Legal aid cannot help everyone with all legal problems. There are certain types of cases that legal aid does not handle, including criminal and fee-paying cases, such as car accidents, where you want to make the other person pay for your injuries or damage to your car. Bar associations, the Tennessee Access to Justice Commission, and legal and community aid organizations across the state support permanent legal clinics throughout the year. UT Law is a leader in the field of public interest and pro bono work through its clinics, programs of study and student organizations. Since its inception in the mid-1990s, UT Pro Bono has grown and evolved to meet the needs of the community and student body. Over the past few years, UT Pro Bono has experienced incredible growth in terms of the number of students participating, the number of external partners, the number of projects that fill gaps in the legal system, and the support of faculty and program administration. Some people living in low-income households can get free legal help from legal aid offices. When you call the office, you will be asked questions about your income and that of other people in your home. Your income must meet current poverty guidelines for you to qualify. If you follow the guidelines, you will be asked what kind of legal problem you are experiencing. If that`s the kind of problem they can handle, you can talk to one of the lawyers or a paralegal. There are several legal aid organizations in Tennessee. These organizations are nonprofit law firms that offer certain types of free legal aid to people who can`t afford a lawyer: The College of Law`s UT Pro Bono Program is a nonprofit organization with significant student leadership.
Its mission is to help students become aware of their future ethical and professional responsibilities in service to their community. Under the guidance of faculty and staff, students perform valuable community service while learning about the legal needs of the underserved. UT Pro Bono serves as a resource for local lawyers and legal aid firms by providing law students with research, educational, and investigative support. As a volunteer organization made up of students, UT Pro Bono is involved in raising funds to support its mission and goals. Examples of fundraising include charity auctions, fundraisers and the annual Fall Pro Bono Carnival. Funds raised through these activities will be used directly to support UT Pro Bono`s efforts and have been used to fund travel to assist pro bono project clients. The Supreme Court defines pro bono as any activity in which free or discounted legal services are provided without expecting to receive honoraria or participate in activities aimed at improving the law, the legal system or the legal profession. UT Pro Bono is a student organization with students actively involved in the work. Students have achieved and continue to pursue many noble goals through the program. However, in order to provide effective legal assistance, licensed lawyers are required to provide legal advice and supervise pro bono projects. Pro bono service is a pillar of advocacy.
The Tennessee Supreme Court is actively working to expand pro bono services and access to justice. UT`s Pro Bono program joined the call to action. The Help4TN.org website and a toll-free phone line at 888-HELP4TN or (888) 395-9297 provide information and access to legal recommendations and advice, and TN Free Legal Answers matches individuals with pro bono lawyers. Most legal aid agencies also have pro bono programs. Many private lawyers have agreed to provide free legal aid to low-income individuals through this program. Your case can be referred to a pro bono lawyer who will represent you free of charge under the pro bono program. Currently, UT Pro Bono has ten active projects with community partners such as East Tennessee Legal Aid and the Knox Area Department of Rescue. Students who participate in UT Pro Bono contribute an average of 9,000 hours of pro bono service each year. Legal aid agencies do not charge fees for legal assistance provided. You may have to pay court fees to take a case to court. You may also have to pay for other expenses, such as copies of files, court reporters, etc.
However, you will not be charged for the lawyer`s or paralegal`s time or advice. Legal aid can be helpful in many civil cases. They may be able to help you if you have a problem with your landlord, food stamps, Families First, TennCare, Medicare; Health care or family problems, especially related to domestic violence. Even if legal aid can`t represent you directly in a case, they may be able to tell you where to get help or give you advice to help you deal with the case yourself. West Tennessee Legal Services, Inc. (800) 372-8346210 W. Main StreetJackson, TN 38302Family & Consumer UT Pro Bono regularly seeks help and support in the community in three ways: • Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and Legal Services of the Cumberlands Memphis Area (901) 523-882222 N. Front St. 11th FloorMemphis, TN 38103Family, Consumers, Divorce and Senior UT Pro Bono is constantly looking for new projects, to reach traditionally underserved groups in need.