The Tennessee Supreme Court has recognized 47 recent University of Tennessee College of Law graduates for their commitment to pro bono service throughout their law school careers.
Through its Pro Bono Recognition Program, the Court identifies and commends law students who perform 50 or more hours of pro bono work through demonstrated commitment to providing legal services to those in need.
Among the 47 honored for the year ending 2019 are Nicholas Allen, Olivia Attanasio, Megan Austin, Lauren Baxter, Mackenzie Bell, Lydia Braun, Jordan Brinkman, Cadee Cody, Anthony Cognasi, Campbell Cox, Erin Crouch, Erica Davis, Christopher Davis, Katelyn Dwyer, Jacob Farmer, Jordan Ferrell, Leah Fitzgerald, Brennan Foy, Joseph Gonzalez, Erin Hall, Elizabeth Harwood, Charlotte Houser, Rachel Jensen, Benjamin Johnson, Kendria Lewis, Elijah Lovingfoss, Jenna Macnair, Michael Matuson, Jasmyn McCalla, Shannador McClain, Phebe McLin, Samuel Millard, Chase Moore, Keaton Murphy, Matthew Musgrove, Addison Rogers, Hollie Russell, Andrew Schrack, Derek Scott, Avery Shell, Tyler Sims, Jackie Tate, Taylor Ward, Deven Wilson, Helen Yorke, Ashley Zepeda and Daniel Zydel.
Honorees are those who have performed service under the provisions of Rule 6.1 of the Rules of Professional Responsibility, which includes delivery of a substantial portion of legal services without fee or expectation of fee, and delivery of legal services at no fee or at a substantially reduced fee to recognized groups and individuals.
Clinic work and other experiential learning courses in which students received course credit does not count toward pro bono work for recognition purposes.
Since its formation in the mid-1990s, the student-run UT Pro Bono at the College of Law has grown and evolved to meet the needs of the community and student body.
During the past few years, UT Pro Bono has experienced incredible growth and currently has 10 active projects with community partners including Legal Aid of East Tennessee and Knox Area Rescue Ministry. Students who participate in UT Pro Bono contribute an average of 9,000 hours of pro bono service each year.