TJC could not exist without the support of volunteers and interns. We are inspired daily by the generosity of the individuals and companies who have come to the aid of our clients. The "TJC Heroes" featured here are just a few of the outstanding individuals and companies who have made much of our work possible.
Attorney Riney Green Helped Lay TJC's Foundation
B. Riney Green helped found the Tennessee Justice Center and guided TJC through its first decade of success. A respected Nashville business lawyer and nationally recognized leader in the provision of pro bono services for the poor, Mr. Green led the statewide efforts of Tennessee bar leaders that culminated in TJC’s founding in 1996. He then served as Chair of TJC’s Board from its creation until 2006. <more>
Volunteer attorney Patricia Gunn donates time and talent to TJC
Dr. Patricia Gunn, on professional development leave from Ohio University, joins the Tennessee Justice Center as a Volunteer Attorney. This Fisk University graduate returns to Nashville to do research in the field of health care law and to learn about the actual practice of health care law from the experts at the Tennessee Justice Center.<more>
Attorney David Cañas gives client a voice -- literally
The Tennessee Justice Center relies upon the generosity, expertise, and commitment of other attorneys and advocates in achieving its mission to serve poor Tennesseans. These “TJC heroes” include national policy experts, legal services attorneys and private attorneys, each of whom graciously donates their time, pro bono, to assist our clients. The Tennessee Justice Center would like to extend a big “Thank you!” to “TJC Hero” David Cañas of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. As a result of David’s relentless advocacy, TJC client Megan will be entering college with a new voice! <more>
Web developer Steve Downey introduces TJC to the world
The Tennessee Justice Center’s web site is a vital resource for educating people about our work, while simultaneously serving as a great source of information for those in need of our help. Lacking an experienced web designer on our staff, the successful development of our current web site was made possible by the volunteer efforts of “TJC Hero” Steve Downey. In his spare time, Steve spent two years completely redesigning TJC’s web site. <more>
TJC benefits from outstanding student interns
Throughout its history, TJC has been fortunate to have the help of talented and dedicated student interns. The following students worked at TJC during 2006 - 2009. To learn about current internship opportunities, click here.
Eben Cathey spent his time at TJC speaking with community members about TJC’s work. He visited community centers and libraries and gave presentations about TJC to service organizations.
Scott Thurman, a student at Columbia University Law School, was drawn to TJC to learn about impact litigation and the serious public health issues that confront low-income Tennesseans, especially low-income children.
Jim Bryant, the Princeton Community Service Intern in 2009, hopes to attend law school and study tribal law.
Graham Lea, an aspiring law student, came to TJC with an interest in working toward community development and social justice.
Claire Ackerman, a student at Vanderbilt Law School, assisted TJC greatly during an extended internship.
Melissa Cohen, a student at the University of Michigan Law School, came to TJC to pursue her interest in public interest law.
Jason King, a law student at the University of Mississippi, returned to his native Middle Tennessee to lend his talents to TJC for the summer.
Vanessa Rodriguez, the Princeton Community Service Intern in 2008, hopes that her experience at TJC will prepare her to serve in the public interest sector in the future.
Jordan Bubin, the Princeton Community Service Intern in 2007, joined TJC because, as he put it, “I owe it to people less fortunate to lend a hand.”
Caroline Tenenbaum, student of French and political science at St. Louis University and then Belmont College, used the opportunity to work at TJC to help her determine college and career goals.
Sarah Broussard, a student at Loyola University New Orleans, is pursuing her Juris Doctor as well as a Master in Business Administration.
Renata Yurikov, a recent graduate from Vanderbilt University, interned at TJC throughout her senior year in college. She was particularly instrumental in publicizing the film Collateral Damage: Bad Medicine in Tennessee on her school's campus. She is off to law school at Ohio University in the fall.
Stan Buncher, the Princeton Community Service Intern in 2006, chose TJC because it offered a chance to contribute to and learn from an organization that “truly helps the least well-off members of our society.”
Suzanne Lemaire Lozier, a student at Goucher College, chose to return for another summer internship at TJC - even after working in the hectic midst of last year's Grier trial. She plans to attend social work school and join the non-profit sector one day.
Chris Yerian, a Vanderbilt law student, spent her summer at TJC assisting with the Rosen and John B. cases. She was drawn to TJC because of its employees’ passion and its reputation as an outstanding law firm. Chris continues to serve TJC on a regular basis.
