TDLA recognizes the talent and achievements of our members each year with the Defense Lawyer of the Year award and the Rising Star award. TDLA congratulates this year's award winners: Chris Frulla with Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell in Memphis who received the Defense Lawyer of the Year award for 2022. Chancey Miller with Carr Allison in Chattanooga took home the Rising Star award this year.

Chris has been in practice for 10 years and established himself as a well respected trial lawyer within his community, according to Dawn Carson, TDLA Immediate Past President. He has tried numerous cases to verdict and most have been successful. He is an example for the younger defense attorneys and balances his busy work life with being a wonderful new father at home. TDLA congratulates Chris on all of his achievements within the legal community and at home.

In the five years he has practiced law, his nominator Derek Mullins writes, Chancey has gone above and beyond the proverbial call of duty to advance the cause of the defense bar in Tennessee, the activities of TDLA, and the collegiality of the practice of law, generally. This year, Chancey organized the TDLA YLD Happy Hour in Chattanooga and coordinated multiple amicus briefs for cases before Tennessee appellate courts. Chancey not only maintained but even managed to improve upon his ever-diligent work ethic to obtain positive results for his defense clients and figure out ways to further the cause of defense clients everywhere by being creative and innovative with his approaches and arguments. TDLA congratulates Chancey Miller on receiving the 2022 Rising Star award!