NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Supreme Court has approved a Chattanooga man as the first attorney for its new pro bono emeritus program.

Richard R. Ruth will provide free services under the supervision of Legal Aid of East Tennessee.

The program allows retired attorneys to waive fees through legal assistance organizations that offer free services to Tennesseans unable to afford legal counsel.

The pro bono emeritus program was established Jan. 1 as part of the court's efforts to improve access to lawyers in the state.

Pro bono emeritus attorneys may represent clients in court with the approval of the judge hearing the case.