Bass, Berry & Sims Pro Bono Coordinator Lucinda Smith was recently featured in a Law360 Pulse article examining how law firms and legal aid organizations are working to address attorney shortages and expand access to legal services in rural communities across the country.
The article highlights Bass, Berry & Sims’ ongoing efforts to serve Tennesseans who may otherwise struggle to access legal assistance. Through the firm’s pro bono initiatives, attorneys have provided more than 585 hours of free legal advice through Tennessee Free Legal Answers and contributed more than 100 hours of legal assistance related to conservatorships and wills for rural families.
In discussing the broader access-to-justice challenges facing rural communities, Lucinda emphasized that while pro bono efforts are critical, they alone cannot solve the growing legal services gap.
The article explores how firms are increasingly leveraging technology, virtual clinics, and partnerships with legal aid organizations to reach individuals in legal deserts, where attorney shortages can leave residents without access to basic legal services. It also highlights growing recognition throughout the legal profession that innovative approaches and systemic solutions will be necessary to address unmet legal needs nationwide.
Read the full article, “Firms Seek To Help ‘Most Vulnerable’ In Rural America,” that was published by Law360 Pulse on September 18 and is available online (subscription required).