The Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Alumni Association is gearing up to celebrate notable figures in the Memphis legal scene with their 2025 Pillars of Excellence Law Alumni Awards. Set for August 9 at the University of Memphis Maxine A. Smith University Center, this event will pay tribute to seven legal professionals who have made significant contributions to their field. Those being honored have not only marked over 40 years in law practice but also displayed a steadfast dedication to service and leadership within both legal and civic spaces. According to a recent announcement, these professionals are as well-regarded for their legal expertise as they are for their ethical conduct.
Amongst the recipients is Ben C. Adams, Jr., the Chairman Emeritus of Baker Donelson, and Stevan L. Black, founding member of the firm Black McLaren Jones Ryland & Griffee, P.C. They will stand alongside other esteemed figures such as The Honorable Deborah Means Henderson and The Honorable Holly M. Kirby, justices serving at different capacities within the Tennessee legal system. Russell E. (Rusty) Reviere and Gary K. Smith, both attorneys practicing in their respective firms, and John A. Stemmler, a retired member of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, round out the list of honorees. All proceeds from the award ceremony are slated for the School of Law to bolster student scholarships, reinforcing the institution's mission to support up-and-coming legal minds.
Moreover, the association will showcase its gratitude to Terrence O. Reed, who will receive the 2025 Friend of the Law School award. Reed is acknowledged not just for his role as Managing Director of Employment and ERISA Litigation at FedEx Corporation, but also for his staunch support and dedication to the school's mission and community. The sustained support by individuals like Reed is crucial in propelling the law school towards its educational objectives.
The Pillars of Excellence award, a tradition established in 2007, continues to honor the stalwarts of the Memphis legal community for their lasting impact on the practice of law. As an informed portal for local happenings, we understand the importance of recognizing those whose careers have helped shape the legal landscape. The community will come together to celebrate these legal luminaries and their enduring legacies within the justice system. Information regarding the awards and honorees can be found detailed within a detailed University of Memphis newsroom post.
