Baker Donelson is saddened to announce the passing of Mary LeAnn Mynatt. Ms. Mynatt, who was a shareholder in the Firm's Knoxville office, died on October 3, 2018.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, Ms. Mynatt joined Baker Donelson in 1998 and developed a nationwide practice focused on environmental, safety and health issues. She was a leading resource on Occupational Safety and Health Administration matters and a preeminent environmental lawyer, and earned multiple recognitions, including being listed in Mid-South Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America©, and being named The Best Lawyers in America 2016 Knoxville Environmental Litigation "Lawyer of the Year".
Ms. Mynatt was actively involved in the legal community, serving for many years as the co-chair of the Knoxville Bar Association Environmental Section and was a past chair of the Tennessee Bar Association Environmental Law section. She also contributed her energy and leadership to Baker Donelson in numerous capacities, serving as the mentor coordinator for the Firm's Women's Initiative and the recruiting chair of the Knoxville office, as well as helping to inspire the Firm's wellness initiative, BakerFit. She also founded and served as chair of the Firm's BakerGreen committee, and in 2013 was recognized with Baker Donelson's BakerGreen Award. This award, which recognizes outstanding commitment to environmental sustainability, will now be known as The LeAnn Mynatt Award in honor of her leadership and dedication to Baker Donelson's green initiatives.
After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2013, Ms. Mynatt focused her considerable resolve on helping to raise awareness and educate women about the disease. She frequently shared the story of her own illness, using it as a platform to generate support for other women battling ovarian cancer. She was instrumental in spearheading the now annual Comedy for a Cause event, which raises money for the University of Tennessee Medical Center's Gynecologic Cancer fund.
"LeAnn was an outstanding attorney, a caring friend, a selfless mentor, and a tireless advocate, both for her clients as well as the causes that she championed," said Jennifer P. Keller, president and chief operating officer of Baker Donelson. "She will be deeply missed by her Baker Donelson family, but her incredible contributions to our Firm and to her community leave an indelible mark and will serve as a fitting legacy to her smart, fierce and humble spirit."