The Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association wishes to recognize the talent and achievements of our members by presenting the following annual awards at the Annual Meeting Awards event. Deadline for submittal is August 8, 2025.

DEFENSE LAWYER OF THE YEAR
To honor 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.

RISING STAR AWARD
To honor 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.

Nathan E. Shelby Emerging Leaders Award
To honor an emerging TDLA leader and participant in the TDLA Emerging Leaders Program, who has demonstrated development of leadership skills through participation in multiple TDLA events. The award honors Nathan Shelby (1979-2023), TDLA President-Elect 2022-2023, who was known for his strength in identifying and mentoring young lawyers to fulfill their potential as effective civil defense lawyers, and as emerging leaders in TDLA.

Last year's Award Winners were:

• Defense Lawyer of the Year - Steve Dix, Dix & Associates
• Rising Star - A.J. Parker, Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell
• Nathan E. Shelby Emerging Leaders Award - Jordan Gibson Niederland, Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell