TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Liz Slagle Todaro on Mar 14, 2025

TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr. was joined by Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) General Counsel John Coke and Indigent Services Team Lead Attorney Joe Byrd for a conversation about the indigent representation proposal from the AOC on behalf of the Tennessee Supreme Court. The proposal includes a new structure for handling civil appointments and criminal conflicts for clients who are indigent. Under the plan, the Tennessee Supreme Court would establish an “Office of Indigent Conflicts and Civil Counsel,” with oversight by an “Indigent Representation Commission.” The interview directly addresses questions posed by Tennessee attorneys, including those who currently take appointed cases. Among the topics discussed are how, if funded, the program would be implemented and the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders, including local attorneys. Learn more about the plan and indigent representation in Tennessee and watch for our ongoing coverage of this issue.