TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Oct 15, 2025

The TBA was recognized with a major award from the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE) at the annual Communications Section Workshop in Boise, Idaho. The association earned a Luminary Award for Excellence in Special Projects for its Indigent Representation Education Campaign. Judges who reviewed the award submission remarked, “This campaign is an outstanding example of how bar communications can directly impact public policy and access to justice. Faced with a complex, urgent issue, the team created a comprehensive strategy that informed, engaged and mobilized members across multiple platforms. The campaign stood out for its breadth and sophistication — weekly primers, podcasts, Q&As, interviews, social media and event preparation all worked together seamlessly.” TBA staff Stacey Shrader Joslin and Azya Thornton were on hand to accept the award. Tennessee Bar Journal Editor Julia Wilburn co-chaired the award committee but recused herself from this award category.

From left: TBA staff member Stacey Shrader Joslin, Lisa Smith-Crissey with vLex Fastcase (who sponsored the awards) and TBA staff member Azya Thornton.

From left: TBA staff member Julia Wilburn presenting the Luminary Awards with Tim Eigo from the Arizona State Bar.

NABE Communications Plan panel on Oct. 15, 2025

From left: TBA staff member Julia Wilburn moderated a panel on creating a communications plan. Panelists were Haley Bohlmann with the Iowa State Bar Association; Lindsey Welfley, former communications director with the Idaho State Bar; Marjory Raymer with the State Bar of Michigan; and Karen Korr with Full Korr Press.