Baker Donelson, Caterpillar Financial and International Paper receive awards at annual Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Gala

NASHVILLE, May 29, 2008 — At a dinner and gala last Thursday night in Nashville, the Tennessee Bar Association presented its inaugural 2008 Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Award to two companies – Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation and International Paper – whose legal departments have shown extraordinary commitment to providing legal services at no cost to those in need. The TBA also presented its inaugural 2008 Law Firm Pro Bono Award to the Nashville office of Baker, Donelson Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz for its work on a specific pro bono project and its overall commitment to encouraging pro bono work among its attorneys.

Annual contest challenges students to explore concept of 'rule of law'

NASHVILLE, May 29, 2008 -- Justin Carrasco, a fifth-grade student at Cedar Bluff Elementary of Knoxville, has won first place in a Law Day Art Contest sponsored by the Tennessee Bar Association. It was his second year to take the top award. In the TBA's essay contest, Monte Cole Flowers, a senior at Memphis Catholic High School, won first place.

Will represent state at National Mock Trial Competition

Two-day event to be held in Nashville

NASHVILLE, March 12, 2008 -- High school teams from across Tennessee will put their legal skills to the test during the Tennessee Bar Association's annual competition in Nashville this weekend, March 14-15. This year's competition is being held at the newly renovated, historic Davidson County Civil Courthouse downtown. To reach the state competition, the 16 teams had to win district competitions by playing the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a fictitious case developed by the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.

Partnership between Tennessee legal organizations and FEMA helps residents

NASHVILLE, Feb. 26, 2008 — A toll-free legal aid line is now available for victims of recent tornadoes in Tennessee. The service, which allows callers to request the assistance of a lawyer, is a partnership between the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services, three local legal aid organizations (the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Memphis Area Legal Services and West Tennessee Legal Services Inc.), the Tennessee Bar Association and its Young Lawyers Division, the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Don Merzlak honored for work on behalf of Tennessee children

NASHVILLE, Feb. 5, 2008 -- Don Merzlak of Mosheim has been named the 2008 CASA Volunteer of the Year by the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division.

Award presented to Russ Overby at capitol ceremony

NASHVILLE, Jan. 19, 2008 — Nashville lawyer Russell Overby has been honored as the state's top public service attorney by the Tennessee Bar Association for three decades of work on behalf the indigent.

Award presented to Ross Booher at capitol ceremony

NASHVILLE, Jan. 19, 2008 — Nashville attorney Ross Booher, a partner with Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, was honored with the state's top award for pro bono work at the Tennessee Bar Association's annual public service luncheon. Held at the state capitol as part of the association's leadership conference, the luncheon featured award winners in several categories as well as a keynote address by Nashville Mayor Karl Dean.

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.

Lawyers chosen from across the state for 6-month program

NASHVILLE, Jan. 4, 2008 -- The Tennessee Bar Association has announced its 2008 Leadership Law class. The six-month program is designed to equip Tennessee lawyers with the vision, knowledge and skills necessary to serve as leaders in their profession and local communities. This year's class of 35 attorneys was chosen from across the state.