Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Free Legal Aid in Knoxville

Last updated: June 18, 2023

Legal problems can be time-consuming and costly. Do you need a lawyer, but can’t afford it? In Knox County, you have options. There are several free or low-cost legal services in the area. The main sources are through legal assistance programs such as Legal Aid of East Tennessee, a nonprofit organization providing free legal aid to low-income residents and seniors, or through law school clinics. There may be income limits that apply for you to qualify for free/low-cost help. Contact the specific agency to learn more. Below is a list of several organizations available to help you.

General Law

  • American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee

    P.O. Box 120160
    Nashville,
    TN 37212

    Tel: (615) 320-7142

    Areas of Law: Discrimination, Election and Voting, Freedom Speech, Freedom of Religion, Immigration Rights, LGBT Rights, Privacy, Police Practices, Jail and Prison Conditions, and other issues of fair treatment by government.

    Good to Know: The ACLU does not usually assist in the following types of cases: criminal defense or post-conviction appeals, divorce or child custody disputes, property disputes, tax problems, workers compensation issues, consumer complaints, landlord-tenant disputes, building code issues and complaints about lawyers or judges. To apply for services, fill out an intake form.

  • Legal Aid of East Tennessee

    502 S. Gay St.
    Suite 404

    Knoxville,
    TN 37902

    Tel: (865) 637-0484

    Areas of Law: Civil, Consumer, Domestic Violence, Employment, Elder, Family, Housing, Public Benefits, Tax

    Good to Know: This organization is the main legal aid service provider in Knox County. They do not handle criminal cases. Income limits apply to qualify for services, but some assistance is available to senior citizens over the age of 60 who exceed income limits. They also offer legal workshops at various locations. Call to learn more.

AIDS/HIV

  • Tennessee AIDS Hotline


    Tel: (615) 741-7500

    Area of Law: AID/HIV advocacy

    Good to Know: This organization offers information and resources for people with HIV/AIDS. They can provide referrals to various service organizations statewide.

Disability Law

  • disABILITY Resource Center

    900 E. Hill Ave.
    Suite 120

    Knoxville,
    TN 37915

    Tel: (865) 637-3666

    Areas of Law: Disability, Public Benefits, Abuse/Neglect

Domestic Violence

  • Knoxville Family Justice Center

    400 Harriet Tubman Street
    Knoxville,
    TN 37915

    Tel: (865) 215-6800

    Areas of Law: Divorce, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking

    Good to Know: Legal services include referrals, assistance with filing protective orders, and representation in court for protective orders. There is no income requirement and all services are free.

    Important: If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Immigration Law

  • Catholic Charities of Diocese of Knoxville

    PO Box 11127
    Knoxville,
    TN 37939

    Tel: (865) 584-3307

    Areas of Law: Asylum, Anti-Trafficking, Domestic Violence, Immigration, Naturalization

    Good to Know: They provide a wide range of services for immigrants including help for citizenship, family reunification, asylum, and for refugees.

Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution

  • Community Mediation Center

    912 South Gay Street
    Suite L 300

    Knoxville,
    TN 37902

    Tel: (865) 594-1879

    Areas of Law: Community Disputes, Family, Civil, and Limited Criminal

    Good to Know: This organization provides Knox County residents help in resolving disputes within their families or with neighbors, businesses, or organizations. There is a nominal application fee, but mediation services are free for low-income persons.

Law School Clinics

Was this helpful?

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:
Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options