Legal Aid
Disability Law & Advocacy Center of Tennessee
Services: Provides services to people with disabilities across the state with numerous issues: employment discrimination, safety in schools, abuse and neglect, and access to community resources and services.
Requirements: Serves Tennesseans with disabilities across all ages and disabilities. Internal case selection criteria applies for legal services.
Application: All requests for services go through DRT’s main intake line, 800-342-1660. At that time, either information & referral services will be provided or a determination of case opening will be made.
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee
Services: Handles a broad range of civil cases to protect livelihood, legal issues, health and safety of low income families. If you need assistance with a criminal court case or situation, please contact the Public Defenders Office.
Application: 1-833-837-4663
Other: Services available in all language on website
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m – 4:30 p.m
The Office of the Public Defender (Nashville Defenders)
Services: If you are charged with a criminal offense in Nashville, the Nashville Defenders strongly recommend getting a lawyer to represent you in court. Your lawyer is the only person required to look out for your interests in court. You have a constitutional right to an appointed attorney if you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, regardless of your income or immigration status. If you were arrested on a warrant or received a criminal citation, you may qualify for the Office of the Metro Nashville Public Defender to represent you. They can also assist with questions about expungements or driver’s license/ID.
Application: No appointment is needed. Call 615-862-5730 or come to office at 150 2nd Ave. N. Notice: 2nd Ave construction is ongoing. Enter office on 2nd Ave. No riverside entrance.
Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tennessee Justice Center
Services: Advocating for vulnerable families and children with legal and policy advocacy. Individual cases to help clients get food and healthcare assistance. Address issues in courts. Provides free assistance for appeal requests for public health benefits programs. Technical assistance to navigate TennCare. Medical debt help.
Application: Casework intake form online.
Hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.