Paula Barnes Memorial Fund

		Paula initially moved to Nashville for a potential career in Christian music, with a day job in a law firm. Paula migrated naturally into law firm management, and by 2000 was involved in the Association of Legal Administrators. She began serving the Middle Tennessee ALA Chapter, and by 2007 had moved into an international leadership role, culminating in her selection as President of International ALA in 2014-2015. She loved traveling all over, meeting new people, mentoring, and collaborating with her colleagues. She had found her calling.
1960-2021

To honor Paula Barnes' memory and legacy of leadership and service in the Legal Management profession, the Paula Barnes Memorial Fund and Emerging Leaders Scholarship have been established. 

Following solicitation and review of applications by the Fund Committee, a Scholarship up to $1,500 will be awarded to offset the cost of attending the ALA Annual Chapter Leadership Institute (CLI), where attendees hone their skills and dive into the "job requirements" of various board level positions.

The Scholarship will be awarded to an ALA member(s) who has yet to serve in leadership at the local chapter Board level, but who either has applied for the Scholarship or has been nominated by peers as a future leader in the organization.

Contributions from chapters and one-time contributions from individual members to fund the Scholarship are welcomed. If you would like to make a donation to support Paula's legacy through this cause, please click on the "Paula Barnes Memorial Fund" link above.

With great pride for such a deserving leader, the Middle Tennessee Association of Legal Administrators presented Teresa J. Walker with the first ever Paula Barnes Emerging Leader Award. The award was presented to Teresa by MTALA President Bernard Smith (both pictured). Congratulations Teresa!