The 2024 Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Initiative Gala was hosted April 20 in the Nashville offices of Bass, Berry & Sims, offering a wonderful opportunity for supporters to meet and connect with colleagues from across the state. Event attendees included representatives from sponsoring companies and firms, as well as leaders from the TBA and the Tennessee chapter of Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC).

The CCPBI Gala was hosted as a cocktail supper with varied and open seating, live acoustic bluegrass music and a brief program. TBA President Jim Barry opened the program with thanks for Gala attendees, sponsors and partner organizations. Other presenters included TBA Access to Justice Committee Chair Linda Warren Seely, Vice-Chair Ann Pruitt and CCPBI co-Chairs Larry Crawford and Sherie Edwards.

The program concluded with presentation of the inaugural Branham Grants, in support of a pilot legal services project between West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS) and Aspell Recovery Center. The Branham Grants were established in honor of long-time access to justice champion Andy Branham, who passed away in 2022. Branham was also an inspirational leader in the addiction and recovery communities, and CCPBI leaders recognized that these populations (and their loved ones) would greatly benefit from targeted and appropriate legal assistance to ensure long term recovery from addiction. Pam Branham, Andy's wife, was in attendance to present recognition and thanks to WTLS and Aspell. 

From left: Sherie Edwards, Buck Lewis, Ann Pruitt, Candace Reed, Sheree & Pat Wright

2024 Gala Attendees enjoy the views from the offices of Bass, Berry & Sims

Left: Denise Jones, Candace Reed; Right: Sherie Edwards, Kelley Ellis

Zach & Kaley Bell, Patty & Eric Wise — Consilio

From left: Brian Heim, Jim Barry, Kevin Mencke — International Paper

Daphany Baker (left) and LaTrice Lewis

Left: Vanedda Webb, WTLS (left) accepts award from Pam Branham; Right: Pam Branham (left) presents award to Linda Warren Seely, accepting on behalf of Aspell Recovery Center

From left: Sheree Wright, Ann Pruitt, Sherie Edwards

From left: Sarah & Peter Malanchuk, Scott Ellis, Gulam Zade — Association of Corporate Counsel, Tennessee