The Tennessee Supreme Court has approved the statewide implementation plan from the Appointed Counsel Commission following an initial launch in the 8th Judicial District. 

The new system will change how attorneys are selected and paid for representing Tennesseans who don’t have the ability to pay. Under this plan, there will be three types of payment: flat fees for misdemeanors in General Sessions Courts, caseload agreements for attorneys paid based on a set number of cases, and hourly payments for counsel as needed.

These payments will follow a new experienced-based fee schedule ranging from $75 to $95 per hour. The full attorney compensation policy for districts using the ACC model is available at this link: App-6_01-001-2026-Attorney-Rates-and-Case-Weights_Approved_100126.pdf 

The ACC will start the implementation process in three districts in the fall of 2026. The ACC will launch in 18 judicial districts in 2027 and will complete statewide implementation in 2028.

Because implementation will take several years, the Court also approved the Commission’s recommendation to amend Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 13 and increase the current rates. The hourly rate for non-capital cases will rise from $60 to $70 with proportionate increases to payment caps. 

 “The Court appreciates those attorneys who have been willing to accept appointments at rates much less than they could receive from private clients,” said Chief Justice Jeff Bivins. “While this increase does not close that gap, it uses the appropriation approved by the legislature in a way that moves us forward.” 

Justice Mary Wagner, the Court’s liaison to the Commission noted, “The ACC model will be refined as implementation expands, and the staff navigates the complexities of the various courts. The Commission members are very thoughtful about issues and recommendations during its meetings, and the Court recognizes their work in approving these recommendations.”

Commission Chair, Mark Mesler, expressed his appreciation to the Court for affirming the efforts of the Commission and staff of the Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission. “We are looking forward to the continued implementation and refinement of the new system to improve indigent representation across the state.”

For more information visit the ACC website.