Smith County Probate Court Administrator Tina Knighton was honored with the 2024 TAALP Legal Professional of the Year Award at the Annual Law Day Luncheon. (Contributed Photo)

Smith County Probate Court Administrator Tina Knighton was honored this month with the 2024 TAALP Legal Professional of the Year Award at the Annual Law Day Luncheon.

She has been working in the legal field for 20 years and has been the Court Administrator for probate and guardianship matters and the probate auditor since 2017. She works for County Court-at-Law 3 Judge Clay White.

Knighton has been instrumental in organizing and streamlining the local probate system to make it more efficient for the court and the attorneys. She has the reputation of being professional and extremely helpful to those who must contact the court, the award states.

According to the press release, Knighton is the “epitome of a public servant who goes out of her way to assist the legal community and citizens of Smith County.”

This is the first time a Smith County employee has won the award. The nominations for the award are submitted by attorneys in private practice, typically by the individual’s employer or coworkers.

“I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to work with Tina,” Judge White said. “She is so humble but completely deserving of this recognition. Tina has a heart to serve our community and those who come before the court at very emotional and trying times for them personally and their families.”

Almost every week, the judge receives a comment from an attorney or individual with matters before the court about how Knighton has assisted them along the way and done so in a caring and proactive way.

“We are blessed in Smith County to have such caring and exceptional team members,” Judge White said, “and Tina is certainly one of the best.”

Knighton has been an active member of TAALP (Tyler Area Association of Legal Professionals) for many years and has served in various positions on the board. She currently serves as its first vice president.

U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran, who hired Knighton when he was Smith County Judge in 2017, honored her on May 1st, by entering a statement into the Congressional Record.

“Her unwavering commitment to the legal profession, organization of the probate court and the docket, responsiveness to lawyers, helpful attitude, bright smile and unparalleled work ethic have made the Smith County Probate Court extraordinary,” Congressman Moran said. “Congratulations to Tina Knighton on this momentous award. You are so deserving. We are proud to have you as part of the East Texas community, and I am proud to call you friend.”

Knighton earned an associate degree in business administration from Trinity Valley Community College and is a certified paralegal through the National Association of Legal Assistants.

She is married to David, and they have three children and six grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and especially loves attending extracurricular activities of her grandchildren, who range from age 9 months to 16 years.

The annual Law Day Luncheon was hosted by the Smith County Bar Association at Hollytree Country Club.