What is Legal Aid? America has a long history of providing legal
help to people with low-income in civil (ordinary private
matters rather than laws regulating criminal, political, or
military matters). For a complete history of civil legal aid,
see this article from the National Legal Aid and Defenders
Association. Legal aid programs assist eligible low-income
Tennesseans with legal advice and counsel on civil matters –
such as domestic violence, housing matters, health insurance
appeals, public benefits, unemployment, and consumer matters.
Eligibility is typically determined by measuring family income
and assets of a potential client. Federal funding, provided by
the Legal Services Corporation limits income amounts to 125% of
the Federal Poverty Rate. Utilizing other funding streams,
organizations are often able to assist certain individuals at
higher income or asset levels. In addition, Tennessee has a
vibrant and growing array of pro bono activities where private
attorneys assist low-income and working Ten