Learn More About Pro Bono in Tennessee

Legal Clinics (In person & Virtual)

For those looking for a traditional pro bono clinic experience, legal aid organizations, bar associations, law schools and the Tennessee Access to Justice Commission support standing legal clinics throughout the year. Some clinics are open for a variety of civil legal issues, while others focus on a particular area of law or client population. Many programs provide both in-person and virtual pro bono opportunities. 

More information and volunteer opportunities with legal clinics is available via the TBA Pro Bono Portal and on the organizations' websites, listed below. 

TN Free Legal Answers

For some attorneys, a better option is volunteering remotely and responding to client questions via email. Fortunately, Tennessee Free Legal Answers provides a way for attorneys to review, select and research legal questions posed by low-income clients. These questions are screened and categorized, making it simple to find and answer questions in a variety of areas. 

The website Help4TN.org and a toll-free telephone hotline at 888-HELP4TN or (888) 395-9297 offer information and access to referrals and legal advice for Tennesseans in need. 

Nonprofit Leadership & Community Education

Many lawyers serve the community through leadership roles with a nonprofit organization or bar association or by providing public education and outreach on legal topics. The TBA and local bars, as well as legal and community service organizations, develop educational materials, deliver presentations and frequently have openings on their boards and other governing and leadership groups. Please contact TBA if you are interested in working with our Committees.  

Staying Engaged After Retirement

It is not uncommon for attorneys retiring from long and successful legal careers to be interested in staying connected, using their skills and experience in support of communities they care about. In some cases, retirement marks a shift from high-pressure work and client demands to more flexible, mission-driven roles.

There are countless ways for retired Tennessee attorneys to volunteer, from board and bar service to staffing pro bono clinics or taking on extended representation of low-income or vulnerable clients. By partnering with legal service organizations, retired attorneys can help bridge the justice gap — especially for individuals facing legal challenges in areas such as housing, immigration and family law. Read more about staying connected via pro bono, including via Tennessee's Emeritus Attorney Pro Bono Program. 

Legal Service Organizations in Tennessee

There are more than a dozen legal aid organizations in Tennessee. Some organizations are statewide while others are geographically focused; many address a variety of civil legal issues and others concentrate on a particular issue or client population. Learn more about how civil legal aid works in Tennessee.