Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association (“TDLA”) is proud to announce the annual award winners for TDLA Defense Lawyer of the Year, Rising Star and Outstanding Service awards that were presented at the recent TDLA Annual Meeting.

Katherine “Kay” Anderson with Baker, Donelson law firm in Memphis, Tennessee was the 2020 recipient of the TDLA Defense Lawyer of the Year award. This award honors a TDLA member who has made significant contributions to TDLA, to the defense bar, and/or to the practice of law in Tennessee this year. Nominated by fellow TDLA member Bradley Gilmer, he noted in his nomination that “Kay is a zealous advocate for every doctor, nurse and layperson she represents and her work ethic is legendary.  Even through the many challenging times she suffered personally this year, it never slowed her drive.”

Devin Lyon with Arnett, Draper and Hagood in Knoxville, Tennessee was the 2020 recipient of the TDLA Rising Star award. This award honors a TDLA member who has been practicing law 10 years or less and who has made significant contributions to TDLA, to the defense bar, and/or who has promoted the interests of young lawyers in Tennessee this year. Devin has actively participated in TDLA Young Lawyers programs including co-chairing the 2019 Boot Camp, procuring excellent speakers and judges. He is also one of three Bench / Bar Committee members serving a three-year term on behalf of TDLA.

Cate Dugan with Peterson White in Nashville, Tennessee was the recipient of the TDLA Outstanding Service Award. This award is to honor a TDLA member who has exhibited exemplary service to the TDLA. A member who goes above and beyond to further the ideals and efforts of this organization. One that works tirelessly to better this organization while also contributing the Defense Bar as a whole. Cate is a past President of TDLA. She has diligently served on the Board for over 10 years. She was most recently the DRI State Representative for TDLA representing Tennessee on a national organization level. She played an integral part in DRI awarding TDLA the state defense organization of the year for the first time in the organization’s history. Cate has devoted time and energy over the last decade to help make the TDLA the premier defense organization of the state.

Congratulations to all of our 2020 award recipients!