ABOUT US

Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission

What Does the ACC Do?

The Appointed Counsel Commission has many functions, but its primary function is to work with attorneys to provide qualified, effective representation for indigent individuals in the following:

Criminal cases where the Public Defenders Office has a conflict
Child welfare cases, for both parents/custodians and the children

The establishment of the office represents a dynamic shift in the provision of appointed counsel in the state of Tennessee.

The ACC is working diligently to provide state-wide implementation of the new system, governed by Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 56, that is responsive to the growing need for appointed counsel in the Tennessee court system.

The office will provide the organizational structure and support to enhance service delivery to clients, attorneys, the court system, and the community.

Our Mission

To provide quality legal representation through appointed counsel

Our Vision

To administer an innovative and responsive program for the provision of appointed counsel while serving the legal community

Our Values

Zealous advocacy
Safeguarding due process and constitutional rights
Integrity
Collaboration

Here are some of the ways that the ACC is creating positive changes for Tennessee

The ACC is revising the previously existing payment model and processing system, which were limited and problematic.
The ACC is currently testing new compensation methods for attorneys, including:

Panel Attorneys: attorneys who carry a caseload and are compensated on a monthly basis for managing their caseload
Flat fee payment for certain types of matters per case/proceeding
A compensation rate based upon years of experience

All attorneys remain independent contractors and are not employed by the ACC.

The goals of the changes in payment models are numerous: reduce the time attorneys must wait to be paid, streamline and shorten the billing process, and compensate attorneys for their years of work and experience.

The ACC will soon implement a new technology system, which will replace the ACAP system, making the process for attorneys and the courts more responsive and user-friendly. This update is crucial for the timely and efficient delivery of a range of services, including attorney appointments, case management, fee tracking, claim submission, and more!

The ACC’s new initiatives aim to build capacity to attract and retain attorneys in more remote or rural jurisdictions. This is crucial for areas that have historically had more difficulty finding attorneys willing to take on the essential task of accepting appointments and providing quality representation for those in need.

The ACC will address the needs of attorneys and the legal community by implementing new programs and partnerships to provide:

Mentorship to attorneys new to practice or to a practice area
Education, CLE hours, and opportunities for discounted fees for participating attorneys in valuable, professionally related opportunities
Support at the regional level for attorneys, court staff, and judges for the crucial work that is undertaken daily in courts across Tennessee
Creating partnerships and opportunities with law schools, including real-life experience for students and professional opportunities for graduates

The ACC will address the need for a more uniform provision of quality representation and record keeping, through initiatives such as:

Establishing minimum standards of representation across practice areas
Providing uniformity in official documents and processes (Orders of Appointment, etc.)
Providing technology solutions to attorneys, judges, and court systems
Providing support to attorneys at a local level

The ACC will collaborate with outside agencies that are stakeholders in the legal system to assess needs and address them using the office’s resources.

Are you interested in learning more about working with the ACC? Contact us here!

The ACC will increase the accessibility of the provision of legal services for indigent parties through many measures, including:

Addressing the communication barrier between clients and attorneys
Serving as a resource and support for courts and court staff
Serving as a central source of information and assistance