(Memphis, TN/August 6, 2013) George T. "Buck" Lewis of the law firm Baker Donelson will receive a 2013 Presidential Citation from the American Bar Association (ABA).
The ABA Presidential Citations recognize noteworthy contributions to the legal profession and the ABA, and outstanding leadership qualities, among other factors. No more than 10 of these citations are given each association year. According to the ABA, citations are only given based on merit and there is no requirement that any awards be given in any particular year. ABA President Laurel Bellows will present the citation to Mr. Lewis at the ABA Pro Bono Publico Awards luncheon on August 12 in San Francisco as part of the ABA's Annual Meeting.
Mr. Lewis, a shareholder in the Firm's Memphis office, is being recognized for his efforts to improve access to justice. During his term as president of the Tennessee Bar Association from June 2008 through June 2009, Mr. Lewis launched the "4ALL" campaign to bring much needed legal services to Tennesseans of modest means. Proposals developed as part of the "4ALL" campaign resulted in eight separate Tennessee Supreme Court rules and legislative changes that have been instrumental in enhancing the delivery of pro bono services in Tennessee.
Mr. Lewis currently serves as Chair of the Tennessee Supreme Court's Access to Justice Commission. During his term as Chair of the Commission, the Supreme Court has partnered with International Paper, the Tennessee Bar Association and the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services to launch "1-888-aLEGALz," a statewide toll-free legal resource information line. Mr. Lewis spearheaded the development of OnlineTNJustice.org, an innovative website that allows low-income Tennesseans to seek free legal advice on the Internet from volunteer lawyers.