Memphis-based Law Firm and Top Employer To Provide Free Legal Services
Memphis, Tenn. (August 2, 2011) – On Thursday, August 18, 2011, AutoZone, Inc. and Bass, Berry & Sims PLC in conjunction with Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS) will host its third annual pro bono legal clinic at the Orange Mound Senior Center, 2590 Park Avenue, to assist Memphis-area seniors from 10:00 a.m. – noon.
“We know from experience that seniors are generally underserved in the area of legal representation at a time in their lives when it’s most important to have their legal affairs in order,” said Kristen Wright, Bass, Berry & Sims PLC member and volunteer co-coordinator of the Orange Mound Senior Center pro bono clinic. “Each year that we do this, we see so much need from seniors seeking help with important legal issues. Our pro bono clinic at the senior center offers an opportunity to reach more people at one time and address this critical need.”
Attorneys from Bass, Berry & Sims PLC will join attorneys and paralegals from AutoZone’s legal department to donate their time and expertise to assist seniors with the preparation of advance care plans, healthcare directives, durable power of attorney forms, wills and other essential legal advice.
“We started this pro bono clinic three years ago as a meaningful way to share our legal knowledge with the community,” said Tanya Holmes, an employment attorney with AutoZone and volunteer co-coordinator of the Orange Mound Senior Center pro bono legal clinic. “The clinic is able to help a large number of seniors obtain convenient access to essential legal services and get the care they need in order to protect themselves and their families.”
Wright and attorneys from AutoZone spearheaded the development of a collective pro bono clinic in 2009 with Memphis Area Legal Services, who helped identify recipients. Linda Warren Seely, director of Pro Bono Projects and managing attorney of MALS, put them in touch with the Orange Mound Senior Center, one of the largest senior community centers in the area.
“AutoZone and Bass, Berry & Sims are both committed to pro bono work year-round and view the clinic as an opportunity to come together annually to service a greater need,” said Seely. “This access is a priority for the senior community. And, each year we get an overwhelming and emotional response from the many seniors that are served by the clinic thanking us and the volunteers.”
The partnership between AutoZone and Bass, Berry & Sims was recognized earlier this year at the Tennessee Bar Association’s Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Gala. AutoZone received the pro bono corporate legal department award, while Bass, Berry & Sims was presented the pro bono law firm award, both based in part on their participation in this project.
The Orange Mound Senior Center is located at 2590 Park Avenue and any senior citizen with a need for preparation of an advance directive or other legal advice is invited.
About AutoZone
As of May 7, 2011, AutoZone sells auto and light truck parts, chemicals and accessories through 4,467 AutoZone stores in 48 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and 261 stores in Mexico.
AutoZone is the leading retailer and a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories in the United States. Each store carries an extensive product line for cars, sport utility vehicles, vans and light trucks, including new and remanufactured automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, and non-automotive products. Many stores also have a commercial sales program that provides commercial credit and prompt delivery of parts and other products to local, regional and national repair garages, dealers, service stations, and public sector accounts. AutoZone also sells the ALLDATA brand diagnostic and repair software through www.alldata.com. Additionally, we sell automotive hard parts, maintenance items, accessories, non-automotive products and subscriptions to the ALLDATAdiy product through www.autozone.com, and our commercial customers can make purchases through www.autozonepro.com. AutoZone does not derive revenue from automotive repair or installation.
About Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
With more than 200 attorneys representing numerous publicly traded companies and Fortune 500 businesses, Bass, Berry & Sims has been involved in some of the largest and most significant litigation matters and business transactions in the country. For more information, visit bassberry2022.wpengine.com.