Legal Aid in Action

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Allison Jones, the lead attorney for Legal Aid's health, public benefits, and special education practice group, breaks down the various benefits provided by the Social Security Administration, how to apply, and how they work. Allison ends the discussion by explaining what happens when government agencies seek repayment of benefits sent in error  —  how the process works, and what normally happens in those situations.

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Allison Jones, the lead benefits attorney for Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, provides an overview of America's safety net, what public beneifts are, who they are for, with an introduction into programs like Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program and TennCare. 

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The word bankruptcy can feel scary. But for many people, it is actually a fresh start.

In this episode, host Dean Hinton continues his conversation with Alise Housden, an attorney at Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. This time, they focus specifically on bankruptcy — what it is, how it works, and what it can and cannot do for you.

Dean and Alise break down the most common types of bankruptcy in plain, simple language. They explain what happens to your bills, your belongings, and your credit when you file. And they help you understand whether bankruptcy might be the right option for your situation.

A lot of people think bankruptcy means losing everything. That is not always true. This episode will help you understand what bankruptcy really looks like — and whether it could help you get out from under debt and move forward with your life.

If you missed Episodes 9 and 10, we recommend starting there first. But you can also start here.

Legal Aid may be able to help you with bankruptcy for free. Call us at 1-800-238-1443 to find out if you qualify.

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In our last episode, we started talking about debt and bankruptcy with attorney Alise Housden. Today, we go deeper.

Host Dean Hinton continues his conversation with Alise Housden, an attorney at Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. Alise has spent years helping people in Middle Tennessee deal with debt and find a fresh financial start.

In this episode, Dean and Alise pick up where they left off. They answer more of the questions people have about debt and bankruptcy — and talk about what happens after you file, what to expect from the process, and how to move forward once it is over.

If you missed Part 1, we recommend starting with Episode 9 first. But you can also jump right in here.

Dealing with debt is hard. But there is help available — and it may be free.

Call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443 to find out if you qualify for free legal help.

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Are you getting calls from debt collectors? Do you owe more money than you can pay back? You are not alone — and you have more options than you may think.

In this episode, host Dean Hinton sits down with Alise Housden, an attorney at Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. Alise has spent her entire legal career focused on consumer law and bankruptcy. Before joining Legal Aid, she worked at several law firms in Nashville helping people deal with debt. She knows how scary and confusing these situations can feel — and she knows how to help.

Dean and Alise talk about what debt collection really means, what your rights are when someone is trying to collect money from you, and what bankruptcy is. They explain the difference between the most common types of bankruptcy — and help you understand which one might make sense for your situation.

This episode is for anyone who is struggling with bills, being contacted by debt collectors, or wondering if bankruptcy might be an option.

You do not have to figure this out on your own. Legal Aid may be able to help you for free. Call us at 1-800-238-1443.

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Lucinda Smith continues a conversation about why one of Nashville's premier law firms volunteers thousands of hours to clients who would otherwise not be able to afford their services.

In this episode, Lucinda discusses success stories and how clients are vetted prior to Bass-Berry agreeing to represent them.

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Lucinda Smith was the former director of the Volunteer Lawyer Program at Legal Aid Society. She is now the pro bono coordinator at Bass, Berry, and Sims, one of Nashville's premier law firms, with additional offices in Memphis, Knoxville, Chicago, and Washington, DC. Lucinda breaks down why Bass-Berry lawyers volunteer thousands of hours to clients who would otherwise not be able to afford their services. 

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Jordan discusses clinics, who VLP clients are, and the future of the program.

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Jordan Stringer, the director of Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee's Volunteer Lawyer's Program, introduces his program -- what it is, how it's run, and how attorneys can volunteer their time and talents to help marginalized litigants gain access to the courts. 

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Orders of protection are not just for domestic violence. They can also help people who have experienced sexual assault or stalking.

In this episode, host Dean Hinton continues his conversation with Rebecca Toca, a former Legal Aid attorney with years of experience representing survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Middle Tennessee.

Dean and Rebecca talk about how orders of protection work in cases involving sexual assault and stalking. They explain what stalking is, what counts as sexual assault under Tennessee law, and how victims of these crimes can use the courts to protect themselves.

If someone is following you, threatening you, or has hurt you sexually, you have rights. And there are legal tools that can help keep you safe.

This episode is for anyone who has experienced stalking or sexual assault and wants to understand their legal options. You do not have to go through this alone.

If you missed Episode 7, we recommend starting there for an introduction to orders of protection. But you can also jump in here.

Legal Aid may be able to help you for free. Call us at 1-800-238-1443. If you are in danger right now, call 911.