The University of Tennessee Winston College of Law formally dedicated the Reeves Institute for Professional Leadership, honoring the late Judge Pamela L. Reeves (’79), the first woman to serve as judge and then chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Faculty, students, alumni, members of the legal community, and friends of the college gathered at the UT Student Union for the dedication ceremony, which celebrated Reeves’ enduring impact on the legal profession.
A trailblazing judge, former president of the Tennessee Bar Association, and respected mediator, Reeves dedicated her career to justice, professionalism, and service. Naming the Institute for Professional Leadership in Judge Reeves’ honor will serve as a constant reminder of her inspiring legacy.
The naming was made possible through the generosity of George “Buck” T. Lewis (’80), the Larry Wilks Distinguished Practitioner in Residence and co-founder of the Institute for Professional Leadership, and his wife, Malinda Lewis. The newly named Reeves Institute will continue and build upon its original commitment to preparing ethical, service-minded lawyer leaders through education, professional development, career planning, and mentorship.
“We are honored to advance Judge Reeves legacy through the work of the Reeves Institute for Professional Leadership to educate the next generation of lawyers leading the profession,” said Kate Schaffzin, director of the Reeves Institute and Douglas A. Blaze Distinguished Professor of Law.
The ceremony, presided over by Judge Reeves’ husband, Charles Swanson, featured remarks from Schaffzin; Lonnie T. Brown, Jr., dean, Elvin E. Overton Distinguished Professor of Law, and Haslam Family Professor; Judge Toby J. Heytens of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; and Judge Reeves’ children, Amanda Swanson and Reedy Swanson.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on Reeves’ groundbreaking career and profound influence on the legal profession. A Virginia native, who later moved to Tennessee, Reeves attended UT as the first person in her family to go to college. She graduated from the Winston College of Law in 1979 and built a distinguished career in litigation, mediation, and public service.
Reeves became widely respected for her work in labor and employment law and later emerged as one of East Tennessee’s earliest and most sought-after mediators. Her path ultimately led to the federal bench when, in 2014, she was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Five years later, she became chief judge of that court, a role she held until her death in September 2020.
Her leadership extended far beyond the bench. Reeves was the first woman to serve as president of the Tennessee Bar Association and held numerous leadership positions in professional and community organizations throughout her career. She also remained deeply committed to mentorship, professionalism, and service.
“Pam’s life was so often centered on engaging young leaders, especially young lawyers with potential to be great leaders, and in providing opportunities for those young leaders to realize their potential,” said Charles Swanson. “It is so gratifying for our whole family to see that legacy continue in the work of the Reeves Institute for Professional Leadership.”