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, 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: Education CommitteePro Bono Committee Faith-Based Initiatives Committee Public Awareness Committee Mediation CommitteeSelf-Represented Litigants Committee

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 Resources on Your CD Pro Se Bench BookVictim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP) Grantee List Supplemental Guidelines and Helpful Information (accompanies Bench Book) Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services Outreach Flyer AOC Website GuideSelf-Represented Litigants Resources Website GuideClerks Guidelines Interpreter Bench CardClerks Guidelines in Spanish Mediation Bench CardLimited Scope Representation Rule: RCP Service I Speak CardLimited Scope Representation Rule: RCP Signature Parent Education and Mediation Fund (PEMF) Grantee List

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 Union Street Nashville, TN PH: Fax: