The Tennessee Supreme Court Access To Justice Initiative

Introducing the Access to Justice Commission's new Vice-Chair!
Sara Barnett has been an important part of the commission over the last five years. We are incredibly fortunate to have her insight, expertise, and the experience she brings.

Join us in congratulating Sara! 👏

The Tennessee Justice Bus teamed up with the Obion County Public Library alongside Access to Justice Commission member Lindsey Theobald, to bring vital legal resources directly to the community.

With on-site kiosks to connect virtually with volunteer attorneys, access to helpful materials, and opportunities to ask questions, the event created a welcoming space for individuals to explore their legal options and take the next step forward with confidence

📍 Closing the Rural Justice Gap: Innovation & Regulatory Reform: 2026 Orr Symposium

On April 16, the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law will convene leaders driving access‑to‑justice reform. Featuring Justice Mary L. Wagner of the Tennessee Supreme Court and Eric Osbourne, Chair of the Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, this timely symposium brings together policymakers, scholars, and practitioners to explore practical approaches for expanding legal services in underserved rural communities.

Free CLE credits available! Register now to join legal professionals and advocates in shaping the future of justice delivery in Tennessee.

April is Month 💙

In Tennessee, many rural communities don’t have enough access to legal help. This creates what’s called a rural legal desert.

This month, we’re raising awareness and sharing ways to close the gap.

Justice Made Accessible: Library Edition! 📚

The Tennessee Justice Bus is hitting the road in 2026, bringing FREE legal resources directly to your community! Next month, we’ll be stopping at four local libraries across Tennessee to help break down barriers.

Check the schedule to see if we’re coming to a library near you! Spread the word, and let’s make justice accessible for everyone!

🗓️ Sullivan Co. Public Library – Mar 10
🗓️ Humphreys Co. Public Library – Mar 19
🗓️ Madisonville Public Library – Mar 20
🗓️ Sequatchie Co. Public Library – Mar 24

Learn more at JusticeForAllTN.org.

New Access to Justice Commission (ATJC) member spotlight! We are so excited to welcome three individuals to the ATJC. A special shoutout to our new chair, Eric Osborne. Please read below to learn more about the new members.

Eric Osborne is a member at Sherrard, Roe, Voigt & Harbison in Nashville, focusing on contract disputes, white-collar defense, antitrust, and civil rights. He is a Contracts professor at Nashville School of Law and is committed to helping people in times of crisis. Mr. Osborne is an inaugural member of the Legal Services Corporation’s Emerging Leaders Council and has been recognized for his pro bono work by the Tennessee Bar Association and the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Jennifer L. Sneed is in-house counsel for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, overseeing estate bequests and related litigation nationwide. Her practice focuses on estate and conservatorship matters. She is President-Elect of the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and serves in several leadership and professional roles statewide.

Nathan Kibler is a shareholder in Baker Donelson’s Knoxville office, focusing on securities and corporate law. He previously practiced at an international firm in Atlanta and clerked for judges on the Sixth Circuit and the Eastern District of Michigan. A leader in pro bono work, he serves as Knoxville Pro Bono Office Chair and is a two-time Pro Bono Award recipient. He graduated summa cm laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law and was Executive Editor of the Tennessee Law Review.

New year, same commitment to justice. ✨
As we step into 2026, we’re continuing the work of expanding access to justice, supporting Tennesseans, and building a fairer legal system for all. Thank you for being part of this mission. Here’s to progress, purpose, and people first.