West Tennessee Legal Services

09/01/2026

Last week we learned about Powers of Attorney, but have you ever wanted to know what an Advanced Directive is?

An advance directive is a legal document that lets you put your healthcare wishes in writing — before you ever need them.

Here's why it matters: without an advance directive, your loved ones may be left guessing — or disagreeing — about what you would have wanted. Having one in place takes that burden off them.

Just like a power of attorney, you need to be mentally competent to create an advance directive, meaning you fully understand what you're deciding.

Swipe through for the basics 👉

Thinking about setting one up? Give us a call or apply on our website!💬

08/31/2026

🚐Did you know you can book the Justice Bus for your next community event? Visit our website to learn more and to book the bus! 🔗https://wtls.org/resources/request_wtls/

08/28/2026

💫⚖️👏It's time for another Good Story! (*Client names/images have been changed to protect identity.) Need no-cost civil legal support? Call us at 800-372-8346 or visit wtls.org. We're here for you West Tennessee! 💙

08/27/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Sara Barnett! 🎉

We are proud to celebrate our own board member, Sara Barnett, partner with Spragins, Barnett & Cobb, on being named the 2026 recipient of the Janice M. Holder Access to Justice Award!

This award honors Janice Holder, the first female Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court, whose leadership was instrumental in creating Tennessee's Access to Justice Commission. It's given to individuals who exemplify a deep commitment to expanding access to justice — and Sara embodies that spirit in every way.

Beyond her direct pro bono service, Sara has strengthened our entire access to justice community by teaching CLE programs for staff and volunteers, sharing her expertise to help others serve Tennesseans more effectively. Her leadership extends even further through her service on both the West Tennessee Legal Services Board of Directors and the Tennessee Supreme Court's Access to Justice Commission.

Sara, thank you for your tireless dedication to ensuring that all Tennesseans — regardless of income — have access to the legal help they need. This recognition is so well deserved! 👏

08/26/2026

🎉 Congratulations to WTLS Attorney Jonathan Steen on his article published in the American Bar Association's TortSource (Spring 2026)!

In "Lawyers on the Healthcare Team: Why MLPs Matter," Jonathan explores how Medical-Legal Partnerships bring lawyers directly into healthcare settings to tackle the civil legal issues — like unsafe housing, insurance access, and public benefits — that often stand in the way of good health outcomes. It's a great look at how legal aid and healthcare providers are teaming up to solve problems that medicine alone can't fix.

Visit our website to learn more about the article:
https://wtls.org/wtls-attorney-jonathan-steen-published-in-aba-tortsource-on-medical-legal-partnerships/

08/25/2026

Do you know what a Power of Attorney actually does? 🤔

A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important — and most misunderstood — legal documents you can have.

It lets someone you trust step in and handle things for you, like paying bills or managing your bank account.

Here's what a lot of people don't realize: your POA doesn't have to take effect right away. You can set it up to start immediately, or have it kick in later — like if a doctor determines you're no longer able to make decisions for yourself.

One key rule: you have to be mentally competent to sign one. That means you fully understand what you're agreeing to at the time you sign.

Swipe through to learn the basics 👉

Have questions about setting up a POA for yourself or a loved one? Apply on our website or give us a call. 💬

08/24/2026

08/21/2026

💙WTLS July / August Outreach 💙

08/20/2026

🎉 You're Invited: 2026 Champions of Justice Open House! 🎉

Join us at West Tennessee Legal Services as we open our doors, honor our 2026 Champions of Justice, and celebrate the incredible impact we've made together for our neighbors across West Tennessee.

There will be great company, meaningful conversation, and plenty to celebrate!

🗓️ Thursday, September 17, 2026
⏰ 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 1407 Union Avenue, 11th Floor, Memphis, TN 38104

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/3dxbjrdx
Mark your calendars and come celebrate with us — we'd love to see you there! 💛

08/19/2026

We're Hiring! Join the West Tennessee Legal Services Team 📢

West Tennessee Legal Services is growing, and we're looking for dedicated professionals who want to make a real difference in our community. We're currently hiring for:

⚖️ Family Law Staff Attorney
Advocate for clients navigating divorce, custody, and other family law matters, providing critical legal support to those who need it most.

👵 Senior Services Staff Attorney
Help protect the rights and well-being of older adults in our community through direct legal representation and advocacy.

🗣️ Bilingual Intake Paralegal
Be the first point of contact for clients, using your language skills to ensure everyone who walks through our doors gets the help they deserve.

🚌 Part-Time Bus Driver
Support our mission by helping clients get where they need to go — a vital, behind-the-scenes role that keeps our services accessible.

If you're passionate about equal access to justice and want to be part of a team that's making a tangible impact across West Tennessee, we'd love to hear from you.

📩 Apply today: https://wtls.org/job-openings/