TACDL Values
At the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, we believe:
- Criminal defense lawyers are the guardians and stewards of our vulnerable constitutional rights.
- Our clients and communities are best served by defense lawyers who adequately reflect the broad diversity of our state.
- Our paramount obligation is zealous representation in the best interest of our clients bounded only by ethics and the law.
- Such representation can only be achieved by continuing study, training, and education, paired with unwavering respect and support amongst fellow members.
Member Benefits
Click items below for expanded detail
- Opportunities to author and collaborate on ‘friend of the court’ briefs advancing criminal justice concerns.
- Opportunities for board involvement and leadership, as well as participation in game-changing TACDL Committees.
- Professional advancement and reputation burnishing through work in important, sometimes high visibility roles.
- Mix with your fellow defense lawyers at TACDL Roundtables, parties, fundraisers, and sponsored events.
- Annual Awards Dinner – a lavish party honoring member recipients for their exemplary contributions to the organization or to justice over the prior year.
- Multiple, variable, and cutting-edge online and live seminars with gifted lecturers to satisfy your CLE requirements and stimulate your practice.
- Opportunities to advance TACDL’s Justice Development Committee’s initiatives within the legislative, judicial, and executive branches.
- Prospects to speak before the General Assembly and represent TACDL’s positions in private meetings with lawmakers.
- Direct, personal, and confidential real time guidance on ethics questions particular to criminal law from TACDL’s Ethics Committee.
- Searchable database of available local and national expert witnesses, investigators, and consultants.
- Formal and informal chances to connect with practitioners and establish referral networks across the state.
- Placement on TACDL’s Find a Lawyer website attorney locator.
- Access to business discounts and special offers to members from TACDL’s vendor sponsors.
- Annual awards honoring TACDL members at their best.
- 24/7 access to an online community of members willing to share insights, materials, and offer respectful assistance on an easy to use web-based platform.
- Access to TACDL’s email newsletter, The Writ, its member-run journal For The Defense, and recorded seminars and materials available for purchase.
- A team of designated TACDL lawyers across the state to aid and represent members facing contempt of court charges stemming from the zealous representation of their criminally charged clients.
- As a §501(c) non-profit, members enjoy tax-deductible business expenses and charitable contributions. Please check with the Office for up-to-date annual deduction rates.