NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Legal problems can be expensive, but getting answers doesn't always have to be.
On the first Tuesday evening of every month, attorneys connected with the Nashville Bar Association take part in Dial-A-Lawyer, a free program that allows people to call 615-242-9272 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. and get answers to legal questions or guidance on where to turn next.
It's one of several efforts aimed at helping people navigate legal issues that can feel confusing, intimidating, and costly.
According to Nashville Bar Association President Sherie Edwards, the need for free legal help is growing in our community.
"We know what the income level is, and we know what the need is because people are calling Dial-A-Lawyer and going to the legal clinics," Edwards said.
Lawyers are also seeing more people represent themselves in court.
"We have seen a rise in the number of people who are filing lawsuits on their own. That's pro se," Edwards said.
In response, the Nashville Bar Association has created a committee focused on encouraging more attorneys to take on pro bono work and connecting them with people who need legal assistance.
The issue is one many Middle Tennesseans know firsthand. People regularly seek out legal aid services, only to discover those organizations are already stretched thin and unable to meet all of the demand.
"That is why we've established our committee to make that need more known to our attorneys," Edwards said.
Edwards said volunteer work can make a meaningful difference for both attorneys and the people they help.
"Sometimes we get caught in the day-to-day mundane stuff, but when you can sit across the desk from somebody, or you're on the phone, and you've helped them figure out a problem, it gives you such a great feeling that you've actually used your law degree to help somebody," she said.
The Nashville Bar Association offers several free legal resources, including links to legal clinics, attorney referral services, and Dial-A-Lawyer events.
People looking for help can find those resources online at the Nashville Bar Association. NewsChannel 5 has also compiled legal resources from across Middle Tennessee on the Hannah Can Help section of our website.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email hannahcanhelp@newschannel5.com.
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