Janice M. Holder Award: Access to Justice Award

PURPOSE

The Janice M. Holder Award seeks to recognize a professional whose work in private practice, corporate practice, public service or other social service has made significant contributions in advancing the quality of justice statewide by ensuring the legal system is open and available to all. This award is intended for professionals not focused on daily legal aid advocacy. 

HISTORY

This Access to Justice Award is named in honor of retired Tennesessee Supreme Court Justice Janice M. Holder who personifies the qualities that this Award recognizes.  She served as the first female chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court,  is a passionate leader in Tennessee’s Access to Justice initiative, a courageous champion of the rights of the historically marginalized, and a dedicated servant to the people of this state. In 2008, the Tennessee Supreme Court launched its Access to Justice Initiative. Under her leadership, the court hired a full time access to justice coordinator, created the website - www.justiceforalltn.com, and created the Access to Justice Commission. She is the 2014 of the William M. Leech Jr. Public Service Award and continues to support access to justice causes in her retirement.

HOW TO NOMINATE SOMEONE

To nominate someone you may submit this form or send a narrative answering the question: What contributions has the nominee made to expanding Access to Justice in Tennessee? Up to three additional supporting nominations or letters can be submitted by individuals or programs for each nominee. If not using the provided form, please ensure your nomination includes the name of the nominee, their agency and title, and their email address and telephone number. Up to three additional supporting nominations or letters can be submitted by individuals or programs for each nominee. Email your nomination packet to Joy Reed.

Submission Deadline

The 2020 nomination period is closed.

PAST AWARD WINNERS

2014     George T. "Buck" Lewis (inagural winner)

2015     David R. Yoder

2016     Jim Barry & Sharon Ryan

2017     Larry Bridgesmith & Cat Moon

2018     Former Justice Frank F. Drowota, III & Amber Floyd 

2019     Deborah Taylor Tate

2020    Justice Cornelia A. Clark

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