LAET and TN Supreme Court Justices Honor Pro Bono Volunteers
Tri-Cities Volunteers Honored by
State Supreme Court Justices
JOHNSON CITY – Justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court gathered last Wednesday night in Johnson City… not to hold court, but to participate in a special dinner and awards ceremony hosted by Legal Aid of East Tennessee. “Dinner with the Tennessee Supreme Court” was served May 1st at The Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City.
Chief Justice Gary Wade was joined by Justices Cornelia A. Clark and Sharon G. Lee to honor members of the Tri-Cities legal community who volunteer their time by helping others through Legal Aid’s Pro Bono Project. “On behalf of our Supreme Court, I thank Legal Aid of East Tennessee and the outstanding attorneys in the Tri-Cities area who have donated their time, talents, and treasure to serve those Tennesseans who are unable to afford much-needed legal services,” said Justice Wade. “Our profession is unique in that the bench and bar recognize a responsibility, as written in the Book of Proverbs, to offer to ‘speak for the poor and needy.’"
The Justices were introduced by David R. Yoder, Executive Director of Legal Aid. Deborah Yeomans, Managing Attorney for the Johnson City office presented plaques to area attorneys, law firms, and local Bar Associations who donated time & legal services during the past year.
Nate Morabito of WJHL-TV served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, and introduced a video featuring LAET clients whose legal issues were addressed through the Pro Bono Project.
Also in attendance were Former US Representative Bill Jenkins, Former TN Senator Mike Faulk, and area members of the judiciary, including Judge Tom Seeley and Judge Jean Stanley of the 1st Judicial District, Chancellor E. G. Moody of the 2nd Judicial District, Retired Circuit Chancellor Richard Ladd, Washington Co. Sessions Judge Don Arnold, Johnson City Juvenile Court Judge Sharon Greene, and Washington County Municipal Court Judge John Rambo.
Proceeds from the evening benefit the civil legal services programs of Legal Aid of East Tennessee. For more information, or to make a donation, visit www.laet.org, or call LAET’s Johnson City office at (423) 928-8311 or (800) 821-1312.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee’s mission is to ensure justice for elderly, abused, and low-income people by providing a broad scope of civil legal assistance and advocacy. LAET serves eligible persons in 26 counties through offices in Chattanooga, Knoxville, Johnson City, Maryville, and Morristown.