A number of Hamilton County lawyers were honored for their work in serving the legal profession and the public during the Tennessee Bar Association’s recent convention in Memphis.
Four Chattanooga lawyers graduated from the TBA’s Leadership Law program during the convention. They are:
• Jeremy Cothern
, Berke, Berke & Berke
• Ellis Lord
, Miller & Martin
• Charles McDaniel
, Legal Aid of East Tennessee
• William Rieder
, Spears Moore Rebman & Williams
Now in its 12th 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.
This year’s class of 36 attorneys – chosen from across the state – 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.
Chattanooga lawyer Brittany Thomas
with Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison PC was named a “Star of the Quarter” by Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division. Ms. Thomas, who practices in the field of immigration law, received the award for overseeing six Wills for Heroes clinics this year. The clinics, held throughout the state, provided free wills and other end of life documents to first responders. Ms. Thomas oversaw clinics held in east Tennessee.
Chattanooga lawyer Elizabeth M. “Ellie” Hill
with Patrick, Beard, Schulman & Jacoway was named a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division for her long service to the group. Ms. Hill “aged out” of the young professionals group this year, but was invited to join a select group of former leaders. The YLD Fellows promotes the objectives of the Young Lawyers Division, encourages young lawyers to be active in the Tennessee Bar Association and enables members to maintain friendships they had developed while serving in the TBA YLD.
Finally, seven Hamilton County lawyers were recognized as Senior Counselors by the TBA. They are:
• Richard Ward Buhrman
, Buhrman Law Firm, Chattanooga
• J. Nelson Irvine
, Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, Chattanooga
• Randall Lee “Randy” Nelson
, Attorney at Law, Hixson
• James Wayne Owens
, Retiree Resource Corporation, Hixson
• Robert Hamilton Robbins
, Chattanooga
• Albert W. Secor
, FSG Bank, Chattanooga
• Gerald Howard Summers
, Summers & Wyatt, Chattanooga
The designation of “Senior Counselor” is given to Tennessee lawyers who complete 50 years of law practice or attain the age of 75, and are active members of the TBA. The recognition expresses appreciation for the lawyer’s contributions to the legal profession and loyalty.