(January 2007)- The law firm of Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. (H³GM) announces that one of its partners, David P. Cañas, has been named the Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year by the Tennessee Bar Association. Nominated by the Tennessee Justice Center H³GM, David will be officially recognized on January 13, 2007 at the Tennessee Bar Association's Public Service Awards Luncheon.

This honor is the result of David Cañas's pro bono work helping a young lady named Megan in a dispute against Tenncare. Megan, who suffers from cerebral palsy, is unable to walk and needs assistance communicating. Megan's doctor and speech therapist prescribed a specific speech communication device as a medical necessity that would allow her to communicate on her own as she entered college. TennCare and its managed care organization (MCO) denied the request for the speech device, instead approving a different device that was much harder to use.

Following the denial of the speech communication device, Megan's parents sought the help of the Tennessee Justice Center, which subsequently asked David Cañas for help. David's work preparing for an administrative hearing resulted in TennCare's approval of the device originally prescribed by Megan's doctor and speech therapist. Today Megan is enrolled at MTSU and is enjoying successes that would not have been possible without the speech device that David Cañas helped her receive.

About H³GM
Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner, P.C. has earned a national reputation for providing sound legal advice to business clients for over 30 years.  Our attorneys advise clients in matters critical to their business success.  H³GM attorneys represent public and private companies across a wide range of industries.  For more information visit www.h3gm.com