TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on May 30, 2025

The annual Bench Bar Luncheon will take place June 12 as part of the TBA’s Convention as lawyers and judges from across the state gather to recognize judicial service. The keynote address will be given by Nashville lawyer Ed Yarbrough, of counsel with Spencer Fane, where he represents clients in major criminal cases and high-stakes civil litigation. Yarbrough has tried more than 160 jury cases, including more than 40 homicide cases, and has served as both prosecuting and defense attorney in matters involving white-collar crime, wrongful death, personal injury and public corruption cases. A successful trial lawyer for more than 40 years, his public service included serving as the U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee from 2007 to 2010. Also at the luncheon, Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Chris Craft will be recognized with TBA’s Justice Frank F. Drowota III Outstanding Judicial Service Award and Nashville lawyer Margaret Behm will receive the Judge Pamela L. Reeves Tennessee Professionalism Award, given jointly by the TBA and the Tennessee American Inns of Court. Make plans now to join your colleagues at this annual favorite!