A number of Chattanooga lawyers were honored for their work in serving the legal profession and the public during the Tennessee Bar Association’s recent convention in Nashville.
Hugh Kendall with the Kendall Law Firm was recognized for his work as co-chair of the Ethics & Professional Responsibility Committee’s Transition Subcommittee, which worked this year to present a comprehensive plan on how lawyers can be prepared for the transition of their law practice in the case of death, disability, retirement or incompetency. Together with Nashville lawyer Marisa Combs, Kendall drafted proposed changes to the rules governing this issue, as well as materials for lawyers to use. Kendall and Combs also produced a seminar on the topic. Kendall received the president’s award from outgoing TBA president and Nashville lawyer Jacqueline Dixon.
Chris Varner, an attorney with Evans, Harrison Hackett, also received a president’s award for service as chair of the TBA’s Mentoring Task Force. Created at the beginning of the bar year, the task force collected information on all current mentoring programs in the state and provided information about them to TBA members. After assessing the needs and current resources, the task force recommended that the TBA launch its own six-month mentoring program, which will begin this coming fall. The program will provide much-needed resources and guidance for new lawyers, many who are graduating from law school without jobs.
William A. “Trey” Harris III with McColpin, Coffman & Harris graduated from the TBA’s Leadership Law program during the convention. The program is designed to equip Tennessee lawyers with the vision, knowledge and skills necessary to serve as leaders in their profession and communities. Over the course of six months, class members learn about issues in policy and politics, issues in the courts, community leadership and the skills necessary to put their leadership into action.
Finally, David G. McDowell, an attorney with Gearhiser, Peters, Cavett, Elliott & Cannon, was installed as president of the TBA Young Lawyers Division. He will serve in the position for one year. During his year in office, McDowell plans to implement a new pro bono public service project to educate librarians across the state about two websites that can help low-income Tennesseans seeking legal assistance.
The first website, OnlineTNJustice.org, allows residents to post legal questions that are answered by volunteer attorneys. The second site, known as LIFT (www.legalinfotn.org), provides general legal information about where and how to find legal advice. The goal of the project is to equip librarians with the knowledge they need to help local residents who come to the library seeking legal assistance. McDowell practices primarily in the area of civil litigation, handling construction, professional liability, consumer protection, personal injury, insurance, real estate and commercial cases. He earned his law degree in 2003 from the University of Memphis School of Law.
Source: Tennessee Bar Association