State Court of Appeals Judge J. Steven Stafford of Dyersburg has been named chairman of the Tennessee Bar Foundation, a philanthropic organization that administers a fund supporting law-related public projects and also honors attorneys who have distinguished themselves professionally.
The Foundation oversees and administers IOLTA, an acronym for Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts, which was established by the Tennessee Supreme Court in 1984. With funds from IOLTA, the Foundation provides grants to organizations in Tennessee that offer direct legal services to the indigent and to organizations that improve the administration of justice. The funds also provide scholarships to students at state-supported law schools.
Since its inception, IOLTA has awarded more than $14.5 million to organizations promoting child advocacy and providing assistance to victims of domestic violence, dispute mediation, rehabilitation services to offenders and civil legal aid for the poor.
Stafford, who will serve a one-year term as chairman, was appointed to the appellate bench by Gov. Phil Bredesen in June. He served as chancellor for the 29th Judicial District, including Dyer and Lake counties, from 1993 until his appointment to the Court of Appeals.
He was presiding judge of the Tennessee Court of the Judiciary and also is a past president of the Tennessee Judicial Conference. He serves as dean of the Tennessee Judicial Academy for newly elected and appointed judges.
Stafford earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from Cumberland School of Law.