The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is pleased to announce that Laura Brown has joined the AOC as the Director of the Access, Innovation & Community Engagement (AICE) Division. Brown will lead statewide initiatives that support access to justice, strengthen community partnerships, and expand innovative approaches to meeting the legal needs of Tennesseans.
“Laura’s commitment to service and her dedication to building relationships make her an outstanding choice to lead the AICE Division. Her leadership will strengthen our ongoing efforts to ensure that every person—regardless of circumstance—has meaningful access to justice in our state,” said Chief Justice Jeff Bivins.
The AICE Division supports critical programs like the Alternative Dispute Resolution Commission, Access to Justice Commission, and language access and court interpreter services. As AICE transitions to new leadership, the AOC expresses its appreciation for the professionalism and collaboration shown by partners and stakeholders.
“Laura brings an energetic spirit to this important role,” said AOC Director Michelle Long. “Her background in legal services, public policy, and nonprofit leadership uniquely position her to guide AICE’s work advancing access to justice across Tennessee.”
Brown joins the AOC with more than 21 years of experience spanning legal practice, nonprofit leadership, public policy, and executive management. She most recently served as Executive Director of the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS), a statewide nonprofit organization focused on expanding access to justice. In that role, she provided strategic and organizational leadership and worked to strengthen legal services and improve outcomes for individuals facing barriers to justice.
“I am excited to join the dedicated AICE team,” said Brown. “I am deeply committed to the continued development of innovative and impactful access to justice solutions for individuals and communities across our state.”
Brown’s career also includes service as Senior Deputy Director of Client Services at the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, and as General Counsel for both the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability and Goodwill Industries–Knoxville, Inc. Brown has taught as an adjunct professor at Belmont University College of Law and Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law.
Brown holds a J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law, a Ph.D. in Learning and Leadership (Public Policy) from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, an M.A. in Civic Leadership from Lipscomb University, and a B.S. in English Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
