Celebrating our bar association's diverse membership and highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of KBA members.

Congratulations to KBA member Vanessa Samano! The ABA Center for Bar Leadership picked Vanessa's name from a random drawing of the 151 members who had submitted their responses to the KBA's Economics and Law Office Management Survey. Vanessa is the winner in the first drawing for the $250 Amazon Gift Card. Make sure to complete your survey by September 11 to have a chance to win the final $250 Amazon Gift Card.   

 if you did not receive a link to the survey, please email membership@knoxbar.org for your customized link. A sufficient number of members must participate in order for the results to reflect the demographics and economics of the Knoxville legal community. 

 

Learn about Judge Davis's path to the Court of Appeals in the July 14 edition of the Tennessee Ledger. 

 “You have to apply the law as it’s written. You can’t go making things up. … It’s being true to the existing case law that’s out there, not trying to put your own stamp on something, not trying to create the law as you think it should be.”

Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law (LMU Law) Vice President and Dean Matt Lyon has announced the promotion of Jordan Houser to director of career services and alumni relations. Houser will lead LMU Law’s Office of Career Services to counsel current law students and alumni regarding all aspects of career development, from aiding first-year law students with resume drafting to advising alumni on lateral moves years after graduation. Learn more.
 

Congratulations to Heidi Barcus, who will take office as vice president of the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) this week during the group’s annual convention in Knoxville. Barcus will advance to the presidency in 2025. Barcus has been active in the Tennessee Bar Association and other legal and community organizations for many years, serving most recently as the 2nd District representative on the TBA’s Board of Governors and as a member of the TBA’s Law Office and Technology/ Management Section and its Tort and Insurance Law Section. Barcus served as President of the Knoxville Bar Association in 2013 and is currently the Chair of the Knoxville Bar Foundation’s Board of Directors and Co-Chair of the Archives Committee. In addition, she is past chair of the American Bar Association Law Practice Division, a member of the Hamilton Burnett American Inns of Court, and a fellow in the Knoxville, Tennessee and American bar foundations. She currently serves on the American Bar Association’s TECHSHOW Board.

Barcus is a 1993 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, where she has previously taught legal writing, pre-trial litigation, and trial practice and was an active member of its Legal Clinic Advisory Board. She has also received the Spirit of Justice Award and the Susan B. Anthony Award.

The National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP) announced today that KBA President-Elect Carlos Yunsan was selected for the 2023-2024 Diversity Scholar program. The NCBP established the Diversity Scholar program to expose diverse bar leaders to a wide range of bar leaders who can candidly share their successes and challenges in their leadership roles and be available for open dialogue on all issues. Through this process, Diversity Scholars will develop their own leadership style and learn how to implement that style, as well as create national networking opportunities with other bar leaders. Learn more.

Kids Cove Drop-in Child Care to Open June 17

KBA member Eboni James and her husband Frank are pleased to announce the opening of Kids Cove, a drop-in child care center that provides a convenient, safe, and fun environment for children to play and learn. Their mission is to provide flexible and reliable childcare services for families who need occasional or emergency care. Kids Cove serves children ages six weeks to 12 years old, and their experienced staff is trained in CPR and first aid, and has undergone thorough background checks. The center is equipped with age-appropriate toys, games, and activities to keep children engaged and entertained. Parents can drop off their children at Kids Cove for a few hours, a full day, or even just a few minutes, making it a convenient option for busy families. The center also offers extended weekend and evening hours to accommodate parents' schedules.

An open house will be held on June 15th 2023 between 6:30 - 830 pm for a delightful sneak peek of Kids Cove Drop-In Child Care, located at 10420 Kingston Pike Suite I, Knoxville TN 37922!

KBA members receive a 10% discount by using KBA10. 
Learn more at Kids Cove.
 

Life is a journey. We all learn from our experiences and the people who cross our paths. The Knoxville Bar lost a legal legend with the passing of Bernie Bernstein on May 19. His obituary aptly illustrates a life well lived. The eulogies from family and colleagues at the funeral shared warm remembrances of a deeply devoted family man with a strong faith who gave much of himself to the Knoxville community. Universally respected, his remarkable legal career spanned more than five decades and he was recognized with countless honors for his professional accomplishments. Bernie was a leader, mentor and role model. He could be your best friend and your toughest adversary and do both with a smile. Bernie gave so much to the legal community, and our local bar will always be grateful for his long-lasting legacy. 

Learn more about Bernie’s legal career:

In 2003, the Tennessee Bar Foundation produced an interview of Bernie by Don Paine for the Legal History Project. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=CDxnq4hZtwc 

In the February 1, 2019, edition of The Ledger, Nancy Henderson writes about Bernie’s 55 years of defending the defenseless, promoting social justice.

The KBA Archives Committee is pleased to share the interview of Anne McKinney as the latest addition to the collection of KBA Legal History Videos. Celeste Herbert interviews Anne in this heartwarming, inspirational, and extremely personal video. During the interview, Anne announces her plans to retire at the end of the year along with secrets to her success. Anne shares what led her to the law and how she became to be known as "the hat lady" in the local legal community. The video is available on YouTube and is available from a link on the Legal History Videos page on the KBA website.

Anne McKinney is an accomplished lawyer, author, national speaker, and singer. She's famous for her hats, but she's also known for her song parodies and during her time as a tax lawyer with the IRS, she had a part-time job in a rock and roll band. Anne has over 40 years of legal and tax experience. She received her undergraduate degree from Duke University, magna cum laude, and earned her law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. She is a member of the Knoxville, Tennessee, and North Carolina bar associations, the Knoxville Estate Planning Council, and the Duke Estate Planning Council. She also actively serves on the boards of several private and public charitable foundations.

Anne is a sought-after speaker and seminar leader. With her unique blend of practical experience, intelligence, music, and humor, she educates, motivates, encourages, and entertains audiences nationwide.

Tarwater Confirmed as Tennessee Supreme Court Justice

Attorney Dwight E. Tarwater was officially confirmed by the General Assembly as the newest justice on the Tennessee Supreme Court. Justice-designate Tarwater was nominated by Governor Bill Lee in January after a lengthy application process that included a public hearing. He will take the bench on September 1, 2023, following the retirement of current Justice Sharon G. Lee.

“Dwight is one of the state’s most distinguished and well-known litigators. He has consistently demonstrated a mastery of court rules and precedents while upholding the highest standards,” Chief Justice Roger A. Page said. “The entire Court is thrilled to welcome him to the bench as a colleague. He has a deep understanding of complex litigation as well as a unique perspective on the other two branches of government in our state. I am sure he will serve the citizens of Tennessee well.”

Justice-designate Tarwater served as general counsel to former Governor Bill Haslam from 2014 to 2019, a position he accepted after decades of work as a trial and appellate attorney in Knoxville.

The job of general counsel to the governor is broad and all encompassing. From reviewing every legal document the governor signs to analyzing proposed legislation, the position handles a multitude of legal, political and governmental issues. Justice-designate Tarwater proposed reform measures in criminal justice, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and drug treatment as well as advised the Governor on criminal law issues involving defendants, such as extraditions, sentencing, and clemency requests, including those in capital cases.

“My life was greatly enriched during my service as Counsel to the Governor,” Justice-designate Tarwater said. “Suffice to say that my experience in government was rewarding, interesting and rounded out my career in a full and complete way. It also brought within my heart a great appreciation of the value of public service.”

Justice-designate Tarwater was born and raised in Knoxville.  He earned a B.A. in political science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was named a Torchbearer, the University’s highest honor, recognizing excellence in academics, leadership and service. He earned his law degree from his alma mater.

After working as a judicial law clerk for Judge Houston M. Goddard of the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section in Knoxville, Justice-designate Tarwater joined the law firm Egerton, McAfee, Armistead and Davis and four short years later was named a partner.  Three years later, his name was on the door at Paine Tarwater Bickers LLP.  He was invested in the Knoxville legal community, serving in almost every leadership position possible at the Knoxville Bar Association.

Justice-designate Tarwater developed a national reputation in handling complex litigation cases. He has managed hundreds of complex cases at the trial and appellate levels in both federal and state courts and has developed a particular talent for legal discovery, expert testimony, and jury trials. As a result, he has handled cases in all three Grand Divisions of Tennessee and more than 20 states.

In 2006, Justice-designate Tarwater was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, which is comprised of the best trial lawyers in the United States and Canada. He has repeatedly been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America, which is compiled through a peer review survey of thousands of lawyers.

Recognizing the impact even modest legal guidance can have on an individual person, Justice-designate Tarwater has consistently accepted cases pro bono from Legal Aid of East Tennessee as well as accepted other cases at reduced fees.

“Many of the clients that I vividly remember were those that I accepted on a pro bono or reduced fee basis: the drug addicted Vietnam vet that I defended in a paternity case; the lawyer whose sentence was reversed just days before his release date and who died of cancer shortly thereafter; the homeless man who lived in a dog house; the single mother trying to keep her car on the road,” Justice-designate Tarwater said. “For me, it was their case; for them, it was their life. No matter who I represented, the rule of law was paramount. It exists so that the freedoms of Tennesseans are protected and their duties adjudicated fairly.”

Justice-designate Tarwater served on the board of directors of LAET, the Volunteer Legal Assistance Program and the Pro Bono Project.

 “As lawyers we are servants of the law and we owe to it our obedience, respect, honor, and hard work. We serve the law, and as such, we serve the people. I consider a position on the Supreme Court as the ultimate service, not only to the profession, but also to the people of Tennessee. I will serve with integrity, humility, and diligence,” Justice-designate Tarwater said.

Justice-designate Tarwater has three children and five grandchildren. He resides in Knoxville and his office will be at the Knoxville Supreme Court Building.  His term will begin September 1, 2023, and he will be on the August 2024 general election ballot as an appellate “retain/do not retain” candidate. If retained, his term will end August 31, 2030.

Former Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III to Join Knoxville Law Firm Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis, P.C.

Former Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III  joined Knoxville law firm Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis, P.C. as a Principal on March 1, 2023. General Slatery gained national recognition through his service as the top legal officer for the State, a position he held from October 2014 through August 2022 on appointment by the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Among his many accomplishments, General Slatery co-led the multistate investigation of three opioid distributors and one opioid manufacturer which resulted in the second-largest civil settlement in U.S. history. As Attorney General, Slatery managed the law practice and operations of an office with over 350 positions, an approximate $56 million budget, 16 divisions by subject matter expertise, and several thousands of cases filed by and against the State and state officials.

Slatery previously served as Counsel to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam for Haslam's first term in office. Before serving as Counsel to Governor Haslam, General Slatery was in private practice as a Shareholder at Egerton, McAfee where he managed a book of business including large closely held organizations, bond issuing authorities, financial institutions, and governmental entities.

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