Committee Chair

Crawford, Elizabeth K.

Committee Member

Williamson, Cynthia T.; Rausch, David W.; Taylor, Jessica N.

Department

Dept. of Applied Leadership and Learning

College

College of Health, Education, and Professional Studies

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

Nonprofit law firms and legal aid societies provide free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals who have a civil, legal need and who qualify for the services. However, the provision of such services is not straightforward nor without challenges and barriers. This research study examined the provision of free, civil legal services to eligible citizens of Tennessee to see if there was a difference in the provision of services depending on if the recipient of services resides in a rural, urban, or suburban area. The study also explored if there was a difference in the number of cases closed and the legal problem codes of such cases and the number of cases closed and the levels of legal service for the cases. Finally, the study also reviewed client opinions as to the value and need for such services.

Acknowledgments

I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest thanks and gratitude to my chair, Dr. Elizabeth Crawford. Dr. Crawford patiently guided me through the program even when I thought for sure that I could not continue. I am forever grateful for your kind and considerate answers to questions and inquiries. Thank you for always challenging me to succeed. A very special thank you goes to Dr. Cindy Williamson. I am deeply grateful for your insightful and patient assistance with the data analysis process. Thank you! Finally, thank you to members of dissertation committee, Dr. David Rausch and Dr. Jessica Taylor, for your support, expertise, and time.

Degree

Ph. D.; A dissertation submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

Date

8-2026

Subject

Legal aid--Tennessee; Legal assistance to the poor--Tennessee; Legal services--Tennessee

Keyword

free, civil legal services; legal aid; legal services;

Document Type

Doctoral dissertations

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

x, 76 leaves

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

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