Legal Aid in Action

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Dean gives his perspective, based on a 9+ year career at Legal Aid, of what trauma-informed care is, why it's important for legal professionals to practice it, and some tips on how to implement it every time you interact with a client.

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Lead benefits attorney Allison Jones debunks myths about public benefits and looks into the future of the social safety net.

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Lead benefits attorney Allison Jones takes a deep dive into misconceptions about public benefits, including views on immigration and fraud.

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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.

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If someone is hurting you or making you feel unsafe, you may have heard the words "order of protection." But what does that actually mean? And how do you get one?

In this episode, host Dean Hinton sits down with Rebecca Toca, a former Legal Aid attorney who spent five and a half years representing survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault right here in Middle Tennessee. Before joining Legal Aid, Rebecca spent over seven years as a prosecutor in New York, where she worked in the Domestic Violence Bureau handling serious crimes. She knows this area of the law inside and out — and she knows how it affects real people.

Dean and Rebecca break down what an order of protection is, who can get one, and what the process looks like. They explain it in plain, simple language so you know what to expect every step of the way.

If you are thinking about getting an order of protection, or if you just want to understand your options, this episode is for you.

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

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In our last episode, we introduced the Tennessee Safe at Home program. Today, we go deeper.

Host Dean Hinton continues his conversation with Stacy Scruggs, Program Coordinator for Tennessee's Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program. In this episode, they tackle three questions that many people have about the program.

First, they talk about how to enroll if you live outside of a big city. If you are in a rural area, signing up for Safe at Home can feel harder. Stacy explains how people in smaller communities across Tennessee can still access the program and get the protection they need.

Second, they talk about co-parenting with Safe at Home. If you share children with an abusive partner, keeping your address private while still meeting your parenting responsibilities can be complicated. Stacy walks through how the program can help in those situations.

Third, they talk about enrolling other people in Safe at Home. Can you help a family member or friend sign up? Stacy explains who can be enrolled and how that process works.

If you missed Part 1, we recommend listening to Episode 5 first. But you can also start here.

You deserve to feel safe. And there are people ready to help.

To learn more about Safe at Home, visit sos.tn.gov or call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443. If you are in danger right now, call 911.

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Did you know that your home address could be found in public records? For someone trying to escape an abusive situation, that can be very dangerous.

In this episode, host Dean Hinton sits down with Stacy Scruggs, Program Coordinator for Tennessee's Safe at Home Address Confidentiality Program. Safe at Home is a free statewide program that gives victims of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, and sexual assault a confidential substitute address. That means your real address stays private — even when you sign up for school, apply for public benefits, or receive mail from the government.

Stacy explains who can apply, how the program works, and what it can and cannot do. She also shares how to get connected with the program no matter where you live in Tennessee.

Stacy has dedicated her career to helping victims of crime. In 2024, she was named a National Champion of Victims' Rights by Marsy's Law — a national honor that recognizes her outstanding work on behalf of people who have been through some of life's hardest moments.

If you are trying to stay safe and keep your address private, this episode is for you.

To learn more about Safe at Home, visit sos.tn.gov or call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443. If you are in danger right now, call 911.

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This is Part 4 of our conversation about domestic violence with Heather Herrmann, Heather Herrmann is the Director of Education for the Metro Nashville Office of Family Safety, with over 18 years of experience in mission-driven nonprofits.

In this episode, host Dean Hinton and Heather cover two very important topics.

First, they talk about resources outside of Nashville. If you do not live in Nashville, help is still available. Heather shares where you can find support in other parts of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.

Second, they talk about how to prepare to leave an abusive relationship. Leaving can be scary. It can also be dangerous. That is why having a plan matters. Dean and Heather walk through simple, practical steps you can take to help keep yourself and your children safe when you are ready to go.

If you missed Parts 1, 2, or 3, we recommend starting from the beginning. But you can also start here.

You do not have to figure this out alone. Help is closer than you think.

If you are in danger right now, call 911. For local support, contact the Nashville Office of Family Safety or call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443.

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This is Part 3 of our conversation about domestic violence with Heather Herrmann, Director of Strategic Learning & Development at Metro Nashville's Office of Family Safety with more than 18 years of experience in the domestic violence field.

In this episode, host Dean Hinton and Heather talk about three important things that can help keep you and your family safe.

First, they explain what a safety assessment is. A safety assessment is a series of questions that helps figure out how much danger someone may be in. It is a tool to help you get the right kind of help.

Next, they talk about Family Safety Centers. A Family Safety Center is a place where you can get many kinds of help all in one location. You can talk to advocates, lawyers, and other support staff — all in one visit.

Finally, they share resources that are available right now in Middle Tennessee. Whether you are in a dangerous situation or just want to learn more, there is help out there.

If you missed Parts 1 and 2, we recommend starting from the beginning. But you can also start here.

You are not alone. Help is available.

If you are in danger right now, call 911. For local support, contact the Nashville Office of Family Safety or call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443.

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Host Dean Hinton continues a discussion of domestic violence with advocate Heather Herrmann by covering physical abuse, sexual violence, and pointing out warning signs of an abuser.

Heather is the Director of Strategic Learning & Development at Metro Nashville's Office of Family Safety with more than 18 years of experience in the domestic violence field.

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In our first domestic violence episode, host Dean Hinton, an attorney at Legal Aid Society, sits down with Heather Herrmann, Director of Strategic Learning & Development at the Metro Nashville Office of Family Safety. Heather explains what domestic violence is, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do if you or someone you know needs help.

Dean and Heather also talk about your legal rights. If you are in an unsafe situation, Legal Aid may be able to help — for free.

This episode is for anyone who wants to better understand domestic violence, or who may be going through a hard time at home. You are not alone. Help is available.

If you are in danger right now, call 911. For local support, contact the Nashville Office of Family Safety or call Legal Aid at 1-800-238-1443.