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Harris A. Gilbert

Harris A. Gilbert was widely respected as an accomplished lawyer whose countless contributions to the betterment of his community included lending his influence and financial support to the establishment of the Tennessee Justice Center. In 1962, Harris represented the City of Nashville on a team of lawyers in the landmark case “Baker v. Carr” before the United States Supreme Court, which established the constitutional principle of “One Person, One Vote.” Through law, Harris found immeasurable ways to serve his community and those most in need. In 1968, he helped found Legal Services of Nashville (now the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands). Harris served as President of the Tennessee Bar Association. He chaired the Tennessee Bar Foundation, TJC’s first and most constant foundation funder. In 1995, the Tennessee Bar Association created The Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award given annually to a private sector attorney who has demonstrated dedication to the development and delivery of legal services to the poor and has performed significant pro bono work. Dedicated to his Jewish faith, Harris was a lifelong member of The Temple Congregation Ohabai Shalom, serving as President and as a Board Member. He served many other charitable organizations and was awarded the Johnny Cash Americanism Award by the Anti-Defamation League. Harris remained a faithful TJC supporter, making a generous gift to the fund for TJC’s new office shortly before his death on February 15, 2023.

Harris A. Gilbert
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