TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Mar 24, 2025

The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) on behalf of the Tennessee Supreme Court has proposed a new structure for handling the appointment of attorneys in indigent cases. One question that has been raised is whether attorneys currently taking appointed cases will be able to continue to do so under the new structure. In a recent interview with TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr., AOC staff explained that the plan assumes that all those currently taking cases will continue to do so. This proposal in no way is intended to exclude anyone. While the process for appointment will be different, the goal is to maintain the current roster of attorneys while also expanding the pool of available lawyers. AOC staff indicated they have been encouraged by interactions with lawyers who previously stopped accepting appointed cases but are interested in getting involved again. They also believe the new structure will be appealing to new lawyers and those interested in practicing in rural areas since the contract model will provide a “book of business” and more steady income. Watch the full interview or learn more about the plan and indigent representation in Tennessee.