MEMBER CENTER
A Little Background on the TBA Public Service Academy
The Public Service Academy began as an idea presented by Judge Brandon Gibson and former TBA President Tasha Blakney to 2017–2018 TBA President Lucian Pera, who enthusiastically supported it. The TBA tested the waters with two well-attended information sessions, and TBA decided to move forward with the program. The North Carolina Bar Association instituted a similar program prior to TBA that was very successful. With their input and blessing, TBA modeled the program after the one in North Carolina, while making the changes necessary to adapt it to Tennessee’s needs.
The TBA successfully completed its first Public Service Academy in 2018. Several graduates later ran for office in their local communities. The goal of the Academy is to provide Tennessee attorneys with information on how to run for local elected office, as well as expert advice in the following areas:
- Personal and professional stakes involved in running for office,
- Best practices for creating a campaign strategy and hiring campaign staff, and
- Campaign election law, finance compliance and more.
The Academy also offers insight and inspiration into the importance of attorneys taking leadership positions in their communities.
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