The Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers honored Chattanooga attorneys Matt Brock of Best & Brock and Brandy Spurgin-Floyd of Spurgin & Mattingly at its annual awards ceremony in August.
Brock received the Rob McKinney Workhorse Award for “providing essential leadership and working tirelessly for the TACDL,” reads the program for the ceremony.
He says he was honored to receive an award the TACDL named after his mentor and friend.
“To be given an award named after one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the state was a peach of an experience. I cherish the trophy.”
Brock says he also has tremendous appreciation and respect for his fellow criminal defense lawyers in Tennessee.
“Most people, and even other attorneys, don’t know about the heavy burdens we carry every day. I couldn’t do it without the support of my fellow TACDL members and promise to keep working as hard as I can.”
Spurgin-Floyd received the Stars of Light award, which the TACDL gives to new members who “exhibit leadership that furthers its mission,” states the program for the ceremony.
“I’m humbled and honored that a group of extraordinary rockstar criminal defense attorneys even allowed me to join their ranks,” says Spurgin-Floyd. “I couldn’t do what I do every day without the support of the TACDL.”
TCADL members support the work of the criminal defense bar, educate lawyers and act as a voice for the bar.
The organization was founded in 1973, making it one of the oldest state criminal bar associations in the U.S.
The TACDL held its 2022 awards banquet at Public House in Chattanooga in Aug. 4. A statewide event, many attorneys from Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis and elsewhere were present, reports Spurgin-Floyd.
The criminal defense bar in Chattanooga also saw one of its own – Ben McGowan of Summer, Rufolo & Rodgers – become the new president of TACDL.
“It’s fantastic to have a strong Chattanooga showing again in the organization,” notes Spurgin-Floyd.
Additional source: TACDL website (tacdl.com)