Memphis attorney Charlotte Knight Griffin was sworn in last week as the 146th president of the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA). The oath of office was administered by former Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Page during the TBA’s Annual Lawyers Luncheon. Knight Griffin began her career in private practice in Memphis after earning her law degree from the University of Tennessee (now Winston) College of Law. She joined Memphis Light, Gas and Water as a staff attorney in 1978 and was named the manager of legal services in 2000. She retired in April 2023 after 45 years of service. Knight Griffin has been active in the TBA for many years, most recently serving as president-elect, vice president, speaker of the House of Delegates and a member of the Board of Governors. She has been involved in legal organizations at the local, state and national levels and is a fellow in the Tennessee, Memphis and American bar foundations.

During remarks following the swearing in, Knight Griffin spoke of her Memphis roots and pride in a profession that opens the doors of justice for all. During her year in office, Knight Griffin said she will focus on public education and access to justice initiatives, specifically increasing the involvement of senior and retired lawyers in pro bono representation. She also encouraged local bar associations, legal aid groups and courts to work with TBA to expand the state’s existing Pro Bono Emeritus Attorney Program. Finally, she announced a CLE Abroad trip to Sicily in April 2027. Several awards also were presented during the luncheon, and multiple lawyers were honored for their service to the TBA and the legal profession. Missed the luncheon? Watch it on TBA's YouTube channel.

Other events held last week included the TBA Board of Governor's first meeting of the 2026-2027 bar year, the 2026 Leadership Law class' final program and the Young Lawyers Division's (YLD) Annual Meeting. The Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women (TLAW) also held its Annual Meeting and the Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers (TABL) held several days of meetings.