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Max Bahner “Love of the Law” Scholarship Fund
The Max Bahner “Love of the Law” Scholarship, offered through the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, was created to honor T. Maxfield “Max” Bahner (1933–2023) and continue his legacy by supporting the next generation of attorneys in the Chattanooga community.
Max often said, “If I had 100 lives to live, I would live every one as a lawyer.” That belief shaped not only his career, but the way he approached people, his community, and the practice of law. He was known for his sharp legal mind, steady leadership, and ability to bring people together, even in the most multifaceted and high-stakes disputes.
Throughout his career, Max focused on complex litigation and served as a trusted advisor, mediator, and advocate. He handled matters involving multimillion-dollar disputes, health care issues, and intricate contractual matters, often helping parties find resolution when agreement seemed out of reach. In addition to his work in the courtroom and as a mediator, Max played a significant role in shaping our local legal landscape. He served as president of both the Chattanooga and Tennessee Bar Associations, represented Tennessee in the American Bar Association House of Delegates for nearly 17 years, and helped lead important efforts to develop and refine the Tennessee Rules of Evidence and Judicial Conduct.
Just as meaningful as his professional accomplishments was the way he invested in others. Over decades of practice, Max made a lasting impact on the many people he shaped and the community he cared deeply about. He believed in mentorship, service, and building a strong legal community in Chattanooga. His influence continues to be felt through the many relationships he built and the example he set.
This scholarship reflects those values. It supports students from the Greater Chattanooga area who are pursuing a legal career and demonstrate both academic excellence and a genuine passion for the law. It is designed to help remove barriers, open doors, and support the next generation of attorneys building their careers in Chattanooga.
Scholarship Details
The Max Bahner “Love of the Law” Scholarship is awarded to a student entering their first year of law school who demonstrates financial need, strong academic performance, and a clear commitment to the legal profession.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Graduate of a Chattanooga-area high school
- Current college senior or college graduate
- Minimum GPA of 3.4
- Acceptance into one of the following law schools:
- Belmont University
- Emory University
- Georgia State University
- Mercer University
- University of Georgia
- University of Memphis
- University of Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University
- Proof of LSAT completion
- Demonstrated financial need
- Interest in practicing law in Chattanooga upon graduation
Scholarship Benefits:
- 10,000 per year toward tuition, room, and board
- Paid summer clerkship following the first year of law school at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.
Applications are open through April 17. Learn more and apply through the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga at cfgc.org/scholarships.