Contrary to popular belief people are not guaranteed access to an attorney when they encounter civil legal issues. As a result, people who cannot afford an attorney are left to handle a variety of legal issues on their own.
In response to this growing problem, the Tennessee Supreme Court made access to justice its number one strategic priority and formally announced their Access to Justice Initiative in December 2008.
In April 2009, the Supreme Court formed the 10-member Access to Justice Commission. The Commission was tasked with creating a strategic plan, which was submitted to the Court in April 2010. The strategic plan was unveiled in June 2010, which included plans for a pro bono summit and access to justice website.
The Court's first statewide pro bono summit was held in January 2011. The access to justice website, www.JusticeForAllTN.com launched in November 2011.
In January 2013, the Access to Justice Commission, working with The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, The Tennessee Bar Association and other organizations, launched aLEGALz, a phone-in service that assists Tennesseans in finding resources to deal with civil legal issues. Those who cannot afford a lawyer may call the line at 888-aLEGALz (1-888-253-4259) and leave a message at any time. Calls will be returned by a licensed Tennessee lawyer. This program has been updated and is now known as Help4TN at 1-844-435-7486.
In July 2013, the Access the Justice Commission released a detailed study examining the pro bono work of attorneys working in Tennessee. The report showed that in 2011, more than 9,700 attorneys gave over 800,000 hours of service to those in need of legal advice but could not afford it.