NASHVILLE, May 3, 2022 — Judge James G. Martin III will be honored next month with the Tennessee Bar Association’s (TBA) prestigious Justice Frank F. Drowota III Award.

The Drowota Award is given to a judge or judicial branch official of a federal, state or local court in Tennessee who has demonstrated extraordinary devotion and dedication to the improvement of the law, the legal system and the administration of justice as exemplified by the career of former Supreme Court Justice Frank F. Drowota III – the award’s first recipient. The Drowota Award is the TBA’s highest award for service to the judiciary and has been given annually for more than a decade.

Judge Martin practiced law in Middle Tennessee from 1974 to 2008 focusing on civil litigation with an emphasis on family law. In 2008, Gov. Phil Bredesen appointed Judge Martin to the Tennessee Circuit Court, 21st Judicial District, Division II. 

Judge Martin has been instrumental to the Bar because of his years of leadership including his work with the TBA Family Law Section, his mentorship of young lawyers, and his service as a leader in the Tennessee John Marshall American Inn of Court.  Judge Martin presided over the 21st Judicial District Recovery Court starting in 2014 and has been widely recognized for his service. In 2019, the Tennessee Association of Recovery Court Professionals (TARCP) named Judge Martin the recipient of the Making a Difference Award in part for moving the program into the future and for his ability to connect with court participants. His leadership has made such a difference in the lives of families and the community as whole.

The Drowota Award will be presented at the Tennessee Bar Association Annual Convention in Nashville on June 17 during the Lawyers’ Luncheon.

The TBA was founded in 1881.  Its membership represents the entire spectrum of the legal profession in Tennessee and beyond.  The TBA is open to all licensed attorneys in good standing, and it is dedicated to enhancing fellowship and professionalism among the members of Tennessee’s legal community.