VOL. 36 | NO. 28 | Friday, July 13, 2012
Free and reduced-fee resources for legal help
By Linda Bryant
Angela Bergman, a summer associate with Bass, Berry & Sims, works with a client at Tuesday night’s Legal Aid Society clinic.
-- Photo: Sydonie Kopels | Nashville LedgerA list of legal resources in the Middle Tennessee area.
Nashville Bar Association Lawyers’ Referral and Information Service
Full Fee:
For a fee of $40, clients receive a referral for a meeting with a lawyer who handles specific case types. Client and lawyer will agree on fee. Information: 242-6546, nashvillelawyerreferral.org
Reduced Fee/Modest Means Initiative:
For lower-income persons who cannot afford a lawyer but for whom there is no free help available. For a fee of $25, clients receive a referral for a meeting with a lawyer who handles specific case types. The lawyer will charge $75 per hour and may require a retainer. Information: 242-6546, nashvillelawyerreferral.org
Free services
Legal Aid Society/Nashville Pro Bono Program
Legal Advice Clinics
Meet individually with a volunteer lawyer for advice/counsel on legal problems at any of the following times and places every month:
First Tuesday
Williamson County Public Library 5:30 p.m., 1314 Columbia Avenue, Franklin
Second Tuesday
Legal Aid Society 4:30 p.m., 300 Deaderick Street, Nashville
Third Friday
Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 1 p.m. Information: 3112 Nolensville Road, Nashville 445-8320 ext. 221 or 226
Fourth Saturday
Legal Aid Society 9 a.m., 300 Deaderick Street, Nashville
Free legal help for low-income individuals in certain civil cases, including help available from volunteer lawyers at free walk-in advice clinics. Information: 244-6610
To be directed to Legal Aid programs in various Middle Tennessee counties and the Upper Cumberland region, call 800 238-1443.
Davidson County Public Defender
Legal help for indigent defendants who are in jail, charged with a crime and are unable to make bond, or other defendants by court order: 862-5730
Nashville Bar Association/Dial-A-Lawyer
Free legal advice by telephone from volunteer lawyers on the first Tuesday each month, 6-8 pm. 242-9272
OnlineTNJustice.org
Free legal advice about civil issues for Tennessee residents with income less than 250% of poverty and minimum assets. This website allows users to create a username and password and post a legal question. A lawyer will respond through the website.
Tennessee Justice Center
Legal help for families in need, focusing on policy issues and civil cases in which basic necessities are at stake. Information: 255-0331.
Disability Law and Advocacy Center of Tennessee (DLAC)
Free legal help in certain types of cases for Tennesseans with disabilities. Information 800 342-1660.
TCADSV Immigration Legal Clinic
Free Legal advice and representation to immigrant and trafficked victims of domestic or sexual violence throughout Tennessee. Information: 800 289-9018 ext 121.
Justice for Our Neighbors
Free legal advice/counsel and representation for persons needing help with immigration issues. Trained volunteers provide confidential intake before clients meet with an immigration lawyer. Information: 823-1945.
ACLU-TN
Help in addressing civil liberties and civil rights matters arising in the state of Tennessee with information, self-help and referrals to other organizations and, in a very limited number of cases, representation in lawsuits that raise civil rights issues that impact the lives of many people. Information: aclu-tn.org.
Tennessee Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts
Free Legal help for low-income artists of all disciplines, as well as legal and business assistance to emerging non-profit arts organizations. To request services, volunteer or view additional resources: [email protected], 743-3055.
Southern Migrant Legal Services
Free legal services to migrant and seasonal farm workers in Tennessee. Information: 866 721-7828.
Workers’ Dignity Project (WDP)/Dignidad Obrera
Legal assistance to low-wage workers, primarily Hispanic immigrants, to help them work collectively through community organizing and legal support to recover wages and improve workplace conditions. Also, monthly labor rights clinics that include review of federal labor laws, legal and community action options.
Mid-America Pension Rights Project
Free information, advice and help regarding bout pension laws and pension rights in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee; help in filing QDRO’s, investigate benefit denial, calculate benefits, file claims for benefits as spouse or survivor. Information: 866 735-7737, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
National Veterans Legal Services Program
Free legal help for veterans regarding disability claims. Information: nvlsp.org.
Lawyers Serving Warriors
Free legal help for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Information: lawyersservingwarriors.com.
Vanderbilt Legal Clinic
Free legal help for a limited number of individuals and organizations that cannot afford legal help in specific areas of special education, not-for-profit organizations composed predominantly of poor persons or providing assistance to the poor, victims of domestic violence needing help obtaining orders of protection or with custody issues for unmarried persons; intellectual property issues. Information: 322-6562.
Tennessee Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline
Free help, referral to services, including legal help, and general information for victims of human trafficking. 855 558-6484.