While the founders had many ideas in mind as the organization’s Charter attests, most all associated with the Foundation would likely agree that the Knoxville Bar Foundation provides a way they can show their appreciation in a tangible way for being blessed to practice in such a wonderful place and with great lawyers.
 

View the list of Knoxville Bar Foundation Founders & Fellows from 2008-2020.

 

Knoxville Bar Foundation Grants 

The Knoxville Bar Foundation was established in 1992 to improve the administration of justice, to enhance the public’s understanding of and confidence in the legal system, and to serve the legal profession. The Bar Foundation has awarded grants totaling approximately $ 485,000 for local law-related projects and programs since its inception. This is a meaningful contribution to programs that promote and enable the essence of what we as lawyers seek – liberty and justice for all. Last year the Board of Directors approved thirteen grant requests, totaling $30,000.

In May 2021, the Knoxville Bar Foundation will award grants to deserving applicants. The individual grant awards usually are $5,000 or less and the deadline for submitting grant applications is March 5, 2021. Please note that grant funding may not be used for operating costs and endowments. We are excited about this year’s grant program and encourage interested parties and organizations to apply.  Submit all grant applications before 5:00 p.m. on March 5, 2021 to Charles Swanson, Chairman, Knoxville Bar Foundation, P.O. Box 2027, Knoxville, Tennessee 37901 or deliver to 505 W. Main Street, Suite 50, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902.

Download Grant Application

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Announcement of 2020 & 2021 Fellows  

The Knoxville Bar Foundation is pleased to recognize twelve esteemed members of Knoxville’s legal community. The Annual Bar Foundation Fellows banquet was set for June 9 but has been postponed due to the pandemic.

Each year the Foundation inducts a new Fellows Class which is less than one percent of the active bar association.  The Fellows represent quality men and women practitioners in our community who have distinguished themselves in the practice of law and service. The Foundation's board of directors reviews numerous nominations, and determines the inductees who have demonstrated superior legal skills and high ethical standards and service to the community. 

2021
Penny A. Arning
Maha M. Ayesh
Joshua M. Ball
Betsy J. Beck
James E. Bondurant, Jr.
R. Kim Burnette
James M. Cornelius, Jr.
Scott Griswold
Joshua D. Hedrick
Hillary B. Jones
Greg D. Meadows
Hon. E. Jerome Melson

2020
Hon. William T. Ailor
Allison Easterday Alexander
Loretta G. Cravens
Kathryn St. Clair Ellis
Mohamed A. Faizer
Steven L. Hurdle
Rachel P. Hurt
Steven D. Lipsey
Jay W. Mader
Summer H. McMillan
Reuben N. Pelot, IV
Shelly L. Wilson

The Knoxville Bar Foundation is a not for profit foundation established to improve public awareness of the legal system in Knoxville, the administration of justice and the delivery of legal services through the distribution of its funds.