MEMPHIS, TN--(Marketwired - Jan 8, 2016) - Edward L. Stanton III, United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee and a lifelong Memphian, will be the keynote speaker at the sixth annual tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. presented by Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP on Tuesday, January 12, 2016. Waller, a nationally renowned law firm with offices in Memphis, Nashville, Birmingham, Ala. and Austin, Tex., is hosting the luncheon and program at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis for the second time.
"Each year, Waller celebrates Dr. King as a way to reflect on his inspirational life and accomplishments and refocus ourselves and our commitment to carrying on his legacy," said Al Bright, Jr., a partner in Waller's Memphis office who will chair the event. "We are honored to be joined by U.S. Attorney Stanton, and we look forward to hearing his thoughts on Dr. King at a time when civil rights are prominent in the national dialogue."
Edward L. Stanton III has served as United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee since August 2010. In this position, Mr. Stanton is the chief federal law enforcement officer within the 22 counties that comprise the Western District of Tennessee. As United States Attorney, he has launched a number of highly successful initiatives including forming a dedicated Civil Rights Unit which has become a nationally recognized leader for its efforts in prosecuting sex trafficking crimes.
In May 2015, President Obama nominated Mr. Stanton to serve on the United States District Court bench for the Western District of Tennessee. The President commented that he was confident that Mr. Stanton "will serve the American people with integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice." Mr. Stanton's nomination is now pending before the full U.S. Senate.
Before becoming United States Attorney, Mr. Stanton served as Senior Counsel with Federal Express Corporation, where he was a member of the legal department's commercial litigation team. He also served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Memphis and in private practice with two Memphis law firms.
U.S. Attorney Stanton has served with numerous community, civic and legal organizations throughout his legal career, including serving as the president of the National Bar Association -- Ben F. Jones Chapter.
In 2005, Mr. Stanton received the Memphis Bar Association's Sam A. Myar, Jr. Award, one of the highest honors the Memphis Bar Association bestows annually upon a lawyer for outstanding legal and community service. Mr. Stanton earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 1994 from the University of Memphis. He earned his Juris Doctor Degree in 1997 from the University of Memphis School of Law.
About The National Civil Rights Museum Noted as one of the nation's premier heritage and cultural museums, the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., is steadfast in its mission to share the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement and explore how this significant era continues to shape equality and freedom globally. Established in 1991, the National Civil Rights Museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. For more information, please visit www.civilrightsmuseum.org .
About Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP With approximately 200 attorneys in Nashville and Memphis, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala., and Austin, Tex., Waller helps clients navigate a diverse range of complex transactional, regulatory and litigation issues in the healthcare, financial services, retail and hospitality industries. For more information, please visit www.wallerlaw.com .
Contact: Justin Wilson 615.327.7999 jwilson@seigenthaler.com
