The most recent installment of TBA's Indigent Representation Primer is now available. This week's post looks at the role and significance of guardians ad litem, including specifics of Tennessee's procedures. Read more about Tennessee's system of indigent defense and see past primer posts here.

The most recent installment of TBA's Indigent Representation Primer is now available. The post looks at the right to counsel for indigent parties in criminal cases, including factors that courts may consider in determining to appoint an attorney for a defendant. Read more about Tennessee's system of indigent defense and see past primer posts here.

The third installment in TBA's Indigent Representation Primer is now available. This week's post reviews the most common models indigent representation systems tend to follow, including the use of public defenders, appointed or contracted counsel, or a hybrid approach. Some jurisdictions also create specialized programs to address the unique needs of certain types of indigent defendants, such as those with mental health issues, individuals pursuing appeals or those facing the death penalty. Tennessee's system would be considered a hybrid, with two primary components: public defender offices in each judicial district and the indigent representation program administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). Read more about these differing structures or see past primer posts here.

The link for the second installment of TBA's Indigent Representation Primer published on Friday did not work for some TBA Today readers. The post, which highlights background and data about Tennessee's Indigent Representation Program, including how courts determine and assign counsel for indigent defendants and vulnerable individuals, can be accessed here. The post also looks at a recent performance audit report of the Tennessee court system conducted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury, including an evaluation of the "effectiveness and efficiency" of the current system of indigent representation as well as other court programs. See past primer posts here.

The second installment in TBA's Indigent Representation Primer is now available. This week's post highlights background and data about Tennessee's Indigent Representation Program, including how courts determine and assign counsel for indigent defendants and vulnerable individuals. The piece also looks at a recent performance audit report of the Tennessee court system conducted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Treasury, including an evaluation of the "effectiveness and efficiency" of the current system of indigent representation as well as other court programs. See past primer posts here.

Tennessee's 114th General Assembly will convene on Jan. 14, 2025, and TBA’s Government Affairs team is committed to affecting positive change on behalf of Tennessee attorneys. The best way for TBA members to connect with these efforts is through our Grassroots Advocacy Initiative, a network of engaged lawyers, interested in and informed about issues relevant to the practice of law in our state. Please complete this form if you are interested in learning more about TBA's grassroots efforts, including opportunities to advocate, like TBA's 2025 Day on the Hill and Big Shrimp Legislative Reception. Both events will be held March 19, 2025 in Nashville, providing an opportunity to meet with legislators and talk to them about issues important to the profession. Increased resources for indigent representation remains a priority for TBA. Look for another article in our Indigent Representation Primer in Friday's TBA Today.

The TBA is embarking on a series of articles across its communication platforms to help educate Tennessee lawyers about the state's system of indigent representation, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals who are constitutionally entitled to legal counsel but cannot afford to hire an attorney are provided with competent legal representation. Upcoming primer topics will cover the role of guardians ad litem, the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Court (AOC) Claims and Payment system, and examples of programs from other jurisdictions. Read today's first installment, which looks at the basics of the system, including what kinds of cases qualify for appointed counsel and what happened during the last legislative session to increase funding for indigent representation. All primer articles will be accessible from this landing page.

Do you have questions about how Tennessee's system of indigent representation works? Have you had experience as an appointed attorney that you would like to share? TBA's Government Affairs team wants to hear directly from members on issues that impact their work and the larger legal community. There are a few ways you can connect with TBA to share your questions and experiences with indigent representation. 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 across all of TBA's communication platforms. For attorneys with experience working with clients who are indigent or vulnerable, we invite you to complete this survey, which includes specific questions about court appointed representation. More information is available on our Indigent Representation Resource page.

TBA staff and leadership are continuing to develop and update educational and advocacy resources on issues relevant to the practice of law in our state and we want your help! We know TBA members have incredible knowledge and insight about the policy issues we are focused on, including resources for indigent representation. Through our Grassroots Advocacy Initiative, we are building a network of lawyers who are informed and engaged. There are a few ways to connect with the TBA's Government Affairs team if you are interested in learning more and getting involved with our advocacy work, especially as related to indigent representation. Sign up for TBA Grassroots Advocacy Updates, which will highlight related policy content across all of TBA's communication platforms. For attorneys with experience working with clients who are indigent or vulnerable, there is a longer survey that includes questions about court appointed representation as well as options for getting involved with TBA’s efforts in this area. We want to hear directly from you on these issues. More information is available on our main Indigent Representation Resource Page.

Williamson County Circuit and Chancery Courts are seeking attorneys for appointment to represent indigent clients. Attorneys are not required to be in court at the time of appointment. To sign up for appointments, please send your name, address, cell phone, email and area of interest (criminal defense, termination of parental rights, criminal contempt, etc.) to Stacy Green at stacy.green@tncourts.gov.