The Tennessee Supreme Court Access To Justice Initiative

The Tennessee Supreme Court Access To Justice Initiative Contrary to popular belief people are not guaranteed access to an attorney when they encounter civil legal issues.

The Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission provides collaborative leadership to create solutions and resources that address and eliminate barriers to justice for all. 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 strateg

ic priority and formally announced their Access to Justice Initiative in December 2008. The Access to Justice Commission was created by the Supreme Court to develop a strategic plan for improving access to justice in Tennessee that includes education of the public, identification of priorities to meet the need of improved access to justice, and recommendations to the Supreme Court of projects and programs the Commission determines to be necessary and appropriate for enhancing access to justice in Tennessee. The first strategic plan was unveiled in 2010, and the Commission presented its second strategic plan in the spring of 2012. The Commission has five working committees: The Self-Represented Litigants Committee, The Education Committee, The Public Awareness Committee, The Pro Bono Committee, The Faith-Based Committee.

Introducing the Access to Justice Commission's new Vice-Chair! Sara Barnett has been an important part of the commission...
05/05/2026

Introducing the Access to Justice Commission's new Vice-Chair!
Sara Barnett has been an important part of the commission over the last five years. We are incredibly fortunate to have her insight, expertise, and the experience she brings.

Join us in congratulating Sara! 👏

The Tennessee Justice Bus teamed up with the Obion County Public Library alongside Access to Justice Commission member L...
04/08/2026

The Tennessee Justice Bus teamed up with the Obion County Public Library alongside Access to Justice Commission member Lindsey Theobald, to bring vital legal resources directly to the community.

With on-site kiosks to connect virtually with volunteer attorneys, access to helpful materials, and opportunities to ask questions, the event created a welcoming space for individuals to explore their legal options and take the next step forward with confidence

📍 Closing the Rural Justice Gap: Innovation & Regulatory Reform: 2026 Orr SymposiumOn April 16, the University of Tennes...
04/07/2026

📍 Closing the Rural Justice Gap: Innovation & Regulatory Reform: 2026 Orr Symposium

On April 16, the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law will convene leaders driving access‑to‑justice reform. Featuring Justice Mary L. Wagner of the Tennessee Supreme Court and Eric Osbourne, Chair of the Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, this timely symposium brings together policymakers, scholars, and practitioners to explore practical approaches for expanding legal services in underserved rural communities.

Free CLE credits available! Register now to join legal professionals and advocates in shaping the future of justice delivery in Tennessee.

April is   Month 💙In Tennessee, many rural communities don’t have enough access to legal help. This creates what’s calle...
04/02/2026

April is Month đź’™

In Tennessee, many rural communities don’t have enough access to legal help. This creates what’s called a rural legal desert.

This month, we’re raising awareness and sharing ways to close the gap.

Justice Made Accessible: Library Edition! 📚The Tennessee Justice Bus is hitting the road in 2026, bringing FREE legal re...
02/13/2026

Justice Made Accessible: Library Edition! 📚

The Tennessee Justice Bus is hitting the road in 2026, bringing FREE legal resources directly to your community! Next month, we’ll be stopping at four local libraries across Tennessee to help break down barriers.

Check the schedule to see if we’re coming to a library near you! Spread the word, and let’s make justice accessible for everyone!

🗓️ Sullivan Co. Public Library – Mar 10
🗓️ Humphreys Co. Public Library – Mar 19
🗓️ Madisonville Public Library – Mar 20
🗓️ Sequatchie Co. Public Library – Mar 24

Learn more at JusticeForAllTN.org.

02/03/2026

Let’s hear from Tanner Beck - is this something you already knew about consumer debt?

New Access to Justice Commission (ATJC) member spotlight! We are so excited to welcome three individuals to the ATJC. A ...
01/13/2026

New Access to Justice Commission (ATJC) member spotlight! We are so excited to welcome three individuals to the ATJC. A special shoutout to our new chair, Eric Osborne. Please read below to learn more about the new members.

Eric Osborne is a member at Sherrard, Roe, Voigt & Harbison in Nashville, focusing on contract disputes, white-collar defense, antitrust, and civil rights. He is a Contracts professor at Nashville School of Law and is committed to helping people in times of crisis. Mr. Osborne is an inaugural member of the Legal Services Corporation’s Emerging Leaders Council and has been recognized for his pro bono work by the Tennessee Bar Association and the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Jennifer L. Sneed is in-house counsel for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, overseeing estate bequests and related litigation nationwide. Her practice focuses on estate and conservatorship matters. She is President-Elect of the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and serves in several leadership and professional roles statewide.

Nathan Kibler is a shareholder in Baker Donelson’s Knoxville office, focusing on securities and corporate law. He previously practiced at an international firm in Atlanta and clerked for judges on the Sixth Circuit and the Eastern District of Michigan. A leader in pro bono work, he serves as Knoxville Pro Bono Office Chair and is a two-time Pro Bono Award recipient. He graduated summa cm laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law and was Executive Editor of the Tennessee Law Review.

01/07/2026

New leadership for 2026!

Our team wanted to highlight our current Chair of the Access to Justice Commission before welcoming new leadership. Meet Joy Radice! We, and community members across Tennessee, greatly appreciate all of her hard work while serving on the commission. Tune into the video to learn more about Joy. She will be truly missed!

New year, same commitment to justice. ✨As we step into 2026, we’re continuing the work of expanding access to justice, s...
01/01/2026

New year, same commitment to justice. ✨
As we step into 2026, we’re continuing the work of expanding access to justice, supporting Tennesseans, and building a fairer legal system for all. Thank you for being part of this mission. Here’s to progress, purpose, and people first.

12/23/2025

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Nashville, TN

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