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Message Breaking Barriersand BuildingBridgesThe help I received from LegalAid Society is immeasurable. Hadit not been for Legal Aid Society,I would’ve lost my home. Theattorney who represented metruly cared about my situationand really worked hard to resolveit.LAS Client2023 Annual Report
Breaking Barriers:Rethinking theNeed for Justice 01DarKenya W. WallerExecutive Director Legal Aid SocietyA message from ourExecutive DirectorAt the heart of every Legal Aider lies a fire – aburning passion for justice and a desire to empowerthe most vulnerable. In fact, Legal Aid Society was born from this verybelief – ensuring equal access to justice for all. AsJames Baldwin eloquently stated, "If one reallywishes to know how justice is administered in acountry...One goes to the unprotected – those,precisely, who need the law’s protection most! –and listens to their testimony." Baldwin's words are a reminder that the truemeasure of a just society lies in how it treats itsmost vulnerable. In 2023, Legal Aid Society, along with volunteersand strategic partners, stood with over 13,000vulnerable Tennesseans in providing access tojustice– a representation of the individuals Baldwin spoke of, many of those who make up communitieswho are unheard and underrepresented. It's a humbling experience to witness the courageof those who seek our help, and we are filled withimmense gratitude for the unwavering dedicationof our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners whohelp us meet that need. In the pages of this report, you will read how ourwork transcends simply providing free legal help. 2023 was about restoring dignity, providing accessto legal resources and education, and mostimportantly, breaking barriers that have historicallykept generations of people in a cycle of poverty. In community,
02About UsOur mission is to enforce,advance, and defend the legalrights of low-income andvulnerable people in order toobtain for them the basicnecessities of life. We Serve 48 CountiesCases Per Program AreaHousing27.5%Family26.7%Individual Rights13.9%Income Maintenance12%Consumer8%Misc4.2%Employment3.4%Health3.3%Juvenile.25%
Metrics that matter In 2023, we showed that above all else, our communitiesmatter. Because of you, we.... 03Raised $1 million through our Campaign for EqualJustice to create second chances and brighterfutures for Tennesseans Hosted 407 educational events, reaching 608,000community members Represented over 13,000 people, including morethan 5,000 children Secured over $14 million in benefits and savingsfor our clients
Metrics that matter 04Cleared 804 criminal records, helping eliminatebarriers to stability for post-incarcerated individuals Secured 1,035 orders of protection, ensuring safetyfor domestic violence survivors Resolved 1,804 housing-related issues for tenantsand their families Distributed 91,329 self-help educational booklets
Bridging the Gap: Volunteers Connect,Support, and Empower05Volunteer Lawyers Program 2023 Pro Bono Attorney of the YearMaking an Impact Erin ColemanIn 2023 alone, Erin Coleman accepted 14 pro bono cases,showcasing her versatility and deep commitment tojustice. Notably, her swift action in a case involving amother and her three children led to an Order ofProtection against an abusive father, ensuring their safety.Pro bono attorneys provided over 1,800hours of pro bono services forcommunity members. 2023 Pro Bono Leadership Award In 2023, Clark & Washington demonstrated unwaveringcommitment by opening 30 new bankruptcy cases for low-income clients, successfully discharging over $603,000 inliabilities for 15 clients. Their diligent efforts havesignificantly impacted these clients' lives, enabling them toreinvest in their households and communities.
Mr. Johnson was very patient,informative, and honestly veryattentive to my case. He wassupportive in our time of need. Iwould highly recommend him toanyone.Volunteer Lawyers Program Client Partnering with Legal Aid Society allows Pillar Firms to create efficientpro bono projects that benefit both access to justice and the law firmsthemselves. We thank our Pillar Firms for their service and partnershipin 2023!2023 Pillar Firms 06
2023 Top 8Highlight sOur Eviction Right to Counsel program helpedsave Metro Nashville residents facing eviction anestimated $3.4 million in 2023!Knowledge is power, especially when it comes tothe law! We launched the LAS CommunityClassroom, a FREE online resource packed withself-explainer videos and downloadable guideson a variety of legal topics.Health and benefits attorney Emma Sholl securedretroactive institutional Medicaid coverage for aclient who was hospitalized for months following ahealth crisis. The coverage alleviated $1.2 million inmedical debt for the client.07Ashley Wiltshire, former LAS Executive Director, released anew book called “Everyday Justice: A Legal Aid Story,”which tells the story of the origin of LAS. LAS and the bookwere the featured topic of the annual Nashville BarAssociation Historical CLE. It was quite the reunion of LegalAiders who came back to make the event a success.
2023 Top Highlight s08LAS received a 3-year, $8.2 million grant fromTennessee Department of Human Services, called theFamily Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) grant, whichincreases access to civil legal aid for Tennesseefamilies. The LAS Murfreesboro office exceeded all UnitedWay goals, distributing 5,130 self-help booklets(target: 3,000), representing 420 clients (target:230), and holding 10 legal clinics (target: 8).Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts presented theClarksville office with a certificate ofrecognition, honoring Legal Aid Society for itssignificant housing work during the pandemic.The Columbia office celebrated its new locationwith a successful open house attended bymayors, state representatives, and representativesfrom the U.S. Senate and House. Now-retiredMaury County Chancellor David Allen waspresented with a token of appreciation.
Serving as the Campaign Chair for the 2023LAS Equal Justice Campaign Committee hasbeen an incredible honor. I am grateful forthe chance to work with such dedicatedindividuals committed to justice. Access tothe legal system is not just a right; it is thecornerstone of a fair and equitable society.Together, we have made strides towardensuring that everyone in our communityhas the legal support they need. Thank youfor your unwavering support and belief inthis vital mission.Campaign CommitteeElizabeth SitgreavesSmall Firm ChairMARTESHA JOHNSON-MOORECommittee Chair2023 09Committee Members Anne MartinJudge Co-Chair I'Ashea MylesJudge Co-ChairJoseph HubbardYoung Lawyers ChairRyan Holt Large Firm ChairBecause justice shouldn't depend on income, Legal Aid Society is proud to championequal access to legal representation throughout Middle Tennessee and theCumberlands. Thanks to the incredible dedication of our 2023 Campaign for EqualCommittee, we raised $1 million to provide free legal aid to those in need. We aredeeply grateful for their service and unwavering commitment to our mission.
2023 Leadership Cabinet10The 2023 Leadership Cabinet was composed of law firms and in-house legal departmentswho demonstrated a significant commitment to LAS through contributing a minimum of$400 per attorney within their firm.Thanks to generous grant funding received in 2023, Legal Aid Society has been able to continue toprovide holistic advocacy and access to justice for thousands in Tennessee! These grants allow us tocontinue providing essential legal services and educational resources, ensuring everyone has access tothe legal help they need. 2023 GrantsBaker, Donelson, Bearman,Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC Bass, Berry & Sims PLC Berry & Tudor PC Bradley Arant Boult Cummings Burr & Forman LLP Butler Snow LLP Cornelius & Collins, LLP Dodson, Parker, Behm &Capparella, PC Gullett Sanford Robinson &Martin, PLLC Hagan Jenkins Law Group, PLLC Hale and Hale, PLCHMC Civil Rights Law, PLLC Holland & Knight LLP(Previously Waller) Holton & Mayberry, PCJohn C. McLemore, PLLC Kinnard Law Leader Law Lewis Thomason, PCLittler Mendelson PCLieff, Cabraser, Heimann &Bernstein LLP Manier & Herod, PC Nashville Electric Service Neal & Harwell, PLC Nelson, Mullins, Riley &Scarborough, LLP Ortale Kelley Pepper Law, PLC Patterson IntellectualProperty Law, PC Polsinelli PC Sherrard Roe Voigt &Harbison, PLC Smith-Wright Law, PLLC Spencer Fane LLP The Swafford Law FirmPLLC Taylor, Pigue, Marchetti &Blair, PLLC Waldron, Fann & Parsley Wiseman Ashworth Trauger Administrative Office of theCourts Parent EducationMediation Fund Administrative Office of theCourtDept. of Health Dismas House Equal Justice Works Greater Nashville RegionalCouncil (GNRC) and SouthCentral TN DevelopmentDistrict (SCTDDHealing Trust HUD EvictionInternal Revenue ServiceLegal Service Corporation Men of Valor Metro Direct Appropriation Montgomery County VictimsFundNashville Bar AssociationNashville Metro Eviction Rightto CounselOffice of Criminal Justice Program Office of Violence AgainstWomenTN Department of HumanServicesUnited Way of Franklin County United Way of Greater ClarksvilleUnited Way of Greater Nashville United Way of Rutherford CountyUnited Way of Sumer County United Way Disaster Fund
11One day, I was with mydaughter when heattacked me. Right thenand there I knew it wastime to leave. I packed upmy child and I never wentback.
12Kayla's StoryFleeing a decade of domestic violence, Kayla sought refuge at the FamilyJustice Center. Pregnant and with a young child, she was determined to build abetter life, with the Legal Aid Society as her steadfast ally.“One day, I was with my daughter when he attacked me. Right then and there Iknew it was time to leave. I packed up my child and I never went back,”explained Kayla.. LAS quickly assisted Kayla with her divorce proceedings, helping her secure apermanent Order of Protection and a parenting plan. Their commitmentextended to her interactions with the housing authority as well.After her initial application for public housing was rejected, her dedicatedadvocate and attorney guided her through the appeal and resubmission process. With their support, Kayla successfully secured public housing for herself and herfamily.
13Before coming to Legal AidSociety, I felt lost. Myattorney and advocatemade me feel like thingswere going to work out andthere was a light at the endof the tunnel.
14Edith's Story At 61, Edith was in a housing crisis that threatened her security. As an individualliving with a disability, her housing voucher was her lifeline in an increasinglyexpensive world. But a sudden drop in income caused her to fall behind on rent,leading to the looming threat of eviction and the loss of her vital housing voucher. “I received numerous letters telling me I was going to be evicted. I felt horrible.Before my injury, I never lived on Section 8 or had to constantly look forapartments. I was always fine and then, suddenly, I wasn’t,” explained Edith. Unfortunately, Edith was evicted from her home. Determined to secure her right tohousing, our team embarked on an arduous journey to appeal the vouchertermination. “We believed her situation deserved a second chance. With diligence, we presentedher case to The Housing Authority, which recognized the unique challenges she hadfaced,” said LAS attorney Erica Webster.Through LAS advocacy, the Housing Authority decided to reinstate Edith’s housingvoucher, offering her the opportunity to rebuild her life and find a place to callhome.
0 1000000 2000000 3000000 4000000 5000000Equal Justice CampaignInvestment IncomeState FundingUnited WayLegal Services CorporationFederal FundingLocal GovernmentFoundationOther GrantsThe financial results for Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and theCumberlands, fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, were reviewed externally byKraftCPAs PLLC. To find copies of Legal Aid Society’s Form 990 and audit reports,scan the QR code below or go to our website at https://las.org/about/financial-information/. Funding the Future15Campaign for Equal Justice $933,723 Investment Income $403,364 State Funding $952,951 United Way $145,873 LSC $4,497,299 Federal Funding $4,297,902 Local Government $182,635 Foundation $416,243 Other Grants $173,382 Funding Sources$12,003,372Total
16LeadershipBoard of Directors Walter H. Stubbs, 1st Vice President Katie Bell Klinghard, 2nd Vice President David A. Weil, 3rd Vice President Adrie Mae Rhodes, Secretary Mozianio S. Reliford III, Treasurer James L. Weatherly Jr., ExecutiveCommittee Member at LargeCharita Bennett Brad Hornsby Tessa N. Lawson Joel Lucas Erin Palmer Polly Misty M. PhyChristina Sanders Hon. Sal W. Varsalona Josh Hill (YLC Intern) John T. Blankenship Traci Brooks James F. Conley Cynthia Cheatham Sharon Crane Diane Davis Cameron Hoffmeyer Managing Attorneys Amelia Luna Iska Hoole J. Kevin Fowler Janet Mynatt Katie Kelly Marla Williams Patricia A. Jones Shelby Dodson Jordan Stringer Executive Leadership DarKenya W. Waller Derria Ford Kalyne RendaPaul Swiney Zachary Oswald Director of Advocacy David Kozlowski Practice Group Leads Allison Jones Amelia Luna William Bush Marla Williams Elizabeth Leiserson Sub-Practice Group Leads Chay Sengkhounmany Mary Gillum Patricia A. Jones Susan Kay, President I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to servealongside such dedicated and passionate individuals.Legal Aid Society is not just about providing legalrepresentation; it is about ensuring justice and equityfor all members of our community. Together, we aremaking a meaningful impact in the lives of those whoneed it most, and I am honored to be a part of thisvital mission.
1321 Murfreesboro Pike Suite 400Nashville, TN 37217Stay in Touch1-800-238-1443www.las.org @LASMTCthank you@legalaidsocietymidtn@Legal Aid Society ofMiddle Tennessee andthe Cumberlands@legalaidsocietyofmiddleten2209