TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jun 1, 2026

Each year the TBA recognizes outstanding service by attorneys, law students and legal advocates who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to increasing access to justice for underserved individuals and communities in Tennessee. This year, TBA will honor public service award recipients at the 2026 Public Service Breakfast set for June 11 as part of the TBA’s Annual Convention in Knoxville.

The TBA’s 2026 Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award will be presented to Nashville lawyer Garrah Carter-Mason with Bass, Berry & Sims for her work on behalf of a man wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder in 2022. Over three years, she worked more than a thousand pro bono hours on the case. Her efforts led to a new trial, during which a jury found her client not guilty on all charges, leading to his release from prison. The 2026 Ashley T. Wiltshire Public Service Attorney of the Year Award will be presented to Jennifer Egelston, a staff attorney in the Knoxville office of Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET). Egelston was selected for her work on several complicated family law cases and her efforts to educate other lawyers about Abrial’s Law, which gives courts new tools to protect parents and children from abusive caregivers. The 2026 Law Student of the Year Award will be presented to Sierra Sidoti, a student at the Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law. Sidoti will be recognized for her work as a pro bono law clerk in the Knoxville office of LAET. During a prolonged staffing gap in 2025, Sidoti helped maintain continuity of pro bono services and train the staff member who ultimately was hired to fill the role. Finally, the TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) will present the 2026 CASA Volunteer of the Year to Tracy Farmer who serves with Williamson County CASA. Farmer will be recognized for her longevity of service, extraordinary commitment to serve Tennessee children and mentorship of new volunteers. Read more about each award recipient at the links above.