Faculty Profile: Samantha Sanchez

Samantha Sanchez currently serves as Director of Training, Compliance, and Technology for the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS). Samantha has been with TALS since 2011 and directs the agency program TN Free Legal Answers, formerly known as Online TN Justice. Samantha assists with the launch of a national version of the site, Free Legal Answers, along with staff from Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC and the Technology Subcommittee of the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee for Public Service and Pro Bono. In 2016, Samantha was recognized by the Tennessee Supreme Court for her work that allows "lawyers to peform pro bono work online in Tennessee and throughout the United States." She and the technological team creating the updated site were awarded the 2016 Pro Bono Impact Award from law firm Baker Donelson.

At TALS, Samantha also coordinates TALS Substantive Law Task Forces and plans Tennessee’s annual statewide conference – Equal Justice University. Samantha is the designated contact for Tennessee technology support to the Legal Services Corporation of America. Samantha has provided multiple CLE trainings on technology and pro bono for organizations such as the American Bar Association, National Legal Aid and Defender's Association, Equal Justice Works, and Tennessee Bar Association (TBA). Samantha is a member of the TBA’s Access to Justice Committee and its Pro Bono and Law School Subcommittees. In  2016, Samantha was recognized by the Center for Nonprofit Management and The Tennessean as one of "30 in their 30s" leaders in the nonprofit sector of middle Tennessee.

Samantha earned her Masters of Education degree in Community Development from Vanderbilt University and holds a Bachelors Degree from the University of Alabama.  Before joining TALS, Samantha interned for and worked with Nashville-based agencies, such as the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the Metro Nashville School System. Samantha is a member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church where she serves as Clerk to their governing board. Since 2010, Samantha has been a Second Harvest Emergency Food Bank Program volunteer at the St. Philip's location.