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.

One of the awards, the CASA Volunteer of the Year Award, will be presented to Tracy Farmer who has worked with Williamson County CASA for the past 14 years. The award is given each year by the TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD). This year, it will be presented by TBA YLD Middle Tennessee Governor Alix Rogers, who is the assistant dean for career and professional development at Belmont University College of Law.

In a nomination submission for Farmer, Williamson County CASA Executive Director Stuart Tutler praised her “unwavering dedication” to program, noting that she has completed 107.25 continuing education hours, logged 938.30 volunteer hours and driven 11,490.50 miles to “ensure the children she serves are supported, seen and heard. These numbers reflect not just time, but sacrifice, reliability and a deep sense of responsibility to serve every child assigned to her," he writes. She is now handling her 40th case for the organization.

Though those benchmarks are impressive, what truly sets Farmer apart, according to Tutler, is her spirit and leadership. “She is consistently positive, solution-focused and willing to take on multiple cases at once when children are in need. Supervisors recognize her thoroughness, professionalism and steady presence in even the most complex cases.”

In her core work with CASA, Farmer has facilitated critical services for children and families. She has connected children to counseling services to address trauma and emotional needs, advocated for their participation in summer camps to promote normalcy and enrichment, and helped coordinate respite care for foster families to prevent placement disruptions. Because of her efforts, six children have been adopted! In addition to direct advocacy, Farmer also has mentored six new CASA advocates over the years. Her efforts have ensured that these new advocates received the time, guidance and encouragement necessary to succeed.

For her extraordinary longevity, measurable impact and profound influence on both children and fellow volunteers, The TBA YLD is pleased to present this year’s CASA Volunteer of the Year Award to Tracy Farmer.
 

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.

The TBA YLD provides continuing legal education opportunities uniquely designed for new attorneys and organizes a host of professional development programs and public service projects for attorneys to give back to their communities. It also serves law students in the state, helping equip them to be active members of the profession following graduation. CASA’s mission is to train and support court-appointed volunteers who then advocate for abused and neglected children in the court system. Learn more about CASA of Williamson County.