NASHVILLE, June 17, 2026 — Eads attorney Charlotte Knight Griffin took office as TBA president last week during the group’s Annual Convention in Knoxville. She previously served as vice president and president-elect of the association. She was sworn into office by former Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Page.

During remarks following the swearing in, Knight Griffin spoke of her Memphis roots and pride in a profession that opens the doors of justice for all. During her year in office, Knight Griffin said she will focus on public education and access to justice initiatives, specifically increasing the involvement of senior and retired lawyers in pro bono representation. She also encouraged local bar associations and legal aid groups to work with TBA to expand the state’s existing Pro Bono Emeritus Attorney Program. TBA's YouTube channel has the video feed of her remarks.

Knight Griffin began her career in private practice in Memphis after earning her law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law (now Winston College of Law). She joined Memphis Light, Gas and Water as a staff attorney in 1978 and was named the manager of legal services in 2000. She retired in April 2023 after 45 years of service. 

Knight Griffin has been active in the TBA for many years, most recently serving as president-elect, speaker of the House of Delegates and a member of the Board of Governors. She is a past chair of the Local Government Practice and Litigation sections, a charter fellow of the Young Lawyers Division (YLD), a past executive officer of the YLD and president of the TBA YLD Fellows. She also has been involved in legal organizations at the local, state and national levels and is a fellow in the Memphis, Tennessee and American bar foundations.

Taking office along with Knight Griffin were President-elect John Farringer with the Nashville law firm of Sherrard Roe Voigt Harbison and Vice President Mary Beth Maddox, an attorney with Frantz McConnell & Seymour in Knoxville. Lawyers from across the state gathered in Knoxville last week for the TBA’s Annual Convention, which provides opportunities for continuing legal education, networking and recognition of attorneys who have performed outstanding legal work and community service.

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.