Press Releases

Press Releases

6th Annual ‘Celebrate Pro Bono Month’ Underway

Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Oct 17, 2014

Tennessee lawyers offering free legal services across the state during October

NASHVILLE, Oct. 1, 2014 – Tennessee lawyers are offering free legal services to those unable to afford a lawyer throughout October as part of the Sixth Annual Celebrate Pro Bono Month. More than 60 events are planned.

“Many Tennessee lawyers work all year to help close the justice gap for low-income individuals through pro bono service, but Celebrate Pro Bono Month provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the critical need for free legal services, while also honoring those in the legal profession who give their time and talents to help underserved individuals and families,” TBA President Jonathan Steen said.

Events planned across the state include opportunities for lawyers to volunteer at legal clinics, participate in outreach and training events and celebrate the efforts of the access to justice community and other volunteers. Visit the CPB homepage for a list by date or by city.

The continued need for free legal assistance in Tennessee is evident given that:
•    One in five Tennesseans is living at or below the poverty line;
•    One in five Tennesseans cannot afford to pay for basic legal assistance;
•    Resources for legal aid services remain incredibly limited, while the demand continues to increase. There is only one paid legal aid lawyer for every 13,000 low-income Tennesseans eligible for assistance; and
•    Most of those living below the poverty line are not even aware that assistance is available to help them with their legal problems.

Tennessee lawyers are helping to meet this need by volunteering during Celebrate Pro Bono Month and throughout the year.

Learn more about Celebrate Pro Bono and download a list of 2014 events

Celebrate Pro Bono is part of a national campaign launched by the American Bar Association. Learn more about activities around the nation