MEMBER CENTER
Read more about the crisis in indigent representation in Tennessee in the May/June 2024 issue of the Tennessee Bar Journal.
Press Releases, Statements & Letters
Supreme Court Releases Statement on Indigent Representation Funding Increase, May 2, 2024
TBA Issues Press Release on Legislative Approval for Increased Indigent Representation Funding, April 19, 2024
TBA's Government Affairs Team Explains Legislative Action on Indigent Representation Funding, April 19, 2024
TBA Sends Letter Supporting Funding Increase for Court-Appointed Attorneys, January 26, 2024
Tennessee Supreme Court Issues Statement on Court-Appointed Attorneys, October 3, 2023
Juvenile Judges Issue Statement on Indigent Representation, December 7, 2023
General Sessions Judges Conference Requests Increase in Indigent Representation Funding, January 19, 2024
News Coverage
"Why Tennessee's system appointing lawyers for poor defendants is at 'breaking point'," Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, September 25, 2023.
"Tennessee must raise rates for court-appointed lawyers, state's chief justice says," Melissa Brown, The Tennessean, October 4, 2023.
"TN Supreme Court push for more pay for court-appointed attorneys in an effort to keep the courts moving," NewsChannel5, October 4, 2023.
"This is absolutely the worst its been: WSMV4 Investigates exposes court crisis leaving people in limbo for years," Jeremy Finley, WSMV4, November 20, 2023.
Legislative Testimony
Testimony of TBA Executive Director Sheree Wright and Williamson County attorney David R. Grimmett before the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee, March 26, 2024. (Beginning at 17:08)
Testimony of Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Director Michelle Long before the Tennessee House Finance Committee, February 7, 2024. (Beginning at 1:40. Indigent representation presentation at 1:49:23)
Other Resources
TN Administrative Office of the Courts - Indigent Representation Program
TN Supreme Court Rule 13: Appointment, Qualifications, and Compensation of Counsel for Indigent Defendants