TBA Law Blog

TBA Law Blog

Supreme Court Releases Statement on Indigent Representation Funding Increase

Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on May 2, 2024

The Tennessee Supreme Court has released a statement on the General Assembly’s approval of $8.6 million in additional funding for indigent representation. The court expressed appreciation for the funding, saying it would allow the judicial branch to “take an essential and significant step forward in addressing adequate compensation of appointed counsel.” Addressing the increase, Chief Justice Holly Kirby said: “I’m grateful for our judges who spoke forcefully about their struggle to find lawyers willing to take indigent cases — nearly half of which are in juvenile court and involve families and children in neglect or abuse cases. I’m grateful for the lawyers who explained how an extremely low rate of reimbursement impacted their ability to represent indigent parties. And I’m grateful for the elected leaders who listened with open hearts and minds and took action.” The additional funding will provide a $10 increase in the hourly rate of reimbursement for attorneys who accept appointments, along with a proportionate increase in the cap on the total amount a court-appointed attorney may recoup per case. Administrative Office of the Courts Director Michelle Long also thanked legislators, the governor’s office and the Tennessee Bar Association for their work bringing attention to this important issue. Read the TBA's previously released statement on the additional funding.

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