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Volunteer Opportunities

TN Free Legal Answers

TN Free Legal Answers is a joint project of the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services and the Tennessee Bar Association. Special thanks to the law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz and to the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission for their critical support of this project. These entities share the goal of increasing access to legal advice to those who cannot afford it.

This online system screens potential clients for eligibility and, if qualified, allows them to post a legal question to a private messaging system. The questions are answered by private attorneys volunteering their time. An TN Free Legal Answers client 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. All other information is anonymous to ensure privacy. Lawyers have the ability to log into the site 24 hours a day and answer questions from the public at a time that best suits their schedule. Lawyers receive CLE credit for the time they spend researching and answering questions.

Emeritus Attorney Program

The Tennessee Supreme Court created the pro bono emeritus attorney program to allow retired attorneys to provide pro bono legal services. Under the authority of Supreme Court Rule 50A, retired attorneys can work with approved legal assistance providers that offer free services to Tennesseans who cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

The pro bono emeritus rule gives retired attorneys the authority to perform all legal work, without pay, on behalf of a client. Pro bono emeritus attorneys may represent the client in court with the approval of the judge hearing the case.

Information for Attorneys:

Retired attorneys who wish to participate in the program must file a petition with the appellate court clerk’s office. Download the petition here.  The Supreme Court will review all applications and provide a written approval to the attorney.

Information for Legal Aid Organizations:

Rule 50A states that emeritus attorneys can only provide services in conjunction with an approved legal assistance provider.  An organization which receives funding from the Legal Services Corporation is presumptively approved under this section.  If your organization does not receive funds from the Legal Services Corporation, you must file an application with the clerk of the Tennessee Supreme Court to become an approved legal assistance provider. Download the application here.

Information for Attorneys:

Retired attorneys who wish to participate in the program must file a petition with the appellate court clerk’s office. Download the petition here.  The Supreme Court will review all applications and provide a written approval to the attorney.

Information for Legal Aid Organizations:

Rule 50A states that emeritus attorneys can only provide services in conjunction with an approved legal assistance provider.  An organization which receives funding from the Legal Services Corporation is presumptively approved under this section.  If your organization does not receive funds from the Legal Services Corporation, you must file an application with the clerk of the Tennessee Supreme Court to become an approved legal assistance provider. Download the application here.

Volunteer with Legal Aid Organizations

There are four legal service providers that receive funding from the Legal Services Corporation (LSC). These groups handle certain civil matters within their region. Find out how to volunteer by clicking the links below

Other legal service providers where you can volunteer:

ACLU of Tennessee promotes and protects constitutional rights.

Community Legal Center offers help to low income individuals, families, and immigrants in Memphis.

Disability Rights Tennessee advocates for the rights of Tennesseans with disabilities.

Southern Migrant Legal Services handles the legal needs of migrant and seasonal workers statewide.

Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition empowers immigrants and refugees throughout Tennessee.

Tennessee Justice Center assists families in need.

Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors is a faith-driven ministry and provides free, high-quality immigration legal services, education and advocacy.

Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts provides free legal services to low-income artists of all disciplines, as well as legal and business assistance to emerging nonprofit arts organizations.  Based in Nashville, TN.

There are opportunities for both attorneys and non-attorneys to volunteer with all of the listed organizations. You can find out how to volunteer by visiting the listed websites.

Bar Associations

Many bar associations offer volunteer opportunities for attorneys to provide pro bono and/or reduced fee services.