Press Releases

Press Releases

University of Tennessee Law Student Named Law Student Volunteer of the Year

Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jan 17, 2009

Award presented to Daniel Ellis at capitol ceremony

NASHVILLE, Jan. 17, 2009 — University of Tennessee College of Law Student Daniel Ellis of Knoxville today received the Law Student Volunteer of the Year Award from the Tennessee Bar Association at its annual public service luncheon.  Held each year as part of the association’s Leadership Conference, the luncheon took place at the state capitol and featured award winners in several categories as well as a keynote address by Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Janice Holder.

Ellis, who is in his third year of law school, was recognized for his leadership within the school’s pro bono program as well as active involvement in off-campus organizations. Early in his law school career, Ellis volunteered with and then became student coordinator of the Saturday Bar, a service that offers free legal advice to the public. He also worked on other projects including providing legal services to the homeless, helping victims of domestic violence obtain orders of protection, and educating tenants about their rights in housing disputes. This past year, Ellis took on an even greater challenge: directing the school’s entire pro bono program. Off-campus, Ellis has donated his time and expertise to organizations such as the Children’s Advocacy Network, Legal Aid of East Tennessee and the Disability Resource Center.

The incredible amount of time and energy Ellis has invested in pro bono work distinguishes him among his law school colleagues and is the reason he was selected as this year’s Law Student Volunteer of the Year. The law student award is given annually to a Tennessee law school student who performs outstanding volunteer service working with an organization that provides legal representation to the poor.

Available photos
(click on each photo to get larger version)


• Law Student Volunteer of the Year Award. Daniel Ellis with TBA President Buck Lewis and Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Janice Holder.


• Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award. (1) Charles Grant receiving the award from TBA Access to Justice Committee Chair Deb House. (2) Charles Grant with TBA President Buck Lewis and Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Janice Holder.
• Ashley T. Wiltshire Public Service Attorney of the Year Award. Judge Patricia J. Cottrell, wife of Ross Alderman, with TBA President Buck Lewis and Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Janice Holder.