Press Releases

Press Releases

McGaha Named 2017 Leadership Law Wilks Award Winner

Posted by: Katharine Heriges on Jun 16, 2017

Memphis Attorney Honored at the TBA Convention

Memphis lawyer Gabe McGaha was selected as the recipient of this year’s Larry Dean Wilks Leadership Award. McGaha was chosen for the award by fellow members of the Tennessee Bar Association’s 2017 Leadership Law class and was honored during the group’s graduation ceremonies in Kingsport today. He is the sixth recipient of the award.
 
McGaha is an attorney at Fisher & Phillips LLP in Memphis where he focuses on labor and employment law. He is a 2008 graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law and was selected for the 2017 Leadership Law class last fall, where he has spent the last six months learning about leadership in the legal profession, issues in the courts, policymaking in state government and the importance of community service. The class of 35 attorneys completed the program this month.
 
The award is named for former President Larry D. Wilks and recognizes a class member with exceptional leadership qualities. The recipient is selected by each year’s class based on the following leadership characteristics:
 
• Demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities that enhance the Leadership Law experience for all class members.
• Exhibits leadership-by-example qualities by fully engaging in all aspects of the Leadership Law program.
• Promotes the Leadership Law program goals through service-oriented actions and initiatives.
• Fosters consensus from differing opinions and ideas without regard to background or cultural status.
• Enhances the education of other class members through thoughtful and respectful debate.
 
Past recipients of the Larry Dean Wilks Leadership Award are:
 
2012- Curtis Bowe
2013- Daniel Headrick
2014- Lynne T. Ingram
2015- Regina Lambert
2016- Jay Ingrum
 
Now in its 14th year, Leadership Law is designed to equip Tennessee lawyers with the vision, knowledge and skills necessary to serve as leaders in their profession and local communities.
 
The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) is the largest professional association in Tennessee with more than 13,000 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.