The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services has recognized attorney Benjamin Danford as a 2019 New Advocate of the Year at its annual Equal Justice University conference.
The award recognizes advocates in a legal aid firm who use their skills to make a positive impact in their clients’ lives and the communities in which they live.
Danford is a staff attorney with Legal Aid of East Tennessee in Chattanooga. He handles housing issues as well as general civil legal matters in Chattanooga and nine surrounding counties.
During Danford’s intake days in the rural Appalachian counties, the line of people seeking his help with legal problems often extends out the door of the courthouse.
“We’re very proud of Ben for receiving this recognition,” says LAET Executive Director Sheri Fox. “His energetic and skilled advocacy makes a huge difference in the lives of his clients.”
Equal Justice University combines programming with a celebration of seasoned leaders and new advocates who are making the civil justice system in Tennessee stronger and more accessible to those who would otherwise be left to navigate the courts alone, says Ann Pruitt, TALS executive director.
“A highlight of EJU is celebrating advocates [like Ben], who make our civil justice system available to people who are marginalized and would otherwise have no voice in navigating our complicated legal system to protect their rights.”
Sources: Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services; Legal Aid of East Tennessee