Tell Me A Story

TELL ME A STORY By: Adrianette Williams

Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law

LESSONS FOR SUCCESS

My dream has always been to become a lawyer. When I was a child, I would create a courtroom in the living room, with my sister as the defendant, our stuffed animals as the jury, and my mother as the judge. Although the dream was always in me, it was the lessons that shaped me. It is impossible for me to tell my story without sharing the experiences that shaped my success.

Learn from the Mistakes and Wisdom of Others

There is no one who is exempt from faux pas, but learning from others’ mistakes is a wise thing to do. The key to navigating the proverbial road of life is to listen to those who have fallen in a hole and care enough to share their experiences. You will be able to achieve your goals faster and more efficiently if you avoid unnecessary mistakes and blunders. It was common for me as a child to watch my older brother or cousin get into trouble and make a mental note not to do the same. The same guideline applies to me as an adult. Mentors share wisdom with me, which I internalize, recall, and apply as necessary. Avoiding pitfalls has prevented me from experiencing unnecessary heartache or stress.

Decide What Kind of Person You Want to Be

As humans, we have the freedom to decide who we want to be. As lawyers, we are held to a code of ethics. There is, however, nothing preventing a more rigorous internal code of ethics. Several years ago, my mentor told me to create boundaries regarding the things I would do or not do. In the moments where decisions must be made your limits must be solidly intact. It is easy to push limits when concrete boundaries do not exist. No exceptions should ever be made for anyone or any situation. Violating your personal code of ethics opens the door for others to misuse you or could lead to future regret.

I was tested on my ethical boundaries very early in my career. I refused to do a task for my boss that violated my code of ethics. I knew that my job was potentially at jeopardy because of my decision. I stood up for myself and was terrified of the financial and social consequences of doing so. I was a recent graduate and did not have many connections or influence. Unbeknownst to me, an experienced attorney was silently observing me; this attorney was so impressed by my ethics and morals, he recommended me to apply for a new position. I was offered and soon accepted this position for the State of Florida where I trained all new attorneys on the tenets of professionalism, ethics, and civility. Because I did not waver, I was eventually rewarded. My commitment to doing the right thing was recognized and valued in the end. Some decisions are not easy, and none are without consequence. I am solidified in my commitment to always be true to myself because of my experience. My license to practice is worth more than any unethical temporary gain.

Do Not Avoid the Hard Work

Everything in life worth having will take hard work and sacrifice. Tasks can appear so monumental that they overwhelm us. In the moments I could become paralyzed by the enormity of specific duties, I take a step back, recall all the other challenges I have overcome, and then I get to work! I break down tasks into small and achievable goals. Honestly, the projects that I have struggled with usually turn into my proudest moments. Taking on challenging tasks demonstrates the capability of doing more than is required. Everyone loves a person who goes above the call of duty. Also, your confidence is strengthened as you stretch your potential.

Consider the Cost of Opportunities

The legal profession reports some of the highest numbers of substance abuse among its’ members and is deemed one of the loneliest professions in the world. Many times, opportunities are accepted without considering the expense that saying “yes” will take on our lives. As your career develops, opportunities for leadership and projects are inevitable. However, all opportunities come at a cost. For example, a few years ago, I committed to accept any good opportunity that was offered without consideration of how it would affect other areas of my life. While that year was great for my career, I paid the price in my personal life. I experienced many challenges, I had to miss family gatherings, birthday parties, and other monumental celebrations.

This is not to discourage others from taking opportunities, but to encourage cognizance regarding the personal and professional sacrifices being made because of decisions. Enter each opportunity fully knowing the costs and benefits.

Commit to Living a Good Life

Make a commitment to yourself to live a good life. The meaning of a “good life” is defined by you. I have made a commitment to self-care; to peace of mind; and to living a fruitful life. For me, self-care extends to consistent counseling and coaching sessions, physical upkeep, and resting. I try not to overextend myself. I often say “no” to things that do not fit my goals. I have learned that “no” is a full sentence requiring no further explanation. This is especially important to women because some of us feel the need to explain our decisions to others.

I have met some of the most amazing people by committing myself to living a life of peace and productivity. These people have become my tribe and support system. I am now surrounded by caring and supportive friends living meaningful and authentic lives, who value and support me. Having my tribe has created a beautifully symbiotic relationship resulting in a very high satisfaction of life for me.

Learning from the lessons of my life has afforded for me to live a life I love abundantly while empowering others to do the same.

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KBA Annual Meeting & Elections

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) held its Annual Meeting on Friday, December 9, 2022. The President’s gavel was passed from Jason H. Long, a member of Lewis Thomason, P.C., to Loretta G. Cravens of Cravens Legal.

President Long thanked his fellow board members for their support and recognized the KBA staff for their dedication to East Tennessee attorneys. Incoming President Loretta Cravens thanked Mr. Long for his service to the Association, which included conducting judicial candidate member surveys and releasing a DEI Strategic Inclusion Plan.

In her remarks, Ms. Cravens thanked the members for their continued committed service to the KBA and the people of our community in need of legal services. She announced that during 2023, the KBA would place an emphasis on servant leadership, civility in public discourse, and equipping members with the tools, resources, and professional development needed to serve their clients.

During the meeting, the following KBA members were elected as officers for 2023: President-Elect - Carlos A. Yunsan, Tennessee Appellate Courts Treasurer – Jonathan D. Cooper, Knox Defense Secretary – Rachel Park Hurt, Arnett, Draper & Hagood

The membership elected the following KBA members to the four open positions on the Board of Governors: T. Mitchell Panter, Lewis Thomason, P.C. Samantha Parris, Law Office of Samantha Parris Courtney Epps Read, Watson Roach Batson & Lauderback Hon. E. Jerome Melson, Knox Co. Circuit Court, Division I

Elizabeth B. Ford was presented the KBA’s highest award, the prestigious Governors’ Award, which is given annually to a lawyer whose peers believe has brought distinction and honor to the legal profession. Ms. Ford has distinguished herself with a long and tremendous career of service to the bar and the community, including serving as the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

Hon. Steven W. Sword was presented with the Judicial Excellence Award. The award was created in 2022 to recognize a judge felt by the Association to represent the very best in a judicial officer.

The President’s Award for 2022 was presented to Brooklyn Sawyers Belk for her work as Chair of the Strategic Inclusion Plan subcommittee of the KBA’s Diversity in the Profession Committee. The award for outstanding writing was presented to John E. Eldridge for his series of articles “Lesson Learned: Reflections from a Retiring Lawyer,” which appeared in the January through October issues of the KBA monthly magazine DICTA.