LAS Hires Two Attorneys, Expands Reach of Domestic Violence Advocacy
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Feb. 3, 2017 – Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Tennessee’s largest non-profit law firm, announced today that two new attorneys have been added to the firm.
Matthew Silvey joins Legal Aid Society’s Cookeville office as its newest attorney under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant—funding awarded to Legal Aid Society by the Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs to assist with the firm’s mission to help survivors of domestic violence.
After receiving his J.D. from the Nashville School of Law and passing the July 2016 bar examination, Silvey opened a small solo practice where he handled criminal and juvenile court cases, as well as indigent clients in judicial hospitalization hearings. He is also a licensed social worker and a Rule 31 Family Mediator.
“The VOCA grant allows us to hire passionate, dedicated attorneys like Matt to continue and expand our advocacy for survivors of domestic violence,” said Marla Williams, managing attorney of Legal Aid Society’s Cookeville office. “Matt’s deep background in counseling and social work will be invaluable in addressing the needs of domestic violence survivors in the 10 counties we serve.”
Silvey previously worked as a forensic social worker with both the Davidson and Knox County Public Defenders’ Offices, and he spent time as a volunteer legal assistant at the 13th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office in Cookeville. He received his B.S in History from Tennessee Technological University and his master’s degree in social work from The University of Tennessee.
Michael Parker is the newest attorney in the Oak Ridge office of Legal Aid Society, where he will focus his practice on family law and housing. Parker is a 2016 graduate of the Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law where he received multiple honors for his achievements in academics and law-related activities.
Parker received his B.S. in History from Austin Peay State University where he graduated magna cum laude. During law school, Parker handled pro bono dependency and neglect cases through guardian ad litem appointments to the school’s juvenile legal clinic, and he interned as a law clerk for Judge Michael Meise in Dickson County. Most recently, Parker served as a volunteer attorney in Legal Aid Society’s Clarksville office.
“Michael’s experience working within the juvenile courts, as well as his advocacy for the youth population, will be an asset to our firm and our clients,” said managing attorney of Legal Aid Society’s Oak Ridge office, Janet Mynatt. “And because he’s previously served in our Clarksville office, Michael has already gained a vast knowledge of our mission and can immediately begin advocating for our clients.”
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands advocates for fairness and justice under the law. The non-profit law firm offers free civil legal representation and educational programs to help people in its region receive justice, protect their well-being and support opportunities to overcome poverty. It serves 48 counties from offices in Clarksville, Columbia, Cookeville, Gallatin, Murfreesboro, Nashville, Oak Ridge and Tullahoma. Legal Aid Society is funded in part by United Way. Learn more at www.las.org, or by following the firm on Facebook.