Memphis lawyer Robert L. "Bob" Green of Allen Summers Simpson Lillie & Gresham PLLC received the Judge Jerome Turner Lawyer's Lawyer Award at the Memphis Bar Association's 2005 annual meeting, held Dec. 1 at the Memphis Cook Convention Center.

The award is given annually to an MBA member who has practiced law for more than 15 years and exemplifies the aims and aspirations embodied in the association's Guidelines for Professional Courtesy and Conduct.

In 2000, the award was renamed in honor of Judge Jerome Turner, during whose presidency of the MBA the guidelines were developed. Previous recipients include Charles M. Crump in 2004, Dorothy J. Pounders in 2003 and John J. Thomason in 2002.

Born and raised in Wichita, Kan., Green earned bachelor's and law degrees from Tulane University in New Orleans.

Green began his career as an associate in 1956 with Neely Green and Fargarson, making partner in 1958. Neely Green and Fargarson changed names two times during Green's tenure with the firm and was known as Neely Green Fargarson Brooke & Summers when it dissolved in December 2004.

In addition to serving on the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners for about 19 years - the final three years as president - Green has been selected for inclusion in the list of the "Best Lawyers in America" for 13 consecutive years.

Green's practice areas include products liability, professional liability, health care, mediation and arbitration.

Q.  Why do you think you received the award?

"I do not know for sure why I received the Judge Jerome Turner Award, but I am greatly honored to have this award. I hope my relationship with the members of the bar contributed to my selection."

Q.  What has kept you interested in practicing law over so many years?

"I love the practice of law and I love my association with the lawyers and judges."

Q.  What advice would you offer to lawyers practicing in the 21st century?

"Try always to accommodate your fellow lawyers whenever possible, taking into consideration your obligation to your client."

Q.  Can you share a memorable case or legal victory that is meaningful to you, and why?

"Legal victories are important for your clients and personally. I am grateful for the success I have had at all levels, whether in the General Sessions, Circuit or Appellate Courts, state and federal."

Q. What is the most lawyer-like thing about you?

"I hope the most lawyer-like thing about me is the respect and admiration I have for my fellow lawyers and the judges before whom I practice."