The Tennessee Supreme Court has named nine members — three judges and six practicing attorneys — to the new Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission (OACC). Created under Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 56, the commission and Executive Director Joe Byrd are tasked with ensuring effective legal representation by appointed private counsel for individuals who cannot afford an attorney in criminal defense and child welfare cases. “The Court appreciates the members’ willingness to serve at this early stage,” said Chief Justice Jeff Bivins. “Assisting in establishing the Appointed Counsel Commission will require significant time and commitment.” New members named are 1st Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Lisa Rice, 20th Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Jim Todd, retired Shelby County Juvenile Court Magistrate Judge Terre Fratesi, and attorneys Loretta Cravens and Joshua Hedrick of Knoxville, Lowe Finney of Martin, David Grimmett of Franklin, Mark Messler of Memphis, and Emily Wright of Livingston. Read more in a press release from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Attorneys from across the state gathered in Nashville on Wednesday for TBA's fourth annual "Day on the Hill." The day kicked off with remarks from House Majority Leader Rep. William Lamberth, R-Portland; Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Sen. Todd Gardenhire, R-Chattanooga; and Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee Vice Chair Sen. John Stevens, R-Huntingdon. The TBA presented the three legislators with President's Awards from Immediate Past President Ed Lanquist Jr. for their work in improving the state's indigent representation system. Participants then met with more than 45 legislators to discuss issues impacting the legal profession and the practice of law. Members of the TBA Leadership Law Class of 2026 also joined the legislative visits for the first time. The day concluded with the TBA's annual Big Shrimp legislative reception, giving TBA leaders and members a chance to meet with legislators in a casual setting to continue conversations on topics important to the profession. See photos from the day.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has issued Rule 56 to create the Appointed Counsel Commission, define its purpose and composition, set forth its duties, and establish requirements for appointment of counsel. The adoption of the rule comes after the governor proposed, and the General Assembly appropriated, funds for the Administrative Office of the Courts to establish the commission, the purpose of which is to retain and provide counsel in certain civil and criminal proceedings in which an indigent party has a right to appointed counsel. The new rule took effect immediately. Read more about the commission in past coverage from TBA Today.

The TBA was recognized with a major award from the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE) at the annual Communications Section Workshop in Boise, Idaho. The association earned a Luminary Award for Excellence in Special Projects for its Indigent Representation Education Campaign. Judges who reviewed the award submission remarked, “This campaign is an outstanding example of how bar communications can directly impact public policy and access to justice. Faced with a complex, urgent issue, the team created a comprehensive strategy that informed, engaged and mobilized members across multiple platforms. The campaign stood out for its breadth and sophistication — weekly primers, podcasts, Q&As, interviews, social media and event preparation all worked together seamlessly.” TBA staff Stacey Shrader Joslin and Azya Thornton were on hand to accept the award. Tennessee Bar Journal Editor Julia Wilburn co-chaired the award committee but recused herself from this award category. See photos from the event.

The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts has named attorney Joe Byrd as interim executive director of the newly established Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission (AOC), which will coordinate statewide indigent representation in child welfare cases and criminal cases where district public defenders have conflicts. Byrd previously served as lead attorney for the AOC's indigent services team. Gov. Bill Lee’s amended budget, approved in the 2025 legislative session, included funding for the new office to address challenges in delivering indigent defense. “Joe Byrd is a trusted and seasoned attorney with the expertise required to lead this new office,” Chief Justice Holly Kirby said in a release. “The Supreme Court appreciates the support of the Governor, the legislature, judges, attorneys, the Tennessee Bar Association and the work of our team at the AOC. We are taking a transformational step forward to safeguard the fair and impartial administration of justice in Tennessee." Before joining the AOC, Byrd was an assistant attorney general in Tennessee, disciplinary counsel at the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility and a municipal attorney in both Tennessee and Florida. Byrd previously worked as an associate at Logan Thompson PC, where his general practice included court appointments representing indigent clients in child welfare and criminal cases.

The Tennessee Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) released a statement following the General Assembly’s approval of $17 million for a new indigent representation plan. The groups say the funding “will enable the Judicial Branch to address challenges with the retention and compensation of appointed counsel and enhance the delivery of indigent services across the state.” Chief Justice Holly Kirby also said, “This funding puts us in a financial position to take a transformational step forward to safeguard the fair and impartial administration of justice in Tennessee. It is the result of many hands and hearts working together to figure out a new and effective system to deliver representation to those who cannot afford counsel. Heartfelt thanks to our legislative leaders, the Governor’s Office, the district attorneys general and district public defenders across the state, and the Tennessee Bar Association for their collective effort and vision." Kirby also thanked the judges and appointed attorneys who “passionately and capably communicated … struggles with the current system and helped … formulate a new way forward.” Read the full statement.

The Tennessee General Assembly passed the budget for FY2025-2026 which includes an additional $17 million to fund the new Plan for Indigent Representation in Tennessee. TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr. reacted to the development saying, “The TBA thanks the General Assembly and Gov. Lee for making indigent representation funding a priority, and is especially grateful to Chief Justice Holly Kirby, the Tennessee Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the Courts for their leadership and development of the Indigent Representation plan, which will result in better solutions to improve the system of indigent representation in Tennessee.” The budget is the one piece of legislation that lawmakers constitutionally are required to pass before adjournment. Once the budget is approved, lawmakers will consider matters “behind the budget” that received funding, as well as other priority items. The legislature is expected to adjourn early next week.

The Tennessee General Assembly is projected to adjourn for the year in mid- to late April, given that most legislative committees have already closed or are set to close within the week. The House and Senate Finance Ways and Means committees are meeting this week and next week to determine whether legislation that has been voted out of other committees with a fiscal note will be funded. Because the governor included $17 million for a new indigent representation plan in his budget amendment, the committees do not have to vote on whether to add that funding. However, at the end of session, the House and Senate leadership will meet and determine exactly which measures will be included in the final budget and how much the funding will be. The budget is the one piece of legislation that lawmakers constitutionally are required to pass before adjournment. Once the budget is approved, lawmakers will consider matters “behind the budget” that received funding, as well as other priority items. It is anticipated the session will adjourn a few days after that.

TBA lobbyists Berkley Schwarz of Pier Strategies LLC and Brad Lampley and Ashley Harbin of Adams and Reese discuss Gov. Bill Lee’s budget amendment in the latest episode of the TBA Legislative Updates podcast. They highlight funding for the proposed indigent representation plan from the Administrative Office of the Courts on behalf of the Tennessee Supreme Court, key TBA bills moving through the legislature, including an amendment to SB1331/HB1331 related to child custody and the upcoming vote on the state budget. Listeners can support the TBA's lobbying efforts by contributing to LAWPAC. Those with legal questions related to weather issues can contact the helpline at 844-HELP4TN (844-435-7486). Tune in to the podcast on the TBA website or through this link.

Do you have questions about how the proposed plan for indigent representation will work? Have you had experience as an appointed attorney that you would like to share? There are several ways to connect with TBA to share questions and experiences. Attorneys interested in learning more about TBA's grassroots advocacy efforts can sign up for TBA Grassroots Advocacy Updates, which will highlight related policy content. Attorneys with experience working with clients who are indigent or vulnerable are invited to complete this survey, which includes specific questions about court appointed representation. The TBA's continuing efforts to provide education and resources related to the state's system of appointed counsel also includes the Indigent Representation Primer series, which shares background and updates about indigent representation in Tennessee. More information is available on the TBA's Indigent Representation Resource page.