Celebrate Pro Bono Month 2019

October is “Celebrate Pro Bono Month” and Tennessee lawyers are joining their colleagues across the country to provide free legal services to those in need and honor the good work performed by lawyers every day as part of the annual National Pro Bono Celebration. Now in its 11th year, the 2019 statewide Celebrate Pro Bono Month brings together legal services providers with local bar associations, law schools, law firms and individual lawyers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer. Hundreds of volunteers are expected to participate in dozens of events and activities across the state that will offer assistance to Tennesseans in need. Activities include legal advice clinics, education programs, public presentations, celebrations and other events. Hosting or volunteering at a Celebrate Pro Bono Month event? Be sure to share it on social media with the hashtag #CelebrateProBono.

The 2019 National Celebration of Pro Bono is encouraging events focused on serving survivors of domestic violence. October is also domestic violence awareness month. The repercussions of domestic, sexual, and stalking violence are numerous and heartbreaking. Survivors need assistance in matters such as protective orders, custody, child support and many other areas. A lawyer's assistance can be critical to help survivors heal, regain stability and move forward with their lives. Research shows that the availability of civil legal services in a community greatly reduces the likelihood of domestic violence. Pro bono assistance is critical because legal service organizations are working hard to meet the needs, but the demand is always beyond what they can provide.

Pro Bono Recognition Programs

TN Supreme Court Pro Bono Recognition Program for Attorneys, Law Students & Firms
The Tennessee Supreme Court launched an initiative in 2014 to honor attorneys and law students who complete 50 or more hours of pro bono service each year. Those who meet the goal are named “Attorney for Justice” or “Law Student for Justice” by the court, are listed online and are honored at events across the state. Law firms that averaged 50 or more hours of pro bono service per attorney also may apply for recognition. The program is entirely voluntary and based on self-reporting using individual attorney annual registration or this form. Law firms should apply using this form. Attorneys and law offices recognized for their pro bono service will be listed on the Tennessee Supreme Court's Access to Justice website.

2019 Celebrate Pro Bono Month Events

Celebrate Pro Bono Month events will be promoted in TBA Today and on the TBA website throughout the month. Please provide information to TBA if you have events to promote.