Award presented to Peggy Smith at capitol ceremony

NASHVILLE, January 19, 2008 — Recent Nashville School of Law graduate Peggy Smith of Bon Aqua received the 2008 Law Student Volunteer of the Year Award from the Tennessee Bar Association at its annual public service luncheon. Held as part of the association's Leadership Conference, the luncheon took place at the state capitol. It featured award winners in several categories as well as a keynote address by Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.

During her last year in law school, Smith worked full-time and volunteered at the Tennessee Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Through her volunteer work Smith saw first hand the problems faced by returning service men and women. She helped many get back their former jobs; worked to prevent, resolve or reduce problems and misunderstandings as they moved back into civilian life; and prescreened more than 75 cases. Fred Denson, general counsel for the Tennessee Military Department, worked with Smith and nominated her for the award. Denson praised her hard work, thoroughness in following each case to its conclusion and willingness to learn the complexities of military law.

That hard work has paid off for Tennessee, which was named the 2007 Freedom Award Winner by the U.S. Department of Defense. The award recognizes the state as being one of the top public employers in the country for supporting military service members it employs.

Smith has since graduated from law school and is now an associate with Porch, Peeler, Williams & Thomason in Waverly. A photograph is attached.

The Law Student Volunteer of the Year Award is given annually to a Tennessee law school student who has performed outstanding volunteer service by working with an organization that provides legal representation to the indigent. Award recipients are nominated by the TBA Access to Justice Committee and approved by the Board of Governors.

Available photos

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	• Law Student Volunteer of the Year Peggy Smith
	• Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Ross Booher
	• Ashley T. Wiltshire Public Service Attorney of the Year Russ Overby