on the third
Wednesday of each month
at 1125 12th Avenue
South, Nashville TN
37203
Help for veterans
(employment
readiness training, job
placement assistance,
transitional housing,
mail service, clothing,
benefit and service
coordination)
Pro Bono
Project, Legal
Aid Society of
Middle
Tennessee and
the
Cumberlands
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office closest to you at
http://www.las.org/probono
Contact Lucinda Smith, Pro
Bono Director at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7127
Call (615) 248-1981 for
an appointment and for
information
People’s Law
School
(Nashville)
Middle Thursdays (Jan. to April)
from 6:00 pm to 7:00 p.m.
at Wright
Middle School, 180
McCall St. and at Cohn
Learning Center, 4805
Park Ave. in Nashville
Topics vary; people
may register for
classes on common
civil legal issues
Legal Aid
Society and
Nashville
Community
Education
Commission
Contact Jeff Bradford or Caitlin
Varley at (615) 515- 4888 or at
(615) 298-8050 or go to
www.nashville.gov/Nashville-Community-Edcuation.aspx
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Perry County
Tuesday Legal
Clinic
Middle First Tuesday of each month
(not January) at the Perry
County Senior Center (112
South Mill St., Linden,
TN) from 9:30 am to 10:30 am
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Legal Aid
Society of
Middle TN and
the
Cumberlands
and TN
Alliance for
Legal Services
Call the Legal Aid Society,
Columbia Office at (931) 381-
5533
Call the Legal Aid
Society, Columbia
Office at (931) 381-
5533
Rutherford
County
Saturday Legal
Clinic
Middle 1. Location: Higher Ground
Worship Center Legal Clinic
(2424 Yearwood Avenue,
Murfreesboro, TN 37130)
2. Dates: Jan. 18, Feb. 15,
March 15, April 19, May 17,
June 21, July 19, Aug. 16,
Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 15, and
Dec. 20
3. Time: 9:00 to 11:00 am
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Pro Bono
Project, Legal
Aid Society,
and
Rutherford-
Cannon County
Bar
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office closest to you at
http://www.las.org/probono
Contact Andre Crismon,
Attorney at [email protected]
Call (615) 244-6610
for information
Saturday Bar
(Hamilton
County)
East 1. Jan. 25 from 9:00 am to
3:00 pm at the Chattanooga
Housing Authority (801 N.
Holtzclaw Avenue)
2. March 1 from 9:00 am to
12:00 pm at the Metropolitan
Ministries
(1112 McCallie Avenue,
Chattanooga, TN 37404)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Pro Bono
Project, Legal
Aid Society of
East Tennessee
Please visit http://laet.org/Pro-
Bono/Information-For-
Lawyers.aspx
Contact Charles McDaniel, Pro
Bono Director at
Legal Aid of East
Tennessee,
Chattanooga Office at
(423) 756-4013
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Saturday Clinic
(Compassionate
Counsel)
Middle Second Saturday of each
month all day at Nashville
Rescue Mission (616 7th
Ave S., Nashville, TN
37203)
General legal advice Compassionate
Counsel
Contact Nick Tidwell, Attorney
at
Contact Nick Tidwell,
Attorney at
Shade Tree
Clinic
Middle Shade Tree Health Clinic
(1223 Dickerson Pike,
Nashville, TN 37207) refers
clients to the Legal Aid
Society
Civil matters
including housing,
disability, income
support, education
and domestic and
family law issues
Vanderbilt
University,
Shade Tree
Health Clinic,
and the Legal
Aid Society
Contact Wyatt Sassman, Public
Interest Opportunities Director
at
Contact Wyatt Sassman,
Public Interest
Opportunities Director
at
Vols for Vets Middle
and East
Clinic usually has been
offered in the spring and in
Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Advice on financial
liability
investigations of
property loss,
divorces, adoptions,
and other civilian
matters
University of
Tennessee
College of
Law
Contact Brad Morgan, Access
to Justice Coordinator at
[email protected] or (865)
974-2492
Contact Brad Morgan,
Access to Justice
Coordinator at
(865) 974-2492
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Volunteer
Income
Taxpayer
Assistance
Project
Middle 1. TN Community Action
Committee: 800 2nd
Ave. N
in Nashville; call for details
(615) 862-8860
2. TN Community Action
Committee: 2403 Delano
Court in Murfreesboro; call
for details (615) 714-3299
3. Legal Aid: call your
nearest office or 1-800-238-
1443
4. IRS VITA: find a location
and time online at
http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
Get help filing
income tax returns
Legal Aid
Society and
TN
Community
Action
Committee
1. and 2. TN Community
Action Committee, call (615)
862-8860 for Nashville Office;
call (615) 714-3299 for
Murfreesboro Office
3. Legal Aid Society: call your
nearest office, online at
http://www.las.org/contact/map or call the main line at or 1-
800-238-1443
4. IRS VITA: find a location
and time online at
http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
1. and 2. TN
Community Action
Committee, call (615)
862-8860 for Nashville
Office; call (615) 714-
3299 for Murfreesboro
Office
3. Legal Aid Society:
call your nearest office,
online at
http://www.las.org/contact/map or call the
main line at or 1-800-
238-1443
4. IRS VITA: find a
location and time online
at
http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
Warren County
Legal Clinic
Middle Mar. 11, June 10, Sept. 9,
and Dec. 9 at 9:30 am at
Warren County Courthouse
(111 S. Court Square,
McMinnville, TN)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
TN Alliance
for Legal
Services
Contact Jack Giddens, Pro
Bono Coordinator at
[email protected] or at 931-
455-7000
Contact the Legal Aid
Society, Tullahoma
Office at (931) 455-
7000 or 1-866-898-0171
This document was updated in February 2014.
This list is subject to change and is not exclusive.
These clinics are not guaranteed to have the resources at all times to help.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE LEGAL CLINICS
CLINIC NAME REGION LOCATION, DAY, AND TIME AREAS OF HELP SPONSOR ATTORNEY INVOLVEMENT EVENT QUESTIONS
Williamson
County Second
Tuesday Legal
Clinic
Middle Second Tuesday of each
month at 4:30 pm at
Williamson County Public
Library (1314 Columbia
Avenue, Franklin TN 37064)
General advice on
civil matters
(housing, benefits,
taxes, estate, family,
property,
landlord/tenant,
contract, etc.)
Pro Bono
Project, Legal
Aid Society,
and
Williamson
County Bar
Association
Contact the Legal Aid Society
Office closest to you at
http://www.las.org/probono
Contact Lucinda Smith, Pro
Bono Director at
[email protected] or (615) 780-
7127
Call (615) 248-1981 for
an appointment and for
information
Contact the Legal Aid
Society, Nashville
Office at (615) 244-
6610
