2026 Equal Justice Conference

Hear from a state preparing to expand its online dispute resolution pilot to a statewide initiative. Steered by the TN ADR Commission and supported by the TN ATJ Commission, the TN AOC has built its own platform to allow creditor hospitals, trained mediators, and debtors to resolve medical debt quickly and efficiently. Panelists will share lessons learned from their experience.

Tech companies and policymakers tout automation in programs like Medicaid, promising accuracy, speed, and reduced administrative burden. But, often, the reality does not match this vision. This session will bring together a panel of advocates and technologists to discuss past pitfalls and how we can learn from them. We will focus on advocacy opportunities to improve these systems, highlighting the role of procurement and contracting in shaping these systems and the rights of Medicaid enrollees.

For most legal aid attorneys, eviction prevention primarily involves defending eviction actions. Putting up a strong defense is essential, but eviction prevention does not have to end there. In many cases, local and statewide ordinances, as well as contract law principles, can be leveraged to assert claims against a landlord. In this session, we will cover how to issue spot potential claims, how to build an affirmative case, and other relevant considerations when going from defense to offense.

What does it mean to “win” when the rule of law is under attack? As democracy faces unprecedented threats, success in pro bono work must be reimagined. This session brings together nonprofit advocates and law firm leaders who are reshaping justice work in uncertain times. Panelists will share creative strategies, reflections on resilience, and evolving measures of impact, offering practical insights to sustain pro bono advocacy and safeguard democracy.