The Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County General Sessions Court has announced the appointment of its first court social worker, marking a significant step toward expanding supportive services and improving access to resources for individuals navigating the justice system.
Laura Frazier, who holds both a Master of Social Work and a Master of Organizational Leadership, will serve individuals involved in criminal, civil and traffic court proceedings.
The newly created position reflects a long-held vision of Presiding Judge Robin Kimbrough Hayes, who has advocated for incorporating additional support services within the court system to better address the challenges many litigants face.
“Social workers bring vital human context to the adversarial court system,” Hayes said. “By bridging the gap between legal proceedings and human needs, they advocate for clients, provide holistic assessments and guide vulnerable individuals through the complexities of the justice system.”
In her new role, Frazier will work with individuals appearing in General Sessions Court, helping connect them to a range of community resources and supportive services. These services may include housing assistance, food resources, healthcare, mental health treatment, employment support and other programs designed to help individuals address barriers that often contribute to involvement with the court system.
Frazier brings more than 10 years of legal experience to the position. Before pursuing a career in social work, she worked as a paralegal in criminal defense, civil litigation and corporate law. Court officials said her experience navigating complex legal systems and working alongside individuals facing significant personal and systemic challenges inspired her transition into social work and strengthened her commitment to advocacy and community support.
Prior to joining General Sessions Court, Frazier completed field placement work with Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County’s Shelter Court, where she assisted individuals experiencing homelessness by helping them access housing, supportive services and other community resources.
Court leaders say the addition of a social worker reflects a growing recognition that many people entering the court system are facing challenges that extend beyond their legal issues. By helping individuals connect with services and support networks, officials hope the position will improve outcomes for court participants while strengthening community well-being.
As the first social worker to serve within Nashville’s General Sessions Court, Frazier’s appointment represents an important milestone in the court’s efforts to reduce barriers to assistance, improve access to care and provide a more holistic approach to justice.
Officials believe the role will help ensure that individuals appearing before the court have greater access to the resources they need to address underlying challenges and move toward long-term stability.
