Press Releases

Press Releases

Free Legal Assistance Helped More than 1,000

Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Nov 4, 2011

Collaboration among lawyers resulted in 40-plus events across the state

NASHVILLE, Nov. 4, 2011 — Tennessee lawyers helped 1,109 state residents by providing free legal advice throughout the month of October as part of the Tennessee Bar Association's Celebrate Pro Bono initiative.

Now in its third year, the initiative brings together bar associations, law schools, law firms, legal services providers and individual lawyers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer. This year, more than 350 volunteers - including lawyers, law students, paralegals and language interpreters — held more than 40 events and activities across the state. These events included legal advice clinics, programs to educate lawyers on how to handle pro bono cases, and community education presentations on topics such as wills, powers of attorney, bankruptcy, foreclosure and landlord/tenant law. In addition, as a result of training provided to lawyers during the month, an additional 81 cases will be handled free of charge for state residents.

Though the initiative ended in October, low-income Tennesseans have a resource they can tap into at any time through OnlineTNJustice.org — a joint project of the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services and the Tennessee Bar Association that matches individuals with volunteer attorneys. More than 250 lawyers have agreed to provide services through the website. Learn more about this free service at www.onlinetnjustice.org.

See a summary of events that were held around the state

Download Gov. Haslam's proclamation designating October as Celebrate Pro Bono Month

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

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