The Tennessee Supreme Court and its Access to Justice Commission held a pro bono recognition event Tuesday night at Belmont University College of Law. It was the first in-person recognition event since the pandemic, and honored lawyers for their pro bono work in 2020, 2021 and 2022. The Pro Bono Recognition Program honors lawyers and law students who provide at least 50 hours of pro bono service during the year as an "Attorney for Justice" or "Law Student for Justice." In 2021, the court also added the category "Mediator for Justice" to increase the number of mediators providing pro bono services. At this year's event, Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Holly Kirby and Justices Jeffrey Bivins and Sarah Campbell were on hand to thank lawyers for their contributions. Belmont College of Law Dean Alberto Gonzales welcomed honorees to the law school, Tennessee Access to Justice Commission Chair and TBA Board member John Farringer congratulated honorees, and Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht gave keynote remarks.

From left: Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Bivins, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht, Belmont College of Law Dean Alberto Gonzales provide welcome remarks.

Tennessee Access to Justice Commission Chair, TBA Board member and Nashville lawyer John Farringer addresses attendees. Behind him are (from left) Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Bivins, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht and Belmont College of Law Dean Alberto Gonzales.

Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht provides keynote remarks.

From left: Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sarah Campbell, Chief Justice Holly Kirby, TBA President Jim Barry, Justice Jeffrey Bivins, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Hecht.

From left: Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sarah Campbell, Chief Justice Holly Kirby, TBA Executive Director Sheree Wright, Justice Jeffrey Bivins, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Hecht.

From left: Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sarah Campbell, Chief Justice Holly Kirby, Cookeville Legal Aid lawyer Rachel Moses, Justice Jeffrey Bivins, Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Hecht.

From left: TBA President Jim Barry with other attendees at a reception following the Pro Bono Recognition Event.

Photos by Sheree Wright