BreakingBarriers andBuilding Bridges
ThehelpIreceivedfromLegal AidSocietyisimmeasurable.Had itnotbeenforLegalAidSociety, Iwould’velostmyhome.The attorneywhorepresentedme trulycaredaboutmysituation andreallyworkedhardtoresolve it.
LASClient 2023 Annual Report
At the heart of every Legal Aider lies a fire – a burning passion for justice and a desire to empower the most vulnerable.
In fact, Legal Aid Society was born from this very belief – ensuring equal access to justice for all. As James Baldwin eloquently stated, "If one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country...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 true measure of a just society lies in how it treats its most vulnerable.
In 2023, Legal Aid Society, along with volunteers and strategic partners, stood with over 13,000 vulnerable Tennesseans in providing access to justice– a representation of the individuals Baldwin
A message from our Executive Director
BreakingBarriers: Rethinkingthe NeedforJustice
DarKenyaW.Waller
Executive Director Legal Aid Society
spoke of, many of those who make up communities who are unheard and underrepresented.
It's a humbling experience to witness the courage of those who seek our help, and we are filled with immense gratitude for the unwavering dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and partners who help us meet that need
In the pages of this report, you will read how our work transcends simply providing free legal help
2023 was about restoring dignity, providing access to legal resources and education, and most importantly, breaking barriers that have historically kept generations of people in a cycle of poverty.
In community,
Our mission is to enforce, advance, and defend the legal rights of low-income and vulnerable people in order to obtain for them the basic necessities of life.
Metrics that matter
In 2023, we showed that above all else, our communities matter. Because of you, we....
Represented over 13,000 people, including more than 5,000 children
Secured over $14 million in benefits and savings for our clients
Raised $1 million through our Campaign for Equal Justice to create second chances and brighter futures for Tennesseans
Hosted 407 educational events, reaching 608,000 community members
Metrics that matter
Secured 1,035 orders of protection, ensuring safety for domestic violence survivors
Resolved 1,804 housing-related issues for tenants and their families
Cleared 804 criminal records, helping eliminate barriers to stability for post-incarcerated individuals
Distributed 91,329 self-help educational booklets
BridgingtheGap:VolunteersConnect, Support,andEmpower
2023ProBonoAttorneyoftheYear
Erin Coleman
In 2023 alone, Erin Coleman accepted 14 pro bono cases, showcasing her versatility and deep commitment to justice. Notably, her swift action in a case involving a mother and her three children led to an Order of Protection against an abusive father, ensuring their safety.
2023ProBonoLeadershipAward
In 2023, Clark & Washington demonstrated unwavering commitment by opening 30 new bankruptcy cases for lowincome clients, successfully discharging over $603,000 in liabilities for 15 clients. Their diligent efforts have significantly impacted these clients' lives, enabling them to reinvest in their households and communities.
MakinganImpact
Pro bono attorneys provided over 1,800 hours of pro bono services for community members.
2023PillarFirms
Partnering with Legal Aid Society allows Pillar Firms to create efficient pro bono projects that benefit both access to justice and the law firms themselves. We thank our Pillar Firms for their service and partnership in 2023!
Mr. Johnson was very patient, informative, and honestly very attentive to my case. He was supportive in our time of need. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Volunteer Lawyers Program Client
2023 Top 8 Highlight s
Our Eviction Right to Counsel program helped save Metro Nashville residents facing eviction an estimated $3.4 million in 2023!
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to the law! We launched the LAS Community Classroom, a FREE online resource packed with self-explainer videos and downloadable guides on a variety of legal topics.
Health and benefits attorney Emma Sholl secured retroactive institutional Medicaid coverage for a client who was hospitalized for months following a health crisis. The coverage alleviated $1.2 million in medical debt for the client.
Ashley Wiltshire, former LAS Executive Director, released a new book called “Everyday Justice: A Legal Aid Story,” which tells the story of the origin of LAS. LAS and the book were the featured topic of the annual Nashville Bar Association Historical CLE. It was quite the reunion of Legal Aiders who came back to make the event a success.
2023 Top Highlight s
LAS received a 3-year, $8.2 million grant from Tennessee Department of Human Services, called the Family Centered Legal Solutions (FCLS) grant, which increases access to civil legal aid for Tennessee families.
The LAS Murfreesboro office exceeded all United Way 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 the Clarksville office with a certificate of recognition, honoring Legal Aid Society for its significant housing work during the pandemic.
The Columbia office celebrated its new location with a successful open house attended by mayors, state representatives, and representatives from the U.S. Senate and House. Now-retired Maury County Chancellor David Allen was presented with a token of appreciation.
CampaignCommittee
Because justice shouldn't depend on income, Legal Aid Society is proud to champion equal access to legal representation throughout Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. Thanks to the incredible dedication of our 2023 Campaign for Equal Committee, we raised $1 million to provide free legal aid to those in need. We are deeply grateful for their service and unwavering commitment to our mission.
CommitteeMembers
Serving as the Campaign Chair for the 2023 LAS Equal Justice Campaign Committee has been an incredible honor. I am grateful for the chance to work with such dedicated individuals committed to justice. Access to the legal system is not just a right; it is the cornerstone of a fair and equitable society. Together, we have made strides toward ensuring that everyone in our community has the legal support they need. Thank you for your unwavering support and belief in this vital mission.
Elizabeth Sitgreaves Small Firm Chair
MARTESHAJOHNSONMOORE
Committee Chair
Anne Martin Judge Co-Chair
I'Ashea Myles Judge Co-Chair
Joseph Hubbard Young Lawyers Chair
Ryan Holt Large Firm Chair
2023LeadershipCabinet
The 2023 Leadership Cabinet was composed of law firms and in-house legal departments who demonstrated a significant commitment to LAS through contributing a minimum of $400 per attorney within their firm.
Baker, 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, PLC
HMC Civil Rights Law, PLLC
2023Grants
Holland & Knight LLP (Previously Waller)
Holton & Mayberry, PC
John C McLemore, PLLC
Kinnard Law
Leader Law
Lewis Thomason, PC
Littler Mendelson PC
Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein LLP
Manier & Herod, PC
Nashville Electric Service
Neal & Harwell, PLC
Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough, LLP
Ortale Kelley Pepper Law, PLC
Patterson Intellectual Property Law, PC
Polsinelli PC
Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison, PLC
Smith-Wright Law, PLLC
Spencer Fane LLP
The Swafford Law Firm
PLLC
Taylor, Pigue, Marchetti & Blair, PLLC
Waldron, Fann & Parsley
Wiseman Ashworth Trauger
Thanks to generous grant funding received in 2023, Legal Aid Society has been able to continue to provide holistic advocacy and access to justice for thousands in Tennessee! These grants allow us to continue providing essential legal services and educational resources, ensuring everyone has access to the legal help they need.
Administrative Office of the Courts Parent Education
Mediation Fund
Administrative Office of the Court
Dept. of Health
Dismas House
Equal Justice Works
Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC) and South Central TN Development
District (SCTDD
Healing Trust
HUD Eviction
Internal Revenue Service
Legal Service Corporation
Men of Valor
Metro Direct Appropriation
Montgomery County Victims Fund
Nashville Bar Association
Nashville Metro Eviction Right to Counsel
Office of Criminal Justice Program
Office of Violence Against Women
TN Department of Human Services
United Way of Franklin County
United Way of Greater Clarksville
United Way of Greater Nashville
United Way of Rutherford County
United Way of Sumer County
United Way Disaster Fund
One day, I was with my daughter when he attacked me. Right then and there I knew it was time to leave. I packed up my child and I never went back.
Kayla's Story
Fleeing a decade of domestic violence, Kayla sought refuge at the Family Justice Center. Pregnant and with a young child, she was determined to build a better 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 I knew 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 a permanent Order of Protection and a parenting plan. Their commitment extended to her interactions with the housing authority as well.
After her initial application for public housing was rejected, her dedicated advocate and attorney guided her through the appeal and resubmission process.
With their support, Kayla successfully secured public housing for herself and her family.
Before coming to Legal Aid Society, I felt lost. My attorney and advocate made me feel like things were going to work out and there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
Edith's Story
At 61, Edith was in a housing crisis that threatened her security. As an individual living with a disability, her housing voucher was her lifeline in an increasingly expensive 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 for apartments. I was always fine and then, suddenly, I wasn’t,” explained Edith.
Unfortunately, Edith was evicted from her home. Determined to secure her right to housing, our team embarked on an arduous journey to appeal the voucher termination.
“We believed her situation deserved a second chance. With diligence, we presented her case to The Housing Authority, which recognized the unique challenges she had faced,” said LAS attorney Erica Webster.
Through LAS advocacy, the Housing Authority decided to reinstate Edith’s housing voucher, offering her the opportunity to rebuild her life and find a place to call home.
FundingtheFuture
The financial results for Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, were reviewed externally by KraftCPAs 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/financialinformation/.
Board of Directors
WalterH.Stubbs,1stVicePresident
KatieBellKlinghard,2ndVicePresident
DavidA.Weil,3rdVicePresident
AdrieMaeRhodes,Secretary
MozianioS.RelifordIII,Treasurer
JamesL WeatherlyJr,Executive CommitteeMemberatLarge
CharitaBennett
Managing Attorneys
Amelia Luna
Iska Hoole
J. Kevin Fowler
Janet Mynatt
Katie Kelly
Marla Williams
Patricia A. Jones
Shelby Dodson
Jordan Stringer
I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals. Legal Aid Society is not just about providing legal representation; it is about ensuring justice and equity for all members of our community Together, we are making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need it most, and I am honored to be a part of this vital mission.
Susan Kay, President
John T. Blankenship
Traci Brooks
James F. Conley
Cynthia Cheatham
Sharon Crane
Diane Davis
Cameron Hoffmeyer
Leadership
Executive Leadership
DarKenya W. Waller
Derria Ford
Kalyne Renda
Paul Swiney
Zachary Oswald
Director of Advocacy
David Kozlowski
Brad Hornsby
Tessa N Lawson
Joel Lucas
Erin Palmer Polly
Misty M. Phy
Christina Sanders
Hon. Sal W. Varsalona
Josh Hill (YLC Intern)
Practice Group Leads
Allison Jones
Amelia Luna
William Bush
Marla Williams
Elizabeth Leiserson
Sub-Practice Group Leads
Chay Sengkhounmany
Mary Gillum
Patricia A. Jones
