LAET Holds Pro Bono Night

CHATTANOOGA (June 28, 2013) – Legal Aid of East Tennessee hosted its Annual Pro Bono Night, Thursday evening at Bessie Smith Hall in Chattanooga.  The event celebrated local attorneys who have donated time and legal services during the past year to aid those who otherwise could not afford an attorney.  The top fifty who donated the most hours of service were recognized individually and presented with certificates of thanks.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of four annual awards.  Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, recognized for his lifelong commitment to access to justice, was presented the Chief Justice William M. Barker Equal Access to Justice Award.  T. Maxfield Bahner of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, who agreed to take on the two challenging, litigation-heavy cases, was named the Bruce C. Bailey Volunteer Lawyer of the Year.  Miller & Martin PLLC received the Pro Bono Firm of the Year Award in recognition of their strong, firm-wide commitment to access to justice in Chattanooga.  And The Hamilton County Herald received 2013 Alexander Hamilton Award as a non-legal corporation that furthers the betterment of access to justice or LAET clients’ well-being.  Judge Marie Williams served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Proceeds of the event will benefit the programs of Legal Aid of East Tennessee.   For more information on the award winners, visit http://probononight.eventbrite.com/.  For information on LAET and its programs in the Chattanooga area, call (423) 756-4013.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee honors Max Bahner, of Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, as the Bruce C. Bailey Volunteer Lawyer of the Year. Pictured with Mr. Bahner is Cindy Wyrick, President of the Tennessee Bar Association.