George "Buck"
Lewis
Nominated by Samantha Sanchez
"George T. "Buck" Lewis has made a profound impact on access to justice (A2J) that transcends boundaries, both geographically and socioeconomically. His pioneering efforts in establishing TN Free Legal Answers, an online platform connecting volunteer attorneys with low-income individuals in need of legal counsel, stand as a testament to his commitment to advancing equitable legal assistance. Launched in 2011, this initiative has not only provided vital support to underserved communities but has also served as a model replicated across the nation, endorsed by the American Bar Association (ABA) in 2016.
Lewis's vision for a comprehensive national platform dedicated to aiding marginalized populations in navigating civil legal matters has been instrumental in bridging the justice gap. Under Lewis's leadership, the ABA Free Legal Answers platform has flourished, with over 13,000 attorneys enlisting to offer their expertise and over 330,000 inquiries addressed since its inception. His proactive approach extended beyond conceptualization, as evidenced by his relentless pursuit of funding to continue supporting the project. Lewis encouraged his firm, Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz PC, to pledge $255,000 in January to sustain the ABA's maintenance of the platform, underscoring his commitment to sustaining impactful initiatives.
Lewis’s advocacy extends beyond digital platforms. As chair of the Tennessee state bar, he established the Tennessee "4ALL" campaign aimed at delivering essential legal services to Tennesseans of modest means. This initiative not only bolstered pro bono engagement among Tennessee attorneys, but also catalyzed legislative reforms enhancing the accessibility of legal aid services in the state.
Lewis's profound impact on A2J is further underscored by his leadership roles within esteemed legal institutions. Serving as chair of the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission from 2012 to 2014 and subsequently chairing the ABA’s Pro Bono and Public Service Committee, he has been at the forefront of shaping policy and practice in the realm of legal services.
His dedication to public service, instilled during his tenure as a law clerk for former Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Frank Drowota III, continues to inform his tireless advocacy for access to justice. In honoring his mentor's legacy, Lewis established the Justice Frank F. Drowota Trust, which supplements funding for legal service providers serving Tennessee's low-income communities. Furthermore, his commitment to nurturing future legal practitioners is evident in his support for The University of Tennessee College of Law's Bettye B. Lewis Career Center, named in honor of his mother. Through these initiatives, Lewis exemplifies a steadfast commitment to upholding democratic values and strengthening access to justice nationally and beyond."
