Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission

The State of Tennessee has a constitutionally mandated responsibility to provide legal representation to indigent individuals who are constitutionally and statutorily entitled to legal counsel, including individuals who are in jeopardy of incarceration and both children and parents in dependency and neglect and termination of parental rights cases. The Tennessee Appointed Counsel Commission was established to coordinate and improve the delivery of legal representation to individuals who cannot afford an attorney in criminal defense and child welfare matters.

Attorneys who accept cases to represent eligible clients are appointed to provide zealous representation for those in need, and are crucial guardians of due process and equal justice under law in Tennessee. They are a valuable asset not only to the clients they serve, but also to the administration of justice and to society as a whole.