APPOINTED BUT NOT EQUAL -DEFEND THE RIGHT TO COUNSEL

“My life is on the line and this person is not doing anything to help me.” - Kevin Williams

“My life is on the line and this person is not doing anything to help me.” - Kevin Williams

“They kill you with the waiting game.” - Isiah Buckley

“They kill you with the waiting game.” - Isiah Buckley

““He’s been trying to file papers to get rid of this attorney and the courts will not let him get rid of this attorney.” - Erica W.

““He’s been trying to file papers to get rid of this attorney and the courts will not let him get rid of this attorney.” - Erica W.

If you or a loved one are facing poor representation from a court-appointed attorney, you’re not without options—but you may have to fight for them. The road to accountability is tough, and the system isn’t designed to make it easy. In many cases, the very judge who appointed the lawyer is the only one who can remove them—and building a strong case for ineffective counsel can feel impossible, especially when retaliation is a real concern. 

But here’s the truth: You have a voice, and you don’t have to navigate this alone.  

Use our Self Help Toolkit and Share your Story!

  • Join us for Beyond Court Monthly Gatherings—a safe space to connect with others who’ve walked this road, share your experiences, and learn how to push back against an unfair system. Together, we can make our voices heard and share our stories more widely.

    Know your rights. Take action. Stand up for fair representation.

  • Check our our SELF HELP TOOLKIT today to begin considering your options.

    The process of replacing an appointed attorney can be overwhelming, but it's crucial for ensuring that your case is handled with the attention, expertise, and dedication it deserves. If your attorney isn’t meeting your needs, you have options. This toolkit gives you the resources to take informed action.

    Your voice matters. Your rights matter. You deserve a fair shot at justice.

Nashville’s courtrooms have long been hidden from public scrutiny, and for too many, appointed counsel means being stuck with lawyers who won’t provide the defense they deserve. It’s a systemic issue where judges appoint lawyers they know won’t adequately fight for their clients, leaving indigent defendants vulnerable to inadequate representation, longer sentences, and unfair outcomes.

Transparency is the foundation for accountability and for too long Nashville has been in the dark.

We’re taking action to change that.

  • We’re launching a Court Watch Program to expose the reality of indigent defense and the critical issue of appointed counsel. By collecting real-time accounts from people directly affected by this system, we’ll gather vital evidence that shows the need for reform and greater accountability in Nashville’s courtrooms.

  • We need your help to make this effort effective. Whether you’re an attorney, a concerned citizen, or someone who has been personally affected by appointed counsel, your eyes and voice matter.

    Complete our Interest Form Today!

Reporting misconduct by a judge is one of the most critical steps in holding the system accountable—but it’s also one of the most dangerous. Just like replacing a court-appointed lawyer, exposing a judge’s wrongdoing is often hidden from the public eye and can put lawyers at risk of retaliation. 

That's why CJI is working to bring transparency to Nashville’s courtrooms by collecting confidential accounts from lawyers. We believe collective action is key to revealing the lack of accountability that too often goes unchecked. 

  • Lawyers play a vital role in breaking the cycle of misconduct by bringing these issues to light, but institutional avenues have a high bar and carry risk of retaliation. By collecting anonymous but vetted reports from active attorneys we can educate the public without those barriers.

    This project will contribute to creating a more equitable environment for everyone who interacts with the courts.

  • When you use our form, all submissions are kept anonymous and will be compiled with other accounts to educate the public and raise awareness. This collective effort is key to sparking change and promoting accountability.

    If you prefer to file an official complaint against a judge, please refer to the appropriate jurisdiction for further instructions.

    Together, we can create a more transparent and accountable ecosystem.

    Secure link to form coming soon!