NASHVILLE, September 1, 2020 — A new task force of attorneys and judges from across the state has been established to take on diversity challenges within the legal profession, looking specifically at recruitment, retention, investment and advancement.

Tennessee Bar Association Chief Diversity Officer Mary Beard of HCA Healthcare in Nashville will lead the effort.

“Beginning this fall, we will analyze current and future diversity initiatives within the bar,” Beard says, “and we will also look for opportunities to collaborate across the state to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.” Recommendations from the task force will go to the TBA’s Board of Governors.

Members already committed to serve on the task force include:

• Ariel Anthony of Husch Blackwell, Chattanooga
• Mary Beard of HCA Healthcare, Nashville
• Julie Bhattacharya Peak of Liberty Mutual Insurance, Brentwood
• LaTonnsya Burney, the Assistant Dean of Student Conduct at Tennessee State University, Nashville
• Bill Coley of Hodges, Doughty & Carson and chair of the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission, Knoxville
• Anica Conner Jones, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs attorney and Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers designee, Nashville
• Loretta Cravens of Cravens Legal and president of Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women, Knoxville
• Mohamed Akram Faizer of the LMU Duncan School of Law, Knoxville
• Elizabeth Hernandez, managing attorney of the Immigration Legal Clinic, the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, Nashville
• Lauren Holloway of McAngus Goudelock & Courie, Memphis
• Chris Javillonar, the general counsel at Permobil and president of the Tennessee Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Lebanon
• Michelle Long, Chief Diversity Officer and Deputy Director, Administrative Office of the Courts, Nashville
• Andre Mathis of Butler Snow LLP, Memphis
• Harrison McIver, Chief Executive Officer Emeritus of Memphis Area Legal Services, Memphis
• Judge Camille McMullen of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Memphis
• Judge Cynthia Richardson Wyrick, U. S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District, Greeneville
• Joshua Wallis of The Landers Firm, Memphis
• John Winemiller of Merchant & Gould, Knoxville
• Deborah Yeomans-Barton of Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Johnson City

TBA President Michelle Greenway Sellers announced the task force as part of several initiatives contained in TBA’s three-year strategic plan. In addition to the work of the task force, TBA has increased its commitment to recognition of diverse voices within the association through its new “Member in the News” series, diversity training for the Board of Governors in September and future diversity, inclusion and unconscious bias training for broader TBA leadership. 

The TBA also recently launched a diversity resources index on its website, highlighting educational opportunities, resources on racial justice, resources for businesses and volunteer opportunities.

The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) is the largest professional association in Tennessee with 12,000 members. Founded in 1881, the TBA provides opportunities for continuing legal education, professional development and public service. The TBA's dedication to serving the state's legal community is evidenced by its membership roll, which represents the entire spectrum of legal practice: plaintiff and defense lawyers, corporate counsel, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, government lawyers and legal services attorneys.

###

“Courage is the most important attribute of a lawyer. It is more important than competence or vision. It can never be an elective in any law school, and it should pervade the heart, the halls of Justice and the chambers of the mind.” -  Robert F. Kennedy

The Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division stands with the countless leaders across our nation, including lawyers, business people, police chiefs and others who are denouncing acts of racial injustice and brutality against any person by law enforcement, as well as systemic challenges and biases experienced by many in our local communities.

Throughout history, lawyers have been the agents of vast social change through activism, legislation and litigation. All lawyers, especially young lawyers, must step up with our collective voices and help facilitate communication and education to create systemic change in our profession and the lives of the people that we serve. The TBA Young Lawyers Division is committed to working with our local, state and national leaders to initiate meaningful reforms and positive solutions to end discrimination and injustice in our communities.

Our country, our state and our cities are struggling today to process how our nation can heal in the wake of so much tragedy affecting so many people in our communities. Many have opined that we are in unprecedented times; unfortunately, history teaches us we have been here before and that the road to change is long but not impossible. Another thing we have been taught by history is that legal community leaders cannot be bystanders. We must serve as leaders and support opportunities for education and empowerment related to the administration of justice, the impact of the justice system on citizens, and a critical examination of how we can strengthen, and in some cases, rebuild trust and faith in the rule of law and our legal institutions.

Lawyers have always served as agents of reform and we have a responsibility and an opportunity to champion meaningful reforms to create systemic change. The Tennessee Bar Association realizes that there is more that we can do to serve as a leader on the very important issues facing our state. We appreciate the feedback we have received on how we can better serve our members and the community, and we are continuing to listen. While we have long had committees dedicated to issues related to diversity and inclusion, we are now more committed than ever to facilitating significant and challenging discussions on how we as an association can drive solutions.

ALSO: TBA Young Lawyers President Terica Smith comments on the role lawyers can play in battling injustice and brutality. 

Our upcoming virtual convention includes a roundtable devoted specifically to issues of diversity and inclusion and bringing our members together to discuss how lawyers can better meet the current needs of diverse communities. Our Young Lawyers Division will continue its advocacy and service opportunities for lawyers to get involved and make a difference. 

The challenges and sadness felt around the country, already exacerbated in our state by natural disasters and a global pandemic, feel overwhelming. Please know that the TBA will continue to listen, learn, foster dialogue and support change to increase meaningful access to resources and justice for all.

Class of 35 graduates, selects Memphis lawyer for service award

Former Justice Honored for Contributions to Access to Justice, Indigent Representation Reform and the Integrity of the Judicial System

Honorees to be Recognized at Upcoming Awards Luncheon

35 Lawyers from Across the State Join 6-month Leadership Training Program

Lype to Receive the Tennessee Bar Journal's Highest Award

Class of 28 Graduates, Selects Nashville Lawyer for Service Award