Miller & Martin PLLC is celebrating its 145th anniversary and Burkett Miller’s philanthropic contributions to education.

Founded in 1867 by T. M. Burkett, Miller & Martin PLLC was an original tenant of the Volunteer Building on Georgia Avenue upon completion of its construction in 1917. Over the succeeding years, the firm has grown in order to serve many of Chattanooga’s leading companies in the Coca-Cola bottling, insurance, banking, manufacturing and service industries and now represents clients regionally and nationally through its office in Chattanooga and offices in Atlanta and Nashville.

“It is with great pride and appreciation that our firm has been able to represent clients in Chattanooga and beyond for 145 years,” said Jim Haley, chairman of Miller & Martin PLLC. “Miller & Martin has represented many clients from their beginnings or at critical junctures in their existence, and has hopefully played at least a small role in their success. We are honored to continue to be a leader in the region when it comes to legal services, and we look forward to continuing our practice for many years,” he said.

In addition to celebrating the firm’s long-standing history, the firm recognized Miller & Martin partner Burkett Miller’s commitment to higher education and to the community. “Burkett Miller established a reputation not only as an outstanding attorney, but also as one of Chattanooga’s earliest and most active entrepreneurs and philanthropists,” Mr. Haley said.

On Sept. 27, the firm held a reception in Chattanooga at Miller Plaza, which was donated to the public by Burkett Miller, to recognize and present gifts to three educational programs founded by Burkett Miller and the Tonya Foundation which he established.  The programs were the Miller Center for Public Affairs at the University of Virginia; The Tonya Public Affairs & Economics Internship Programs at The University of the South; and The Burkett Miller Distinguished Lecture Series at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Representatives from each institution benefitted by Burkett Miller were in Chattanooga on Sept. 27 for the reception, including Gerald L. Baliles, 65th governor of Virginia and current Director of the Miller Center in Charlottesville, Va.

“Burkett Miller's vision for a place where engaged citizens, scholars, business leaders, government officials, and media representatives could convene to talk in a nonpartisan setting about the complex challenges confronting the country is the basis on which the Miller Center rests," Governor Baliles said. "We are committed to carrying on that vision for years to come and are forever grateful for the example he set."

Mr. Haley added, “It is important for us to continue Mr. Miller’s mission and passion for scholarly thinking and research by continuing our investments in the programs he supported.”

Representatives for each institution are shown, from left to right, UTC Chancellor, Roger Brown; 65th Governor of Virginia, Gerald Baliles; and, Sewanee Vice Chancellor, John McCardell.