(Memphis, TN/March 19, 2009) Leo Bearman of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, has been named "Litigator of the Year" by the Litigation Section of the Tennessee Bar Association. This is the first year the TBA Litigation Section has presented this award, which honors outstanding contributions to the practice of litigation in the state of Tennessee by a member of the Tennessee Bar during 2008.
The Executive Council of the TBA Litigation Section selected Mr. Bearman for this honor after reviewing nominations submitted by the members of the TBA Litigation Section. Mr. Bearman was presented the award on March 13 at the Section's CLE program at the Tennessee Bar Center.
"It is fitting that Leo Bearman receive this inaugural Litigator of the Year award. His contribution to the law and to litigation practice in Tennessee is enormous," said Allan Ramsaur, Executive Director of the TBA.
A shareholder in Baker Donelson's Memphis office, Mr. Bearman has 48 years' experience as a trial attorney. During that time, he has represented a range of clients, including city and county governments as well as a number of national, regional and local companies, in civil litigation, class action defense, antitrust matters, insurance defense litigation, products liability defense, intellectual property litigation, professional negligence defense and commercial litigation. Mr. Bearman is consistently recognized by leading attorney listings including The Best Lawyers in America® (copyright 2008 by Woodward/White, Inc. of Aiken, South Carolina), Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business and Mid-South Super Lawyers. He is the only attorney in Tennessee who has been elected to both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. Earlier this year, he was named by The Best Lawyers in America® as the Memphis "Lawyer of the Year" in the area of personal injury litigation.
"Being a great trial lawyer requires more than knowledge of the law and the ability to effectively and zealously represent clients," said Ben C. Adams, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baker Donelson. "It requires unimpeachable ethical standards, unwavering respect for the legal profession and a commitment to mentoring other lawyers. In all respects, Leo Bearman epitomizes the standard of a great trial lawyer."
The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA), with more than 10,000 members, is the largest professional association in Tennessee. Founded in 1881, the TBA provides opportunities for continuing legal education, professional development and public service. The TBA's dedication to serving the state's legal community is evidenced by its membership roll, which represents the entire spectrum of legal practice: plaintiff and defense lawyers, corporate counsel, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, government lawyers and legal services attorneys.