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The Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Initiative aims to improve access to justice by addressing unmet civil legal needs and engaging stakeholders. It includes modifying court rules, creating a commission, and providing educational resources.
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2014 Judicial Academy Anne-Louise Wirthlin, Esq. Access to Justice Coordinator
Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Initiative • 2008 – Declared Access to Justice it’s number one strategic priority • 2009 – Held public meetings across the state • Highlight civil legal needs gap • Promote better understanding of local unmet civil legal needs and problems • Engage broad range of stakeholders, policy makers, and members of the public
Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Initiative • 2008-Present – Modified Court Rules to encourage attorneys and make it easier for them to do pro bono work • 2009 – Created Access to Justice Commission • 2011 – Launched Access to Justice website, www.JusticeForAllTN.com that is separate from the AOC website
Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission • Ten Member Commission appointed by the Supreme Court • TN Supreme Court Rule 50 • Operates under 2-year Strategic Plan • Has 6 Advisory Committees:
Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission • Goal 1: To involve more lawyers and law students in meeting legal needs so that the public is better served; • Goal 2: To provide greater educational opportunities and resources for policymakers, self-represented litigants, the community, lawyers, court personnel, and others;
Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission • Goal 3: To make the justice system more user-friendly; and • Goal 4: To remove barriers to access to justice, including but not limited to disability, language, literacy, and geography
Guide to Access to Justice Resources If you have questions, suggestions, or comments, please contact: Anne-Louise Wirthlin Access to Justice Coordinator Administrative Office of the Courts Nashville City Center, Suite 600 511 Union Street Nashville, TN 37219 anne.louise.wirthlin@tncourts.gov ATJInfo@tncourts.gov PH: 615-741-2687 Fax: 615-741-6285