NASHVILLE, June 1, 2026 — Each year the Tennessee Bar Association (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 these award recipients at the 2026 Public Service Breakfast set for June 11 as part of the TBA’s Annual Convention in Knoxville.

Ashley T. Wiltshire Public Service Attorney of the Year Award

The Ashley T. Wiltshire Public Service Attorney of the Year Award will be presented to Jennifer Egelston, an attorney in the Knoxville office of Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET). Egelston was selected for her work on several complicated family law cases. In 2025, Egelston represented a client and minor child who both were victims of physical abuse from the other parent. Egelston was able to secure a divorce and limit co-parenting time. Also, in the event the other parent seeks reunification, the court order in the case will require additional protections. Under “Abrial’s Law,” the court must not reunify an abusive caregiver with a child unless the court finds that the child will not be subject to a risk of further abuse or harm.

In another case in 2025 and 2026, Egelston represented a client in a complicated divorce, which involved custody and parenting time of minor children and out-of-state orders dealing with protection, temporary custody and child support. She also dealt with an out-of-state defendant who evaded service of those orders. At trial, Egelston was able to present evidence of harassment and physical abuse, as well as testimony from family, which created a solid record that will protect the children into the future. She also was able to secure a requirement that all visits with the children be supervised by a trained therapist. In both cases, Egelston was able to secure permission for her clients to make all major decisions for their children, including international travel, which was especially pertinent since both wanted to travel overseas with their children. 

In the nomination, Robert Downs, managing attorney of LAET’s Knoxville Office, wrote that Egelston “has been a zealous and diligent advocate for indigent and marginalized clients … ” and “has been a proven leader amongst her peers and a mentor to less experienced attorneys …”. In a letter of support, University of Tennessee (UT) Winston College of Law Professor Becky Jacobs said Egelston’s “unwavering commitment to public service and to advancing justice for underserved communities embodies the spirit of this award.” Finally, Knox County Chancellor Christopher D. Heagerty said Egelston is “uniquely motivated to benefit the lives of others through her commitment to justice and equality … I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for this year’s award.”

Egelston is a U.S. Army military police veteran. She has volunteered much of her time in the LGBTQIA+ and military veteran communities, as well as provided representation to survivors of domestic violence. In 2022, she was named LAET’s Pro Bono Attorney of the Year. She is the membership chair of the East Tennessee Law Association for Women and an adjunct professor at the UT Winston College of Law. She also has used her experience with Abrial’s Law cases to educate other attorneys on utilizing the protections it offers to parents and children.

The Ashley T. Wiltshire Public Service Attorney of the Year Award is presented in recognition of representation above and beyond the call of duty of indigent clients, in either criminal or civil defense, by attorneys who are or were employed by an organization primarily involved in providing legal representation to the indigent. In 2008, the award name was changed to honor Ashley T. Wiltshire upon his retirement from the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. Wiltshire faithfully served the agency in various roles for 37 years, including 31 years as executive director. Learn more about the award and see past recipients.

Law Student Volunteer Award

The Law Student Volunteer Award recognizes the efforts of a student enrolled at or recently graduated from a Tennessee law school who provided dedicated and outstanding pro bono service while working with an organization primarily engaged in providing legal representation to indigent clients.

This year, TBA is honoring Sierra Sidoti, a student at the Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law. Since the summer of 2024, Sidoti has served as a pro bono law clerk in the Knoxville office of LAET. Her work there has involved clinic coordination, case placement and follow-up, research support, data tracking and reporting, and direct coordination with volunteer attorneys. Sidoti also is a member of the TBA Young Lawyers Division's Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI) class of 2026. DLI is a six-month leadership, professional development and networking program for Tennessee law students.

According to LAET Director of Pro Bono Mary-Frances DeVoe, Sidoti’s most significant contribution occurred during a prolonged staffing gap in 2025, when the pro bono coordinating attorney role remained vacant for approximately six months. During this time, Sidoti stepped up, and despite being a law student, helped maintain continuity of pro bono services by supporting clinics, communicating with volunteer attorneys, assisting with case placement and follow-up, and ensuring that clients did not lose access to services. “Without her involvement, Legal Aid would have struggled to sustain pro bono operations in Knoxville during this critical time,” DeVoe said in nominating Sidoti. “Her reliability, professionalism and willingness to rise to the occasion whenever needed” exceeded what typically is expected of a law clerk. 

DeVoe also noted that when the position finally was filled, Sidoti played a key role in onboarding the new staff member and supporting the transition. Pro Bono Coordinating Attorney Rebecca Spicer-Keller, who was hired to fill the position, says that Sidoti was instrumental in shaping her early days with the organization. “She guided me through our case placement process, shared critical insight about our community partners, and helped introduce me to attorneys who frequently volunteer with Legal Aid. Her institutional knowledge proved essential to ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of services.”

Caitlin Torney, director of career services at the Duncan School of Law, says Sidoti exemplifies academic excellence and is well respected by both faculty and peers. Torney previously worked at LAET and in that role, she observed Sidoti’s work. “At Legal Aid, Sierra consistently took initiative, attending every legal clinic she could and going beyond what was expected. She was exceptional with clients — professional, compassionate, and patient. She was also a natural leader among her fellow summer clerks.”

Writing of her time working as a law clerk with LAET, Sidoti said, “My pro bono clerkship was a formative chapter, blending professional growth with meaningful impact. It reminded me that the law, at its best, serves the general good of the public. As I move forward in my legal journey, I carry the lessons from this period with gratitude, committed to continuing pro bono work whenever possible."

Learn more about the award and see past recipients.
 

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.