The University of Tennessee College of Law has recognized a prominent Knoxville attorney for her contributions to the college, the legal profession, and the Knoxville community.
Ursula Bailey was awarded the RBJ Campbelle award, in honor of the first African-American student to graduate from UT Law, at a ceremony on Feb. 16.
Bailey is a 2000 College of Law graduate who runs a Knoxville law firm. She has served on the boards of the Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers and the Beck Cultural Exchange, and as a member of the Knoxville Bar Association’s Board of Governors. She has spoken to the Tennessee Trial Lawyers’ Association on Civil Rights issues and has served as a Governor’s appointee on the Tennessee Post-Conviction Public Defenders’ Commission.
Dean Melanie Wilson praised Bailey as an outstanding, humble, and courageous leader.
“She has unquestionably advanced justice and equality, and she continues to do so through her extraordinary service to her many clients, the college, and the community,” Wilson said of Bailey, who graduated from the College of Law in 2000.
The award was presented during the College of Law’s 18th Annual Julian Blackshear Jr. Scholarship Gala, which featured 1995 College of Law graduate and Atlanta attorney Eugene Felton Jr.
Three students were also recognized at the event. Chris Conner received the Roy BJ Campbelle Leadership Award; Jarred Reed received the Julian Blackshear Outstanding Student Award; and Morgan Hanna Adams received the Frank Ennix Award for Excellence.