NASHVILLE, May 3, 2024 — Cookeville attorney Laura Dykes will be honored next month with the Tennessee Bar Association’s Fifth Annual Claudia Jack Award. Named for the late Claudia Jack, a long-time champion of the poor and underprivileged and a public defender in Maury County, the award is presented to an outstanding public defender or court-appointed private practitioner who serves the legal community and clients in an exemplary fashion.

Dykes has served as an assistant public defender for the past 35 years, working first in the Metro Davidson County office, then joining the 13th Judicial District office in Cookeville after her retirement in Nashville. In both of these positions, Dykes has been recognized for ethically and zealously defending clients.

“Laura personifies respect for and fidelity to the law,” one colleague wrote in his nomination. “She is a person of integrity who respects the rule of law.”

Dykes has also served as president of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and on the faculty of the Nashville School of Law. In a letter nominating her for this award, a colleague also praised her for mentoring countless younger attorneys.

TBA President Jim Barry congratulated Dykes on the honor saying, “Public defenders play a critical role in our system of justice, often handling difficult cases. Those like Laura Dykes, who model exemplary service are worthy of our recognition and thanks. The TBA applauds her commitment to the legal system by serving in this role."

The award will be presented at the TBA Annual Convention in Memphis on June 14 during the Lawyers Luncheon.

The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) is the largest professional association in Tennessee with nearly 14,000 members. Founded in 1881, the TBA represents the entire spectrum of the legal profession in Tennessee and beyond, and is dedicated to enhancing fellowship and professionalism among the members of Tennessee’s legal community.