The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Alumni Chapter will recognize some of the Memphis legal community’s most accomplished leaders during the annual Pillars of Excellence Law Alumni Chapter Awards on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the University of Memphis Maxine A. Smith University Center. The event celebrates attorneys whose distinguished careers have shaped the legal profession while raising scholarship support for the next generation of University of Memphis law students.
Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards program at 7 p.m. and an afterparty at 9 p.m.
Established in 2007, the Pillars of Excellence Award honors Memphis-area legal professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and lasting contributions to the practice of law. Recipients are recognized for their commitment to the legal profession, civic engagement, ethical leadership and the highest standards of legal excellence.
“The Pillars of Excellence Awards celebrate individuals whose integrity, leadership and service have strengthened both our legal profession and our community,” said Dean Jim Strickland. “Their example reflects the values we strive to instill in every student at the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. As we honor these remarkable alumni and members of the legal community, we are also investing in the future of our profession through scholarships that help talented students pursue a successful legal education.”
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and provide scholarship support for students preparing to become the next generation of legal leaders.
The 2026 Pillars of Excellence honorees are:
- Charles E. Carpenter Sr. Founding and Managing Member | Carpenter Law, PLLC
- Jim T. Dwyer (JD ’80) Founder | Shelby County Drug Treatment Court, Retired Judge | General Sessions Court Division III
- Samuel H. Mays, Jr. Senior United States District Judge United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
- Roger A. Page (JD ’84) Retired, Former Chief Justice | Tennessee Supreme Court
The Law Alumni Chapter will also bestow the honor of 2026 Friend of the Law School to Daniel S. Beasley, Professor Emeritus at the University of Memphis.
Selected by the Dean, the Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Dean’s Distinguished Public Service Award recognizes an alum who has made a significant positive impact on the Memphis community through public service. This year’s recipient is State Treasurer for the Tennessee Department of Treasury, David H. Lillard, Jr. (JD ’80).
