For the first time in its 147-year history, a black female attorney has become president of the Memphis Bar Association. Tannera George Gibson, an employment law, municipal law, healthcare liability and commercial and business litigation attorney with Burch Porter & Johnson, PLLC made history in November when she began her term as President. As a native Memphian and a minority in the field of law, this accomplishment means so much more than an advancement in her own personal career.
“This moment ... is about us progressing to a place where the MBA empowers diverse leaders with diverse experiences and diverse perspectives, in such a way that enables us to innovate, embrace inclusivity and 'advance human liberty,'” said Gibson in her acceptance speech. “It’s the audacity to believe that by bringing diverse voices to the table—to the leadership—we can advance—together.”
This achievement means even more when you know the honorable history behind Burch, Porter & Johnson. In 1968, Burch, Porter & Johnson law firm leader, Lucius Burch, was a civil rights activist and an attorney for Martin Luther King Jr. And in 1963, he wrote about the importance and need for black members to the Memphis Bar Association.
Best Lawyers® is proud to recognize Tannera in Employment Law - Management and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Most notably, Tannera was named a Best Lawyers 2022 "Lawyer of the Year" for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs in Memphis. This award is particularly noteworthy, as only one lawyer per practice area in each metro is awarded this honor. She and 23 of her colleagues from Burch, Porter & Johnson, PLLC are listed in Best Lawyers for 2022. The firm has also received Tier 1 rankings in 28 specialties for the Memphis metro area by U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms."
Congratulations to Tannera George Gibson! We wish you nothing but the best during your presidential term!
