Free Legal Clinic in Gatlinburg for Wildfire Survivors

GATLINBURG, February 20, 2017 – Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) and the Sevier County Bar Association will offer a FREE LEGAL ADVICE CLINIC for wildfire survivors Monday, February 27. Clinic hours are 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Conference Center at Greystone Lodge on the River, 559 Parkway in Gatlinburg. The Conference Center is at the rear of the hotel complex. Free parking is available behind the center (off Greystone Heights Road). Those impacted by the November 28 wildfires in Sevier County are eligible to receive legal advice.

LAET staff attorneys will be joined by members of the Sevier County Bar and other area lawyers who are volunteering to help people needing legal assistance. Many attorneys will drive as much as two hours to offer their time and services to Sevier County wildfire survivors.

“During our first two advice clinics, at least 25 attorneys volunteered. Several even drove from Johnson City and Athens,” said Dr. Kathryn Ellis, LAET’s Knoxville Pro Bono Director. “It shows that there is a true dedication from the private bar to help survivors of the wildfires.”

As basic needs are met, more people affected by the fires will find themselves dealing with legal issues, some that may take weeks or even months to surface. “We expect legal issues to continue to appear for at least six months,” said Dr. Ellis. “Our plan is to continue holding monthly clinics so wildfire survivors have access to legal advice as issues arise.”
No appointment is necessary to see an attorney, and walk-ins are encouraged. For more information, call LAET’s Knoxville office at (865) 637-0484.