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West Tennessee Legal Services Celebrates 2026 Champions of Justice

West Tennessee Legal Services was honored to welcome community leaders, partners, advocates, and supporters to the 2026 Champions of Justice Luncheon, an afternoon dedicated to recognizing individuals and organizations whose commitment to service has strengthened communities and expanded access to justice across West Tennessee.

The annual luncheon celebrates those whose leadership, generosity, and dedication embody the spirit of justice and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. WTLS was also privileged to be joined by Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mary Wagner, who presented the awards recognizing outstanding statewide pro bono service and helped honor this year’s recipients for their dedication to serving Tennesseans.

West Tennessee Legal Services Honorees

Judge Tony Childress

Judge Tony Childress serves as Chancellor for Tennessee’s 29th Judicial District and has dedicated his career to public service. Before taking the bench in 2008, he served as a staff attorney for the Tennessee Court of Appeals and as an Assistant Public Defender in the 26th Judicial District. His commitment to justice, professionalism, and community service has made a lasting impact throughout West Tennessee.

Judge Jimmy Smith

Judge Jimmy Smith has served as General Sessions Court Judge for Obion County since 2009. A longtime attorney and respected community leader, he practiced law for decades before taking the bench and has remained actively involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to serving both the legal profession and the people of Northwest Tennessee.

Greater Jackson Financial Empowerment Center

The Greater Jackson Financial Empowerment Center provides free, confidential, one-on-one financial counseling to West Tennesseans seeking to improve their financial stability. Through budgeting assistance, credit improvement, debt reduction strategies, and financial coaching, the center empowers individuals and families to achieve long-term financial success and build stronger futures.

Humboldt Chamber of Commerce

For more than a century, the Humboldt Chamber of Commerce has championed economic development, business growth, and quality of life in the Humboldt community. Through business advocacy, workforce development, networking opportunities, and support for community initiatives, the Chamber continues to play a vital role in fostering a thriving local economy and strengthening the region.

Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts Honorees

Sara Barnett

Sara E. Barnett is a partner at Spragins, Barnett & Cobb, PLC in Jackson, Tennessee, where for 25 years she has practiced estate planning, elder law, probate, and trust litigation. Sara has provided pro bono legal services through West Tennessee Legal Services since 2001, training and presenting at its clinics, seminars, and community events. She joined its Board of Directors in 2025 and received its Pro Bono Award in 2019. Appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court to its Access to Justice Commission, she now serves as Vice-Chair, helping improve court-approved forms and develop rule changes that make courts more navigable for self-represented litigants.

Ruchee J. Patel

Ruchee J. Patel is a criminal defense trial attorney with Donati Law, PLLC, bringing nearly two decades of state and federal litigation experience to her practice. A passionate advocate for vulnerable populations, she regularly serves as a court-appointed attorney for individuals facing mental health commitments and provides pro bono assistance helping citizens navigate the court system. She also serves on the boards of Playhouse on the Square and the Memphis Bar Association and has been recognized for her dedication to justice and public service.

Linda Warren Seely

Linda Warren Seely has dedicated her 45-year legal career to advancing pro bono service and access to justice. As Pro Bono Counsel for Butler Snow, she coordinates the firm’s pro bono efforts across 26 cities in the United States and the United Kingdom, helping expand legal services to underserved populations and fostering a culture of service throughout the legal profession.

Marcus Mariah Reeves

A graduate of Temple University Law School, Marcus Mariah Reeves has devoted his career to public service and legal advocacy. His professional experience includes work with West Tennessee Legal Services, the Tennessee State Legislature, service as a Sessions Attorney, Special Education Due Process Hearing Officer, Public Defender for Tennessee’s 26th Judicial District, Workers’ Compensation Specialist, and private practice attorney. His decades-long commitment to serving Tennesseans has made a lasting impact on the communities he has served.

Amber G. Shaw

Amber G. Shaw is an accomplished trial attorney whose practice focuses on complex litigation, catastrophic injury claims, products liability, fraud, and civil litigation. With extensive trial experience across Tennessee and Mississippi, she has earned numerous professional recognitions while remaining committed to serving clients and supporting communities throughout West Tennessee.

Lanis Karnes

Lanis Karnes is the founder of Karnes Legal Services and has spent decades serving clients throughout Tennessee and Virginia. Since establishing her firm in 1996, she has built a practice centered on litigation, constitutional matters, and equal justice under the law. Her commitment to strong advocacy, professional excellence, and compassionate client service has made her a respected leader in the legal community.

A Celebration of Justice and Community

The Champions of Justice Luncheon serves as a reminder that access to justice is strengthened through collaboration. Judges, attorneys, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders all play a vital role in building stronger, more equitable communities.

WTLS extends its sincere appreciation to Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mary Wagner for joining us to present the statewide pro bono service awards and help celebrate the outstanding contributions of this year’s honorees. We are also grateful to everyone who attended and supported this year’s luncheon.

Most importantly, we congratulate all of the 2026 Champions of Justice honorees. Their leadership, service, and dedication continue to make a lasting impact throughout Tennessee and inspire the work of those who strive to expand access to justice for all.

Together, we celebrate the champions who are helping build a stronger and more just Tennessee.