Selma, AL – Legal Services Alabama (LSA), the state’s only nonprofit provider of free civil legal aid, is proud to announce the appointment of Tracy Kennie as the new Managing Attorney of its Selma office, serving the historic Black Belt region.
Tracy Kennie’s journey with LSA began as a John Lewis Legal Fellow, a role designed to support early-career attorneys committed to economic justice. She then served as a Staff Attorney in LSA’s Huntsville office, where she developed a strong record of advocacy on behalf of low-income Alabamians. With this new appointment, Kennie brings her passion for justice and deep commitment to community-focused legal service to the Selma office.
“Serving in the Black Belt is deeply personal for me because it’s where I grew up,” said Kennie.
“I understand the region—not just geographically, but culturally, historically, and emotionally. I’ve seen how systemic poverty, limited access to justice, and generational inequities have shaped the lives of people here. My commitment to this community isn’t theoretical; it’s rooted in lived experience.”
Kennie’s growth at LSA demonstrates an organizational commitment to investing in the development of LSA staff to promote long-term success.
“The journey from Fellow to Staff Attorney and now Managing Attorney has been both challenging and empowering,” said Kennie.
“As a John Lewis Fellow, I was immersed in the mission of LSA. I learned how to build trust with clients, navigate complex legal systems, and adapt to the fast-paced demands of legal aid. That experience laid the foundation for my growth—not just as a litigator, but as a leader.”
The Selma office plays a vital role in LSA’s statewide network, serving a region characterized by persistent poverty, rural isolation, and historically limited access to legal resources. LSA’s continued presence in the area is essential to ensuring that residents can access justice, particularly in matters involving housing, public benefits, family law, and consumer issues.
“LSA is fortunate to have someone like Tracie Kennie who has the requisite management capacity and knowledge of the Black Blet to serve in the vital position of the Managing Attorney of our Selma Office,” said Guy Lescault, Executive Director of LSA.
With eight offices across the state, LSA remains committed to breaking down barriers to justice for Alabama’s most vulnerable populations. Under Kennie’s leadership, the Selma office will continue to be a cornerstone of that effort. The Selma Office service area includes Choctaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lowndes, Marengo, Perry, Sumter, and Wilcox Counties.
***
Legal Services Alabama is a nonprofit law firm that provides free, civil legal assistance to low-income residents across all 67 counties in Alabama. LSA’s services aim to protect and advance the rights of clients facing critical legal issues related to housing, domestic violence, public benefits, and more.
