Nashville Bar Journal | Summer 2024

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 11:00am to 1:00pm TailGate Headquarters 7300 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209

ARTICLES

Democracy, The Justice Gap, and Preserving the Rule of Law

by DarKenya W. Waller & Eric G. Osborne

Developed from a CLE seminar, this article dives into the "justice gap," and lawyers’ ethical obligations to provide pro bono representation and financial support for legal aid.

Introducing Bill Ramsey

John McLemore introduces Bill Ramsey at the 2024 NBF Fellows Gala before presenting the David Rutherford Award, in this personal and fun summation of Bill's background and life.

Listen to Your Elders

Bill Ramsey regales us with personal anecdotes and reminds us of the importance of listening to our elders in his David Rutherford Award acceptance speech at the 2024 NBF Fellows Gala.

DEPARTMENTS

From the President

Bahar Azhdari

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

NBA Family Reunion

NBFLF Graduation

2024 Pride Parade

26th Annual Carbolic Smoke Ball

Annual Member Picnic

Board of Directors Election Tune Award Nominations

Calendar of Events

barBites

CLE Schedule Hearsay 100% Club

COLUMNS

Background Check

Bart Pickett

Eliot Watson, the 2024 YLD Essay Contest Winner, writes on this

Law Day theme, "Voices of Democracy."

Gadget of the Month

Bill Ramsey & Phillip Hampton Capitol

From The President

Bahar Azhdari

June marks many things. It’s the beginning of a new season and a month full of celebrations, like Father’s Day, Juneteenth, Pride, and Flag Day. It’s also a halfway mark where we can pause and reflect on the first six months of the year and look forward to what we can do during the remaining six. As I take time to reflect on what the NBA has done, I am excited at what we have accomplished.

We offered at least thirteen CLEs, including an international trip to Holland. We provided practical advice to practitioners, including ethics training for attorney lobbyists, an overview of new procedures for minor settlement approvals in Davidson County, business litigation case management best practices, and tips for acting as a conservator or guardian. We gave individuals new perspectives on issues ranging from wildlife and hunting to cannabis law and the role of immigration nonprofits. We also learned what it was like to bring employment claims against Robert De Niro and how to negotiate like an FBI crisis negotiator.

We connected 1L students with prospective employers through the 2024 Damali Booker 1L Minority Job Fair an event that has launched the careers of many NBA members. We gave our members and interested parties spaces to socialize and to connect through meetings and happy hours, as well as a beautiful green course to be appropriately competitive at the NBA + NBF Golf Tournament. We celebrated Tennessee’s first woman admitted to the Tennessee State Bar and the first African American woman to practice law in Kansas at the Lutie Lytle Plaque unveiling at the Justice A.A. Birch Building. We also took time to commemorate members who have passed at the Spring Memorial Service.

The YLD continued its tradition of supporting the next generation of attorneys through the Davidson County High School Mock Trial Tournament, as well as reinforcing the important role the arts play in society through its annual Arts Immersion event. Future bar leaders completed the NBF Leadership Forum. We reformatted our beloved Nashville Bar Journal. We searched for and hired a new Executive Director.

In these seemingly divided times, we also came together, bringing with us different views, perspectives, and ideals, to celebrate “Voices of Democracy,” the theme of this year’s Law Day. In democracies, people rule, and our speaker, Professor John Geer, helped us remember and reaffirm the role we each play in our democracy. We confirmed more connects us than separates us.

We have done so much in such a short amount of time, and I am thankful to you, our members, for showing up, committing your time, and supporting the NBA. I also know that none of this could have happened without our incredible staff. They work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our events happen, our concerns are addressed, and our questions are answered. They stepped up when we needed an interim executive director, and they all jumped in to support the NBA, the Board, and me as we navigated the first half of the year. I am indebted to them for their service and dedication, and I am looking forward to seeing what we do the rest of the year.

Bahar Azhdari, Publisher

William T. Ramsey, Editor-in-Chief

Summer Geyer, Managing Editor

Lauren Poole, Managing Editor

Adrienne Bennett Cluff, Layout/Design/ Production

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Ramona P. DeSalvo

Timothy Ishii

J. Bart Pickett

Katlin Ryan

Kristin Thomas

Jonathan Wardle

NASHVILLE BAR JOURNAL (ISSN1548-7113) (USPS 021-962) is published quarterly by the Nashville Bar Association, 150 4th Ave N, Ste 1350, Nashville, TN 37219. Periodicals Postage Paid at Nashville TN.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Nashville Bar Journal, 150 4th Ave N, Ste 1350, Nashville, TN 37219-2419.

No part of this publication may be reprinted without written permission of the Nashville Bar Journal Editorial Committee. All articles, letters, and editorials contained in this publication represent the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Nashville Bar Association. For more information, visit NashvilleBar.org/ NashvilleBarJournal

The Nashville Bar Journal welcomes discourse. You may submit counterpoint editorials to Adrienne.BennettCluff@ nashvillebar.org to be considered by the editorial committee for publication in a future print or online content.

NASHVILLE BAR ASSOCIATION 150 4th Ave N, Ste 1350 Nashville, TN 37219 615-242-9272 | NashvilleBar.org

The Nashville Bar Association, established in 1831, is a professional organization serving the legal community of Nashville, Tennessee. Our mission is to improve the practice of law through education, service, and fellowship.

The NBA—with 2,500+ members—is the largest metropolitan bar association in Tennessee.

Bahar Azhdari, President

Joseph Hubbard, President-Elect

Kaya Grace Porter, First Vice President

Kim Looney, Second Vice President

Tabitha Robinson, Secretary

Blake Bernard, Treasurer

S. Jae Lim, Assistant Treasurer

Lela M. Hollabaugh, General Counsel

Casey Miller, YLD President

Gulam Zade, Immediate Past President

Marie Scott, First Vice President-Elect

Christen Blackburn, Second Vice PresidentElect

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jaz Boon

Amy Willoughby Bryant

Josh Burgener

Daniel Clayton

Erin Coleman

Beau Creson

Flynne Dowdy

Sherie Edwards

Hon. Ana L. Escobar

Elizabeth Foy

Shellie Handelsman

Cherrelle Hooper

Hon. John R. Manson

Ben Raybin

Worrick G. Robinson IV

Bruce Shanks

Leigh Walton

Tim Warnock

NBA TEAM

Jeanne B. Heaton, Executive Director

Ashley Moore, Interim Executive Director

Adrienne Bennett Cluff, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Molly Davidson, Interim CLE Coordinator

Traci Hollandsworth, Director of Programs & Events

Vicki Shoulders, Office Manager & LRIS Coordinator

HAVE AN IDEA FOR AN ARTICLE?

We want to hear about the topics and issues you think should be covered in the journal. Send your ideas to Adrienne.BennettCluff@ nashvillebar.org.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

NBA FAMILY REUNION

On Saturday, June 29, bring your family and dogs to Tailgate Headquarters for the inaugural NBA Family Reunion. Enjoy pizza, games, fun, and an opportunity to meet the NBA’s new Executive Director, Jeanne Heaton! To RSVP, visit NashvilleBar.org/FamilyReunion. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please email Traci.Hollandsworth@ nashvillebar.org

2024 NBF LEADERSHIP FORUM GRADUATION

In 2014, the Nashville Bar Foundation (NBF) established the NBF Leadership Forum — a local leadership program for lawyers with three to eight years of experience — designed to bring together emerging leaders who participate in monthly workshops for nine months to help them realize their potential and to benefit the legal profession and our local community.

On April 26, at the NBA Office, the 2024 Nashville Bar Foundation Leadership Forum Class graduated. If you know any class members listed below, please take a moment and share your regards. Congratulations to all participants on your hard work – we know it will pay off!

Hayley Baker

Courtney Creal

J.D. Cressman

Shundra Crumpton Manning

David Fletcher

Jesse Gentry

Dayne Geyer

Eli Gibbons

Maleaka Guice

Rachel Harris

Kimberly Ingram-Hogan

Emmie Kinnard

Erik Lybeck

Simone Marshall Hayes

Robert Martin

Thomas Mihalczo

Tessa Ortiz-Marsh

Olivia Park

Karolyn Perry

Mallory Schiller

Devon Williamson

Elizabeth Wolfe

For more information on the program, visit Nashvillebar.org/ NBFLeadershipForum

2024 PRIDE PARADE

Celebrate Pride in Nashville with the NBA Diversity Committee & the Stonewall Bar Association of Tennessee as we walk in the Pride Parade on Saturday, June 22. RSVP to reserve your spot in line at NashvilleBar.org/ PrideParade. The group will meet at 9:00am at 810 Broadway, and walk to the line-up position together. Our line-up number will be published as soon as we receive it.

Thank you to our Pride sponsor Frost Brown Todd!

Thank you to our 2024 Diversity Committee Sponsors: Butler Snow, Polsinelli & Spencer Fane.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

26TH ANNUAL CARBOLIC SMOKE BALL

Carbolic Smoke Ball is the annual cocktail and dance party hosted by the NBA Young Lawyer's Division. Named after the infamous case, Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co., the evening features music and dancing, heavy hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, and a festive atmosphere. Lawyers, spouses, friends, and families are invited to join and support the NBA, the YLD and selected beneficiaries. This year, the festivities will commence on Friday, August 23, at Emerson Hall. To learn more, visit NashvilleBar.org/CarbolicSmokeBall

ANNUAL MEMBER PICNIC (IT'S FREE!)

The 2024 Annual FREE Member Picnic will be held on Thursday, September 26, from 5:30-8:30pm, at Walk of Fame Park-located downtown across from the Country Music Hall of Fame. This event is co-sponsored by the Metro Law Department and free for NBA members to attend. Family-friendly, casual environment, friends and colleagues, beer, wine and BBQ. For sponsorship and registration information, visit NashvilleBar.org/Picnic or email Traci.Hollandsworth@nashvillebar.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

Members of the NBA will be electing six new directors to serve on the Board for a four-year term commencing January 1, 2025. If you are an active member of the NBA and are interested in being considered for Board service, please submit your name for consideration at NashvilleBar.org/BoardNominations no later than Friday, August 2. The election will take place in November, and all members whose 2025 membership dues are postmarked no later than October 31 will be eligible to vote.

TUNE AWARD NOMINATIONS

We are now seeking nominations for the John C. Tune Public Service Award to be presented at the Annual Meeting & Banquet on Thursday, December 12. The purpose of the award is to recognize members who make outstanding contributions to the greater Nashville area community while distinguishing themselves as practicing attorneys. To submit your nomination, email Traci.Hollandsworth@NashvilleBar.org no later than Friday, October 11, expressing why you believe your nominee is deserving of this prestigious award. Visit NashvilleBar.org/Awards for more information.

Meet the NBA's New Executive Director

Jeanne B. Heaton

I have worked in the bar association world (Illinois State Bar Association) for over 17 years, and I look forward to meeting and working with all the NBA members and the Nashville legal community! I love to travel and explore new places and in the past year, I’ve have been to Hawaii twice, Denver, Costa Rica, Savannah, GA, and Orlando, FL.

Welcome to the NBA

Congratulations on your membership – thank you for joining the NBA! We look forward to serving you this year and appreciate your support. Visit NashvilleBar.org or contact Vicki.Shoulders@nashvillebar.org with questions or to learn more.

New Members (March 1 - May 1)

Sarah Al-Zhyri

Jamie Amos

Madison Biggs

Elta Breen

Jansen Carver

Kelly Champagne-Deutekom, Esq.

Gonzalo Del Castillo

Gina Felts

Catherine Gemmato-Smith

Brayden Jackson

Mackenzie Keffalos

Rylie MacKinnon

Jamie Macready

Micah Matthews

Jacob Moses

Bar Besties:

Dakota & Decker

Luci Naranjo Fernandez

Erin Pigg

Rett Roach

Trinity Sandifer

James Santos

Derek Scott

Brooke Sgambati

Rachel Smith

Bert Stemmler

Kristin Titley

Jolie Uzelac

Rachel West

Dana Wilson

Alexander Wright

Esperanza Yanez

Dakota (11) serves as CHO (Chief Happiness Officer) and Decker (4) serves as Chief Greeter for Handelsman Law. When they aren’t working hard helping clients with their probate and estate planning matters or demanding hugs (Decker), you can find them on walks, eating ice cubes, swimming (Dakota), and chasing tennis balls (Decker).

Shellie Handelsman, Handelsman Law

Calendar of Events

Local Solutions. Global Reach.

Democracy, The Justice Gap, and Preserving the Rule of Law

DarKenya W. Waller is the Executive Director of Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and the Cumberlands. She has served on numerous boards and advisory councils including the National Legal Aid and Defenders Association, Nashville Bar Association, YWCA of Nashville, Leadership Middle TN, Belmont University School of Law and TN Alliance for Legal Services, in addition to other local, state and national committee and taskforce appointments. She is a graduate of Jackson State University, University of Mississippi School of Law, and Belhaven University in Jackson, MS, where she earned her Master of Business Administration.

Eric G. Osborne is a partner at Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison PLC. For the last five years he has served on the Emerging Leaders Council for LSC, bringing attention to the Justice Gap and the lack of funding for legal aid. He teaches Contracts at Nashville School of Law and has served on multiple local and national boards. He is a graduate of Amherst College, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Stanford Law School.

What if we told you that for just $200 a month, you could ensure that all Americans below the poverty line receive legal representation and thereby restore ordinary Americans’ trust in the legal system and the rule of law — and fundamentally, their belief in democracy? What if we further told you that the legal ethics rules, in fact, say that lawyers should already be giving away $200 a month, and likely much more than that?

We all know the Miranda rights police must read to suspects when they are arrested, because all Americans are entitled to an attorney if you are facing incarceration thanks to the Supreme Court’s opinion in the Gideon v. Wainwright case. But there has never been a “civil Gideon,” and individuals have no legal right to an attorney in civil cases.

If you are a tenant facing eviction, a young adult fighting the IRS, or a domestic violence victim seeking custody of children, you are not entitled to representation. When people who need representation cannot afford it, they fall into the “The Justice Gap,” a gap whose existence has a lasting effect on our country’s faith in democracy.

"When people who need representation cannot afford it, they fall into the “The Justice Gap,” a gap whose existence has a lasting effect on our country’s faith in democracy."

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is Congress’ answer to this problem. It is the independent nonprofit entity to which Congress allocates funding to ensure that civil legal services are made available in every county of the United States. These grants are

(continued on page 12)

awarded to local nonprofit legal services organizations. LSC also monitors and reports on the legal needs of impoverished communities in the US, and in its recent Justice Gap Report, LSC reported that low-income Americans did not receive any legal help or enough legal help for 92% of the problems that substantially impact them in the past year.1

The problem is a simple one: lack of funding. LSC’s budget has not increased with inflation. Congress would need to apportion roughly four times the current amount of funding simply to be even with the amount of money initially appropriated at LSC’s creation. The result, in Tennessee, is that there are 1.6 legal aid attorneys for every 10,000 residents in poverty, the tenth lowest ratio in the country.2 This shortfall is a deficit both in funding and in the number of pro bono attorneys willing to assist these people. With such limited resources, local legal services organizations turn away 50% of the people who reach out to them for help.3 That lack of access to justice creates a feeling of disenfranchisement, which inevitably erodes confidence in the judicial system and democracy as a whole – the Justice Gap.

Many of us have witnessed the train wreck in court where an individual, unable to afford an attorney, or turned away by legal services programs, stands before

a judge helplessly advocating to protect his legal rights, only to lose because he does not understand legal technicalities. When this happens, the unrepresented person often feels mistreated by the legal system, or worse. Imagine, for example, a person who loses a case, owes a judgment, then loses their driver’s license for failure to pay the judgment, only to then lose the ability to get to work, and lose their income, and then lose the ability to take care of their child. One of us dealt with that exact issue, and it is simply an example of what legal aid lawyers see every day. This lack of representation results in the criminalization of poverty. By not having counsel, the unrepresented person loses much more than a legal case, and society as a whole loses even more.

There is a solution. Every hour of free legal aid is calculated to return eleven times (11x) that value back to society. Seeking to provide legal aid to those in need, the TN Model Rule Professional Conduct 6.1 states, “Every lawyer has a professional responsibility to provide legal services to those unable to pay. A lawyer should aspire to render at least 50 hours of pro bono publico legal services per year.” But, because it is not always feasible for every lawyer to engage in pro bono services, comment 9 to the rule states that at such times “a lawyer may discharge the pro bono responsibility by providing financial support to the organizations providing free legal services to persons of limited means. Such financial support should be reasonably equivalent to the value of the hours or service that would have otherwise been provided…”

What would happen if every lawyer in Tennessee simply followed the model rule? According to the American Bar Association (ABA), there were 19,583 lawyers in Tennessee in 2023,4 and the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the mean hourly wage for a lawyer in Tennessee is $74.57 per hour.5 If every lawyer in the state of Tennessee contributed 50 hours of their hourly rate each year, it would generate over $73 million in financial support for civil legal services in the state of Tennessee alone. By comparison, the total budget for the largest legal services program in the state is only $14 million.6

Consider now our opening question: what if every lawyer in middle Tennessee gave just $50 an hour, which is $2500 a year, or just over $200 a month? That would be $15 million, which would more than double Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee’s entire $14 million budget. Since legal aid turns away about 50% of applicants, that doubling of the budget would theoretically solve the Justice Gap in our community.

The problem is acute, but solvable. Our own ethics rules offer a solution, and if we all just followed those rules, Middle Tennessee could be an example for the country of how the Justice Gap can be closed and the needs of our community addressed. n

Footnotes

1 Legal Services Corporation, The Justice Gap, https:// justicegap.lsc.gov/resource/section-4-seeking-and-receivinglegal-help/

2 Lawyer Demographics – ABA Profile of the Legal Profession 2023, https://www.abalegalprofile.com/demographics.html

3 Legal Services Corporation, The Justice Gap, https:// justicegap.lsc.gov/resource/section-4-seeking-and-receivinglegal-help/

4 Lawyer Demographics – ABA Profile of the Legal Profession 2023, https://www.abalegalprofile.com/demographics.html

5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Tennessee, https://www. bls.gov/oes/current/oes_tn.htm#23-0000

6 Tennessee’s largest nonprofit law firm is Legal Aid Society of Middle TN and the Cumberlands, based in Nashville, TN. Largest Law Firms in Nashville, The Business Journal, https:// www.bizjournals.com/nashville/subscriber-only/2024/02/09/ largest-law-firms-in-nashville.html

Volunteer for Dial-A-Lawyer

Thank you to our Dial-A-Lawyer volunteers

Pooja Bery

Erika Clifton

Gina Crawley

Katie Donovan

Chris Hugan

Quynh-Anh Kibler

Tom Lawless

Dial-A-Lawyer is held on the first Tuesday of each month from 6:00-8:00pm, and the public is invited to call in with basic legal questions. If you would like to volunteer and help the NBA support this program, please contact Vicki.Shoulders@NashvilleBar.org Complimentary dinner is provided.

Thank You to Our 2024

Diversity Committee Sponsors

Premier Members

The NBA Premier Membership is a special category that recognizes our members who desire to demonstrate the utmost in commitment and support to our programs and services. Contact Vicki.Shoulders@nashvillebar.org for more information on how to become a Premier Member.

James Adcox

David Anthony

Gail Ashworth

Bahar Azhdari

Laura Baker

Daniel Berexa

Michael Berman

Blake Bernard

Hon. Joe Binkley

Hon. Christen Blackburn

Hon. Melissa Blackburn

Charles Bone

Jaz Boon

C. Dewey Branstetter

Amy Bryant

Josh Burgener

Kenneth Byrd

James Callender

Christopher Cardwell

Loy Carney

Mark Chalos

William Cheek

G. Jeff Cherry

Daniel Clayton

Seth Cline

Todd Cole

Christopher Coleman

Erin Coleman

Grover Collins

Lewis Conner

Beau Creson

Joy Day

John Day

Jacqueline Dixon

Flynne Dowdy

Sherie Edwards

Hon. Ana Escobar

Lora Fox

Elizabeth Foy

Keith Frazier

Barry Gammons

David Garrison

Andy Goldstein

John Griffin

Thomas Hager

Amy Hampton

Shellie Handelsman

William Harbison

Aubrey Harwell

Trey Harwell

William Haynes

Lisa Helton

Lela Hollabaugh

Cherrelle Hooper

Paul Housch

Joseph Hubbard

R. Jan Jennings

Tracy Kane

Jordan Keller

Christopher Kelly

Jenny Kiesewetter

John Kitch

William Koch

Irwin Kuhn

Edward Lanquist

Tom Lawless

Billy Leslie

S. Jae Lim

Wendy Longmire

Kim Looney

Hon. John Manson

Hon. Randal Mashburn

Sam McAllester

Hon. Amanda McClendon

Hon. Carol McCoy

Bob Mendes

Casey Miller

Margaret Moore

Hon. Patricia Moskal

Phillip Newman

Paul Ney

Andrew Noell

Christina Norris

David Parsons

Gregory Pease

Andrea Perry

Kaya Porter

Tracy Powell

David Raybin

Ben Raybin

Nathan Ridley

John Roach

Tabitha Robinson

Worrick Robinson

Christopher Sabis

Marie Scott

Bruce Shanks

Joseph Shelton

Kimberly Silvus

Elizabeth Sitgreaves

Eric Smith

Laura Smith

Saul Solomon

Michael Stewart

James Stranch

Gerard Stranch

Chris Tardio

Hon. Jim Todd

Hon. Aleta Trauger

Howard Vogel

Michael Wall

Leigh Walton

Tim Warnock

Elizabeth Washko

Jim Weatherly

Carolyn Wenzel

Memorie White

Thomas White

Thomas Wiseman

Talley Wood

Edward Yarbrough

Stephen Young

Bill Young

Gulam Zade

Stephen Zralek

TENNESSEE CHAPTER

Gail ASHWORTH (615) 254-1877 John BLANKENSHIP (615) 627-9390

DeHOFF (615) 631-9729 James KAY (615) 742-4800

Gayle MALONE, Jr. (615) 651-6775 Dan NOLAN (931) 647-1501

Michael RUSSELL (615) 815-0472 Mark LeVAN (615) 843-0308

Mark TRAVIS (931) 252-9123

WELLS (423) 756-5051 Kevin BALTZ (615) 651-6714

Jack WADDEY, Jr. (615) 973-2630 David NOBLIT (423) 265-0214 Barry L. HOWARD (888) 305-3553

WHITE (615) 309-0400

John TARPLEY (615) 259-1366

Background Check | Princess Page Rogers

Bart Pickett

was recently appointed as the State Trial Court Administrator for the Twentieth Judicial District where he oversees the operations of the 18 State Trial Courts. Prior to that, he practiced as a trial attorney for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.

Princess Page Rogers describes her husband as “amazingly talented” but that description aptly fits her as well. Rogers grew up the second of five children in Memphis. Her mother worked as an ordained minister and her stepfather worked in construction. She attended Whitehaven High School. For college, Rogers remembers wanting to go to a state school far away from Memphis so she chose UT Knoxville. Her roommate and two suitemates her freshmen year were Whitehaven classmates. Rogers loved being at UT so much she says she even stayed an extra year and graduated in 2009. She received a BS in Communications with a double major in Journalism and Political Science.

No one in her immediate or extended family practiced law but Rogers recalls in third grade they would have different speakers on their professions. One such speaker was a criminal defense attorney. That interaction inspired Rogers to go to law school with the desire to help defend the accused.

Since Rogers loved Knoxville so much, she wanted to stay for law school but her parents thought she was having too much fun there and needed to go elsewhere. Rogers and her aunt took a trip to Lansing, MI to the Thomas Cooley Law School. Rogers liked the school and since there was not much to do in Lansing, Rogers knew she would not be distracted. Not fully appreciating the western Michigan winters, Rogers started law school in January 2010.

Rogers still intended on doing defense work when she started law school. She even did an internship at a local PD’s office. Following the murder of her nephew in Memphis, Rogers changed her mind and decided that she no longer wanted to defend people. She completed an internship at the DA’s office in Nashville working for Torry Johnson which confirmed for Rogers her desire to prosecute, but she did not start out practicing in the DA’s office.

In the fall of 2013, Rogers opened up a solo

practice doing criminal defense and family law. For about two years she did a lot of driving back and forth to Memphis since that’s where most of her referrals were coming from. One day a friend at the State called her about a job at the Division of Tenncare which she accepted. She did all appeals which were telephonic, administrative hearings. She worked there from March 2016 until July 2022.

While speaking with some friends from NapierLooby about a potential DA position, Rogers mentioned if they ever heard of any openings, to let her know. They told Rogers to send her resume over. Luckily for her, not long after that, Khadija Babb won her election for Criminal Court which opened up a position in Juvenile Court.

Rogers works on all cases in Juvenile Court (continued on page 18)

Background Check (cont.)

except for transfer cases. She loves the atmosphere at Juvenile Court. Led by Judge Calloway, there’s a family feeling and a collective belief that the youth are “their kids.”

When Rogers is not working in court, you might find her at her other business, The King’s Palate, a catering company. She loves cooking which runs in her family. When she came to Nashville, Rogers started cooking more and delving into different cuisines which led to starting the business in 2014.

Her talents also include being a published author. Her first book, From the Crushing to the Crown, came out last year. The book, a faith-based testimony, targets 16-35-year-old females, has led to some incredible podcast and devotional opportunities.

Rogers married Calvin Rogers, Jr. on November 22, 2019. Calvin works as the full-time youth ministry director at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He’s also a musician and a producer.

The couple are very active at their church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where they both spend time mentoring youth. They live in Joelton and enjoy traveling together Separately, Rogers can be found reading or working out. n

Rogers has also been quite active in the legal community. She is the immediate past-president of Napier-Looby, a first year director for Lawyers Association for Women, Co-Chair of the NBA Diversity Committee, and serves as the YLD’s delegate to the TBA House of Delegates.

Gadget of the Month | Tech for the Nerdy Gardener

It’s gardening time! And Farmer Bill is ready to collaborate with Phil to claim the Tech Gardener of the Year title. As you know, gardening is a delightful blend of art and science. In this digital age, technology offers innovative solutions to help both novice and seasoned gardeners achieve better results. These smart gadgets can transform your garden space. Here are some cutting-edge tools that will make Bill’s spacebar callused thumb a little greener.

Garden Plan Pro iPad (gardenplanpro.com)

Having trouble plotting your plot? The Garden Plan Pro app acts as a visual aid in laying out your patches before you pick up a shovel. It also provides weather station data, gives advice on the best plants for your region, and

offers information on more than 140 different species of flowers and vegetables.

Propane Flame King Weed Burner Torch (flameking.com)

This item lets Bill channel his inner Beavis and Butthead and yell ‘Fire, fire, fire.” Weeds are the bane of a gardener’s existence. They appear every year and everywhere in your garden. You can use a hoe or pull by hand, but torching is easier and more fun. While a small blow torch from the hardware store will burn and kill weeds well enough, it may strain your back to constantly crouch down. The Flame King torch ($45 at Amazon) comes with a long, 3-foot wand, fully assembled, and with an adjustable flame switch. You do have to take extreme precautions not to set your yard or garden on fire. Torches are best for eliminating weeds from seams in patios or driveways. This is way better than dousing your outdoor space in pesticides and weed killers.

Brinno GardenWatchCam (Brinno. com)

This is a techie gardener’s dream. Set this up in your garden and watch your flowers grow, or see which critters are grazing from the gardens. And, you can do so while sitting inside (day or night) and looking at your phone, computer, or iPad. It is super easy to use and fun. The time-lapse motion camera can be set to snapshots at intervals

from 1 minute to every 24 hours. Just stick the camera outdoors and watch your garden grow and be consumed by critters.

Bosch Isio Cordless Shrub Shear (Amazon)

Trimming hedges and shrubs just got easier with the Bosch Isio Shrub Shear. This handheld multi-tool features a lithium-ion battery that provides almost an hour of work on a single charge. Its efficient design ensures continuous cutting, even in dense foliage. Say goodbye to manual pruning struggles and hello to precise, effortless trimming.

Vegibee Pollinator (Amazon)

Good gardeners love pollinators, and Bill is no exception (except when he gets a bee sting and cries like a baby). This gadget is for garden connoisseurs looking to finetune their craft. The VegiBee imitates the high-frequency vibrations of a bee’s wings during pollination. The waves release pollen onto a spoon, which the gardener can use to hand-pollinate other plants for a 30 percent increase in crop yield. Plus, you get the satisfaction of giving Mother Nature a helping hand.

Netatmo Weather Station and Rain Gauge (Netatmo.com – many models)

Bill loves playing with this personal weather station. He (continued on page 20)

Gadget of the Month (cont.)

loves its smart speaker look and its ability to inform you of upcoming weather patterns. It also keeps track of weather history for months. If you add the Rain Gauge accessory you will know exactly how much water you need to make your garden grow. It monitors the indoor environment as well as the outdoor weather. Among other features, this weather station measures indoor CO2 levels and provides the air quality index

in real-time. Netatmo links to your smartphone, keeping track of what’s best for your home, plants, and garden.

SmartPlant (Android or iOS)

As most of you know, Bill is getting old and forgetful. He often forgets what he has planted and needs help from SmartPlant. SmartPlant is a mobile app that uses image recognition to identify

plants and provide information on how to care for them. Users can identify plants by taking a photo of them, and the app will provide information on what the plant is and how to care for it. SmartPlant also includes reminders to help users keep their plants alive.

Remember, these gadgets aren’t meant to replace your green thumbs and hard work, but to complement them. Embrace the fusion of nature and technology, and watch your garden flourish like never before. Maybe you can compete with Bill for the Nerdy Gardener of the Year award.

- Bill & Phil n

Our cat, Benson (a.k.a. Mr. B), loves to nap and cling to his Mom and Dad, while our dog, Bear, enjoys taunting his brother, Mr. B, and also sticking close to Mom and Dad’s sides. It's like living with a sitcom duo— always entertaining and never a dull moment!

Bar Besties: Bear & Benson

Devon Williamson, DevonLaw, PLLC

Capitol Notes

Peggy Sue, the Beagle Hound is fond of the classic 1957 Buddy Holly song. When hunting legislative news or biscuits, she is hard to contact.

“Put out the fire and call the dogs in; the hunt is over.”

Adjournment Sine Die. With the adoption of SJR 1629 by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, the 113th General Assembly has completed its work for this year. Around 5pm on Thursday, April 25, each body completed their quaint personal notifications to the Governor and the other body that the work is done for this the final year of the 113th General Assembly. Bills not acted upon this year are now dead and would have to be reintroduced to be considered by the next General Assembly. The 114th General Assembly will convene in organizational session on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

Top Five Legislative Enactments.

Appropriations (SB 2942 by Watson / HB 2973 by Hazlewood) Authorizes $52.6 billion in state expenditures; effective July 1, 2024.

Franchise Tax Cut (SB 2103 by Johnson / HB 1893 by Lamberth) $400 million corporate tax reduction going forward with authorization of three-year refund lookback process; multiple effective dates.

Certificate of Need (SB 2009 by Reeves / HB 2269 by Boyd) Removes certificate of need requirement for certain health care facilities; multiple effective dates.

Third Party Permitting (SB 2100 by Johnson / HB 1892 by Lamberth) Chap. 771 effective October 1, 2024; Streamlines the construction permitting and inspection process.

Shelby County Circuit Court Judicial Positions Moved East (SB 2517 by Niceley / HB 2002 by Farmer) effective upon Governor Lee’s signature; Abolishes two vacant judicial positions in Shelby County and moves one to the 4th Judicial District / Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson & Sevier counties, and one to the 19th Judicial District / Montgomery and Robertson counties.

State Books, includes among others, Shelby Foote’s Civil War trilogy, Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors, and the Aitken Bible as official state books (SB 1822 by Rose / HB 1828 by Bulso) Chap. 720, effective July 1, 2024;

Hot Slaw as a State Food (SB 1573 by Lowe / HB 1597 by Raper), Chap. 546, effective March 11, 2024; Memphis Barbecue as a State Food (SB 2648 by Kyle / HB 2864 by Towns), effective May 3, 2024, and Healthier Diet Encouraged (HJR 855 by Lynn), adopted by the House, but not the Senate.

Don’t Shoot the Dog. We have heard a great deal of barking and growling around the food and water bowls about the release of No Going Back by the Kristi Noem, Governor of South Dakota. Dogs don’t spend much time on political autobiographies from our humans, but grrrrrr… May Cricket rest in peace.

Calendar Notes.

June 19July 2 -

July 4 -

July 12-27August 1Juneteenth holiday

Voter Registration deadline for the August elections

Independence Day holiday

Early Voting period for the August 1 election State & federal primary election and local general Election n

Honorable Mentions.

Introducing Bill Ramsey

John McLemore represents both debtors and creditors and is best known for his work as a bankruptcy trustee. He is adminitted to practice in federal and state courts in Tennessee as well as the US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. McLemore is also known among the local law community as a photographer of NBA events, documenting the people, places, and events that comprise Nashville's legal history.

On March 23, at the 2024 Nashville Bar Foundation Fellows Gala, John McLemore presented the David Rutherford Award to Bill Ramsey. Below is McLemore's introduction speech.

Good evening. I am John McLemore, the picture taking person, and I have been asked to introduce tonight’s honoree, Bill Ramsey; someone who needs no introduction, especially in a room full of lawyers. Nonetheless, I have been given five minutes and I hope to put them to good use. Let’s start with a show of hands. Everyone, raise a hand. Now I’m going to ask a question. If your answer is “no,” lower your hand.

In your entire life, have you visited the town of Viola in Warren County, TN? I think we can conclude from this display that Viola does not rival Dollywood as a premier Tennessee tourist destination. What is it then? It is the ancestral home of Clan Ramsey, a 550-acre working farm. For those of you who are not real estate lawyers, 640 acres is a square mile.

When drafting its blurb about Bill on the Neal & Harwell website, someone thought the farm was worth mentioning. It says, “Bill owns and operates his family’s farm in Viola, Tennessee, and he applies the wisdom he learned from his father and other farmers to all aspects of his life, including the practice of law.”

In preparation for tonight, I asked around. Who knows Bill better than anyone else and the answer was consistently, Tom Dundon. So, I asked Tom, “What is the deal with the farm?” Answer: “It’s a big business. He has a farm manager and everything.”

“What are his crops? What does he grow?” I asked.

“Cows!” Tom replied. “Big ones. Big OREO cows!”

“What is an OREO cow?” I asked.

“Black and white,” Tom said. “You should see

them. They are monsters.”

So, what have we learned? In addition to everything else in his very busy life, Bill must be chairman of the Neal & Harwell animal husbandry department. Dundon certainly isn’t.

Bill’s father and brother were graduates of Georgia Tech. Bill followed in their footsteps and received a degree in mechanical engineering in 1973.

When Bill returned to the farm after graduation, his first love was not agriculture. It was music. He organized a band, which is believed to have played in every Holiday Inn bar in all three grand divisions of the state. Bill’s dad, whose primary interest was agriculture, thought Bill’s love for music was actually the summiting of fool’s hill. He had faith. He believed he could reroute Bill’s vocational goals. On many an early morning, Bill would return home from a gig, slide into bed about 3:00am, just to be awakened by his dad at 4:00am to start feeding. It wasn’t long before the Lord called him to the law. He matriculated at UT Law School in 1977 and graduated three years later first in his class.

He clerked for Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Harry Phillips, who would eventually bring Bill to the attention of James F. Neal, the jut-jawed blocking back from the University of Wyoming. Neal grew up in Portland, TN. He and Bill spoke the same language. After joining Neal & Harwell in 1981, Bill purchased his modest home on Sweetbriar Ave. For the young associates at the firm and for half the hard-up musicians in Music City, Bill was not the leader. He was the guy who had their six. Those in the gang who ran into domestic problems were allowed to move into Sweetbriar. For those from the music community who ran head on into inevitable legal problems, Bill represented them whether they could pay his bills or not. With the volume of temporary tenants rotating through his house, Bill would inevitably

encounter a few who turned out pretty good. When they transitioned from clients without money to clients with money, they continued to get in trouble and call on Bill for help. Several times he has been named one of the nation’s top music attorneys by Billboard Magazine. Bill understood what lawyers do. They help people. His marketing strategy is simple. He travels in interesting circles and helps people.

"One of his best friends borrowed an acoustic guitar from Bill. When a generous amount of time passed and it was not returned, he asked where it might be. Answer: 'For the past two years, Bob Dylan has been playing it. Do you need it back?'"

At this point, I’m about to get the hook and we haven’t even skimmed the surface of Bill’s generosity within the bar association and the community. He has been the editor of the Nashville Bar Journal, for 18 years, a thankless task if ever there was one. Bill and his high-tech buddy Phil Hampton have put on countless continuing legal education programs known as Bill & Phil Shows pointing out the good, the bad, and the ugly for lawyers searching for the best new laborsaving electronic devices.

I could talk well into the night about Ode to Otha. Last summer Bill hosted the 28th Sweetbriar Ave. block party which, if it hasn’t already, is about to hit $500,000.00 in contributions to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Without question Bill Ramsey exemplifies the memory and ideals of David Rutherford, which include professionalism, charitable contributions in the legal field and in the community as a whole, and the spirit of collegiality among the bench and bar.

Ladies and gentlemen help me welcome the winner of the 2024 David Rutherford Award, Bill Ramsey, a rambling wreck from Georgia Tech and a hell of an engineer, farmer, computer wizard, editor, musician, lawyer and friend.

Get in front of Nashville attorneys by advertising in the NBA's Nashville Bar Journal For more information and rates, visit NashvilleBar.org/Advertise today! Contact Adrienne Bennett Cluff, our Marketing & Communications Coordinator, at Adrienne.Bennett@NashvilleBar.org to start advertising

YLD Law Day Art & Essay Contest Winners

Every Year, the NBA’s Young Lawyers Division sponsors the Law Day Art & Essay Contest annually for students grades K-12. The art contest is open to students in grades K-12 and the Essay Competition is open to students in grades 9-12. The winners in each category (K-3; 4-8; and 9-12) receive monetary prizes and an invitation to attend the Law Day Luncheon. Additionally, the first-place winners receive a monetary prize for their classroom teacher to purchase classroom supplies.

K-3rd Grade Division

1st Place

Theodore Rothey, Standford Montessori Elementary

2nd Place

Edward Kersmarki, Bellshire Design Center

4th-8th Grade Division

1st Place

Johanna Henderson, STRIVE Collegiate Academy

3rd Place

Laila Porte, University School of Nashville

2nd Place

Emily Leon, STRIVE Collegiate Academy

3rd Place

Ford Morton, St. Bernard Academy

YLD Law Day Art & Essay Contest Winners

9th-12th Grade Division

Essay Winners

1st Place

Eliot Watson,

Hume Fogg Academic Magnet High School

Read Eliot Watson's full essay on page 30

2nd Place

Alyse Boleyja, Hillsboro High School

3rd Place

Phillip Brown, Total Package Hockey Academy

Congratulations to the Winners of the YLD Art & Essay Contest!

Listen to Your Elders

Bill Ramsey is a member at Neal & Harwell, where he primarily focuses on complex civil and criminal litigation. He also has a significant entertainment law practice representing artists and entertainers. Ramsey serves as Editorin-Cheif of the Nashville Bar Journal

On March 23, Bill Ramsey was presented with the David Rutherford Award at the 2024 Nashville Bar Foundation Fellows Gala. This award is given to a Fellow of the NBF who exemplifies the memory and ideals of David Rutherford, which include professionalism, charitable contributions in the legal field and in the community as a whole, and the spirit of collegiality among the bench and bar. The below is Bill Ramsey's speech following his receiving this award.

Thank you, John, and thank you everyone. First, I am humbled to receive the honor of this award, and I thank the Bar Foundation Board even considering me. I must confess that I do not deserve to be in the company of those who have received this award. Listen to this list of prior award winners.

2007 | Presented to David Rutherford’s family in his Honor

2008 | Justice Frank Drowota

2009 | not presented

2010 | Hon. Robert Echols

2011 | Charles H. Warfield

2012 | Margaret L. Behm

2014 | Jack Norman, Jr.

2015 | Aubrey Harwell, Jr.

2016 | Ashley T. Wiltshire, Jr.

2017 | Hal Hardin

2018 | Hon. Aleta Trauger

2019 | John C. McLemore ……

John McLemore!!!! (Now I don’t feel so bad). All joking aside, tonight I want to talk about “Listening to your Elders.”

There are many sources for that quote, from the Bible to literature to famous speeches, but the best one, in my opinion, comes from an anonymous source:

“Listen to your elders, not because they are always right, but because they have more experience at being wrong.”

In my mind, I am not old, but now that I look around the room, I guess I am one of the oldest people in this room. So, I must be old – an elder.

Now, in my generation, we totally distrusted our elders. Does anyone remember the saying from the 1960s? “Dont trust anyone over 30.” That quote is Jack Weinberg — who is now 83.

So, listen to your elder here for a while — humor me. Because tonight I want to talk about someone who taught me to listen to my elders: David Rutherford I feel we should honor him tonight. After all the award is named after him. I am proud to call him friend.

How many of you knew David? Just us old folks, I guess. Not many of us old folks left, I guess. He would have been 100 years old in April of last year.

David was NBA President in 1980, the year before I joined the NBA. David had the vision to start the NBF as the charitable arm of NBA. And he was quite a character.

David grew up in Nashville, and after WWII he went to Vandy Law School and was President of his class. When I met David, he practiced in his offices in the Washington Square Building. I was on the NBA Board in 2002. I helped him prepare Bench and Bar 2003. How many of you have a copy of this wonderful book that documents the history of the practice of law in Davidson County? If you don’t have a copy, you should.

David had already published a first edition, and he wanted to publish an updated edition. He had asked the NBA Board to support his effort to produce “Bench and Bar II” as he called it then. He asked the Board for editorial and fundraising assistance.

To be honest, some folks on the NBA Board opposed the request… It would cost to much – we had Budget issues, –too much trouble etc. And, frankly, some thought he had lost a step.

Maybe he had “lost a step.” After all, he was 80 years old at the time. But I couldn’t tell that he had lost anything. He was “sharp as a tack” to me.

I volunteered to help him organize and edit the book. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. We became immediate and fast friends. We went to work on an updated version of the book and launched our plans to raise the money to publish it.

More importantly, we would just “hang out.”

Sometimes he would call me early in the morning at the office and tell me he was going to pick me up and show me some things.

He would take me on tours around the city. He put me in a boat with one of his friends and we went up the Cumberland River to look at Timothy Demonbreun’s cave. On another day, our boat ride took us to an island in the river on the other side of Jefferson Street. That was Lower City Island. David said “I have searched the real estate records. We could make a homestead claim for it.” I pointed out to David that the island did not seem very desirable and was infested with rats. Of course, he laughed at the joke he had played on me.

He took me to a place on lower Broadway where there was a deep construction hole. He showed me the many layers of prior streets and construction underneath. He gave me a taste of “Germantown Wine” – a homemade Concord Grape wine that was aged in whiskey barrels – a sort of poor man’s Port wine. I thought it was delicious.

Throughout these “field trips,” he would regale me with anecdotes and stories. I was captivated by his stories, his wisdom, and his charm.

Most importantly, David taught me: To love the NBA; To love helping others; To volunteer my time for charities; To realize that some of my best friends will be other lawyers.

All of you know that I am a computer and technology nerd. And I do love all that stuff. And we

all know technology has given us Wikipedia, smart phones, and yes, ChatGPT and AI. We can look up answers to questions and research facts in an instant. But, none of these sources are better and more fulfilling than listening to your elders and learning from them. You will be surprised at how much information can be obtained from your elders that is nowhere to be found on the Internet.

So here’s to David Rutherford, and here’s to the NBF for giving me an award I will always cherish, but will never deserve.

And here’s to “listening to our elders.” n

Bill Ramsey giving his acceptance speech at the NBF Fellows Gala, accepting the 2024 David Rutherford Award

Photo by Adrienne Bennett Cluff

Meet Us at the Bar

Watermelon Slushie

Ingredients

1/2 Cup Frozen Watermelon

1/2 Cup Sparkling Water

Simple Syrup

Lime Juice mint leaves

Directions

Freeze cubed watermelon

When frozen, add watermelon, sparkling water, splash of simple syrup, lime juice, and 3-4 mint leaves to a blender.

Adjust blend to taste by adding simple syrup, lime, or mint leaves, and blend again.

Optional: Swap sparkling water with a spirit of choice

barBites | Bacon & Cheddar Scones

Hayley Vos is a Partner at Ortale Kelley where she successfully represents clients in a wide range of litigation matters. Hayley has a deep understanding of insurance law and extensive courtroom experience as she has tried many jury and bench trials across the state. Hayley’s experience spans across multiple areas of litigation, including insurance defense litigation and workers’ compensation. She has also focused on real property matters related to homeowners’ association litigation, Fair Housing Claims, and real estate closings. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Nashville and spending time with her husband Jordan, her two kids, and their dog Penny.

My twin sister, Kate, is an excellent baker. When I am lucky, she bakes me delicious treats like these bacon and cheddar scones! They are perfect for an easy breakfast “on the go.” The base of the recipe can be used to create so many different types of scones, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

A tbs sugar

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

½ cup unsalted butter, cold

Directions

1 cup diced sharp cheddar cheese (or any kind you prefer!)

½ pound bacon (cooked and chopped)

¼ cup chives

¾ cup + 2 tbs buttermilk

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk the dry ingredients together in a small bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

Grate the butter or cut it into small cubes. Blend the grated butter with the flour mixture using 2 knives (or a pastry cutter if you are fancy). The mixture will be clumpy.

Mix the cheese bacon and chives together in a small bowl.

Add the buttermilk into the flour mixture and only mix until incorporated. Overmixing will affect the texture of the scones.

Place a little flour onto a smooth, clean surface and knead the dough. Shape the dough into approximately 1 ½ inches thick.

Cut the circles in half, and then each half into 4-5 slices.

Place the slices onto the parchment paper and brush the tops of the dough with buttermilk

Bake for 20-22 minutes until the tops are golden brown, and a knife/toothpick comes out clean.

Cool on a wire rack, then enjoy! n

The Greatest Voice of Democracy: How Voting Inspires Change and Serves the Nation

In 1996, Green Party politician and activist Ralph Nader launched his first campaign for the U.S. Presidency, and chief among his policy positions was his advocacy for universal healthcare. He garnered less than one percent of the popular vote. Thirteen years later, the Affordable Care Act became U.S. law, establishing a first-of-its kind national healthcare system. By 2022, the ACA had an approval rating of 55% percent, and the two of the law’s centerpiece provisions–the protections for preexisting conditions and mandatory coverage for pregnant women–were strongly favored by more than 70% of the U.S. public. What caused this turnabout in public opinion and a sea change in national policy? Four Presidential campaigns and thirteen straight years of Ralph Nader popularizing those ideas in America, without ever winning an election. Campaigns like Nader’s show that voting can be one of the best ways to fight for the things you care about, engage others, and use your voice in the Democratic process.

While the U.S. has largely been a two-party system since the year 1800, third-party voting has long been a tool to promote new ideas and gain support for underserved causes. The success of the late 19th century Populist party is an important example of one of the first social movements that came from third parties. The Populists emerged out of an attempt to draw broader attention to and unify the marginalized political ideals of the rural West and South. The fringe party advocated for policies like government ownership of railroads, direct election of U.S. Senators, and standards regarding the

coinage of silver.

While the Populists' appeal was limited to a small block of voters, their widespread effect at mobilizing and coordinating those voters was undeniable. Populist voters became some of the most passionate and engaged of all politically involved citizens, even inspiring a young Lyndon B. Johnson’s entry into politics. In 1888, the Populists did not exist, and neither did the states of Idaho and North Dakota. By 1892, the Populist Party carried Idaho, North Dakota, and three other states in that year's U.S. Presidential election. In the space of a mere five months after their first-ever convention in 1892, the Populists managed to position themselves as both the main opposition to Democratic hegemony in the South and a counter to Republican control in western states, all due to their ability to get voters to turn out and support their common ideals.

"Votes that refuse to acknowledge the inevitability of a candidate or position, and instead speak purely from an individual's mind and opinion are powerful statements of belief and hope for change."

Four years after their striking performance, with the strength of Populist ideas proven, Democrats allied with the Populists to jointly nominate a U.S. Presidential candidate with a fiercely populist platform. This new

Eliot Watson is 11th Grader at Hume-Fogg High School. Watson won 1st place for this essay in the 2024 YLD Art & Essay Contest.

Democratic Populism would dominate the Democratic party for two decades, help kickstart the progressive movement of the early 1900s, and would see many of the once-fringe populist policies become reality, as their ideas were incorporated into what the major politicians of the day were fighting for. Chief among these, of course, was support for women’s suffrage, leading to the adoption of the 19th amendment in 1920 and guaranteeing the right to vote for women. Their support of farm subsidies and the eight-hour work day, as well, would become widespread in the Progressive era and enshrined in law in 1916.

As seen with the example of the Populist party, a key driver of third parties is their ability to energize typically apathetic voters. This was the case with the 1992 U.S. Presidential candidacy of billionaire Texas entrepreneur Ross Perot, who is credited with bringing many people into the political process who might otherwise have never voted. Perot’s campaign was unusual in many ways, particularly that it started from the grassroots, without a formal organization. Despite not appearing on the ballots in Oregon or Washington, Perot secured substantial support in both the

Republican and Democratic primaries. Commenting on the fervor of Perot’s supporters, Oregon Senator Bob Packwood noted he’d seen nothing like it since Vietnam–another time in U.S. history when voter engagement had been harnessed to express social discontent and manifest change against an incumbent President.

How did Perot create such a storm in the political scene? Largely by his unique positioning on the issues of the day and by appealing to the power of voting. For example, Perot captured the attention of many apolitical citizens with his creative TV advertisements, in which he would use charts and graphs to make half hour long pitches on issues–a tactic that presented a refreshingly simple contrast to the usual political technique of reliance on soundbites and attack ads. Perot’s intense focus on issues that mattered to him–like the federal deficit, congressional term limits, and opposition to NAFTA–had a substantial impact on how voters understood and reacted to the topics being discussed. Even without a targeted regional campaign, and as a mere independent candidate, Perot was able to attain over 19,000,000 votes and start a movement that would define the 1990s as a political era.

In an era of extreme polarization, punitive party politics, and razor-thin victory margins, third-party or independent voters are often accused of “throwing away” their votes. This criticism is misplaced, however. Votes that refuse to acknowledge the inevitability of a candidate or position, and instead speak purely from an individual's mind and opinion are powerful statements of belief and hope for change. In 1789, the United States ratified a constitution that was unique in the world for establishing self-government by a people freed from a formal ruling class. The expansion of voting rights over the course of the country’s history has underscored the idea that inherent in the concept of freedom is the ability to advocate for one’s beliefs by voting. While the U.S. political structure seems like it is tied intrinsically to a two-party system, nearly three centuries of experience shows that voting–particularly voting for a third party–is one of the best ways to fight for the things you care about and show the power of voting as the strongest voice of democracy. n

Reserve Our Facilities

The NBA offers its conference rooms to be used for arbitrations, mediations, meetings, depositions, and other events for attorneys who need a convenient place to meet in downtown Nashville. We have a spacious Conference Center and a smaller Board Room – both of which have WiFi access, a computer, and phone – available for your use.

Can You Name These People?

Golden

Oldies

For more information, contact Vicki.Shoulders@nashvillebar.org or visit NashvilleBar.org/ReserveOurFacilities

Be the first person to email the correct answer to Adrienne. BennettCluff@Nashvillebar.org, and your name – along with the correct answer – will appear in the next issue.

Spring Golden Oldies

Congratulations to Ashley Wiltshire for correctly identifying the indivuals in last issue's photo! Individuals are listed from left to right: Bob Ray, The honorable Walter Kurtz, the honorable Andy Shookhoff

Continued Legal Education (CLE)

The NBA is your source for cutting edge, quality continuing education. We provide more than 600 hours of live and distance learning programming while offering our members discounted rates. For a complete calendar, full seminar agendas, and registration, visit NashvilleBar.org/CLE.

August 26 | Virtual Seminar

Speaker for the Dead: Hearsay Exceptions in Probate

Produced by the Estate Planning & Probate Section

OVERVIEW

Explore the intricate nuances of hearsay and its application within probate court proceedings in this hour-long seminar. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the various exceptions to hearsay rules and their relevance in probate cases. You will hear lively discussions and practical examples to navigate the complexities of evidentiary challenges unique to probate court. Elevate your legal expertise and fulfill your continuing education requirements with this insightful CLE session tailored for legal professionals.

PRESENTER

Rebecca Blair, The Blair Law Firm

DETAILS

Seminar 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Credit .1.0 General

Location ..................... Zoom

* Pending Accreditation

September 10 | Virtual Seminar

Crimmigration 101: The Intersection of Criminal and Immigration 101

Produced jointly by the Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Section & Immigration Law Sections

OVERVIEW

Delve into the intricate realm where criminal law and immigration law intersect. This session will dissect the profound implications of criminal offenses on immigration status, addressing pivotal topics such as the court's obligations under Rule 11, landmark cases like Padilla v. Kentucky, and the nuances of inadmissibility and removability. Participants will explore the immigration consequences of selected Tennessee crimes, including offenses involving moral turpitude and aggravated felonies, as well as the often-overlooked scenarios where misdemeanors can lead to the loss of immigration status. Moreover, we'll analyze strategies for crafting "deportation-safe" plea agreements, empowering attorneys to navigate these complex legal landscapes effectively. Join us to deepen your understanding and proficiency at the intersection of criminal and immigration law.

PRESENTER

DETAILS

Mary-Kathryn Harcombe, Federal Public Defender's Office

Sharon Ruiz, Nashville Public Defender's Office

Seminar 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Credit 1.0 General

Location ..................... Zoom

* Pending Accreditation

Continued Legal Education (CLE)

September 12 | Hybrid Seminar

Appellate Practice Section CLE

OVERVIEW

Join us for a dynamic seminar featuring distinguished speakers and compelling topics tailored for appellate practitioners. Delve into the realm of extraordinary appeals under Rules 9 and 10 of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure with insights from Judge McBrayer. Following this, Justice Campbell will offer invaluable guidance on Applications for Permission to Appeal under Rule 11, providing practitioners with essential strategies for navigating this critical aspect of appellate practice. Concluding our seminar, Edmund Sauer will share expert insights on Becoming a Valued Member of an Appellate Team, offering practical tips for enhancing brief writing skills and mastering the art of oral argument. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to elevate your appellate practice and network with fellow legal professionals.

PRESENTERS

DETAILS

Judge W. Neal McBrayer, Tennessee Court of Appeals

Justice Sarah K. Campbell, Tennessee Supreme Court

Edmund Sauer, Tennessee Supreme Court

Seminar 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Credit .....................................3.0 General Total

Location NBA Office & Zoom

* Pending Accreditation

September 20 | Live Seminar

Diversity Summit 2024: Navigating Diversity After Students for Fair Admissions

OVERVIEW

The biannual Diversity Summit is a full-day conference focusing on the importance of moving beyond conceptual ideas in diversity, equity and inclusion and into creating actionable plans to address the disparities facing the legal profession and our society. Thrilling keynote speakers and interactive small group workshops will give attendees the tools to become champions and advocates of diversity, equity and inclusion.

PRESENTER

Keep an eye out for a full list of exciting speakers and topics!

DETAILS

Seminar 8:00am - 5:00pm

Location Belmont College of Law

* Pending Accreditation

Continued Legal Education (CLE)

September 24 | Hybrid Seminar

Environmental Committee CLE: Endangered Species

OVERVIEW

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the legal framework surrounding endangered and threatened species. This seminar offers a vital overview of the laws designed to protect these species and their habitats, providing attorneys with essential insights into spotting and addressing related legal issues. Participants will gain a nuanced understanding of key statutes such as the Endangered Species Act and relevant case law, equipping them with the knowledge needed to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Moreover, our expert speakers will share practical tips and strategies for effectively handling legal matters pertaining to endangered and threatened species, empowering attorneys to advocate for environmental conservation while ensuring compliance with pertinent laws and regulations. Join us for this invaluable opportunity to enhance your expertise in this critical area of environmental law.

PRESENTER

Sara Samoray, Davey Resource Group

Bart Kempf, Bradley

Peter Murrey, Tennessee Attorney General's Office

NBA Online Seminars

Personalized Learning on Your Schedule

Did you know?

On-demand CLEs are just a click away through NashvilleBar.org/DistanceLearning! Choose from the following relevant and focused topics.

NBF Fellows Gala | March 23, 2024

The 2024 Nashville Bar Foundation Fellows Gala was held on Saturday, March 23, at the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville. It was a lovely evening celebrating the Foundation's grant recipients, new Fellows, and the David Rutherford Award Recipient, Bill Ramsey.

The 2024 NBF Grant Recipients include:

Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville Legal Aid Society

NBA Historical Committee

Tennessee Justice Center, Inc.

Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors

The Tennessee Innocence Project Conservatorship Association of TN

Operation Stand Down Tennessee

Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services

The NBF Class of 2024:

Christopher M. Bellamy

Blake Bernard

Anthony C. Bills

Jaz Boon

Deborah Farringer

Joseph W. Fuson

Ben Gastel

Elizabeth O. Gonser

Amy D. Hampton

Shellie Handelsman

William J. Harbison, II

Hon. Robin Kimbrough Hayes

Callie K. Hinson

Jenny L. Howard

Burke Keaty

April N. Knox

Christie Laird

Joshua V. Lindsey

Joy Boyd Longnecker

Stephanie Maxwell

Casey L. Miller

Hon. I’Ashea L. Myles

Brian C. Neal

Anthony Orlandi

Eric G. Osborne

Benjamin K. Raybin

J. Isaac Sanders

Marie Tedesco Scott

Andrea J. Sinclair

K. Grace Stranch

Megan M. Sutton

J.D. Thomas

Mahsa Kashani Tippins

Kathryn Hannen Walker

Michael N. Wennerlund

Angela Denise Williams

Kathryn Barnett, Kim Looney, Bahar Azhdari & Laura Smith

Bill Ramsey, Suzanne & Circuit Court Judge Joe P. Binkley, Jr.

Stephanie & Kemp Maxwell, Kathryn & Philip Walker

Chancellor I'Ashea L. Myles & Bill Ramsey

Dean Bill Koch & Debby Koch

Michael & Stephanie Wennerlund

Sharon & Cliff Roberson

Judge Frank Clement, Lynn Clement, Aubrey & Carlana Harwell

Nathan & Connie Ridley

Angela & Taurean Williams

Marc & Becky McNamee

Ben Gastel, Jessica Gastel, & Judge Alistair Newbern

Criminal Court Judge Cynthia Chappell, Lacey & Joseph Fuson

Corey & Jeff Roberts, & Hal Hardin

Dan Hamm, Judy Beasley, & Elizabeth Foy

Mahsa Kashani Tippins & Rick Tippins

Alexander Ernest Storer and Casey L. Miller

Nancy Stabell, Clark Spoden, Norah Buikstra, & Mary Taylor Gallagher

YLD Spring Happy Hour | April 4, 2024

On Thursday, April 4, members of the NBA were invited to join the YLD at Diskin Cider to enjoy networking, drinks, and good fun at the first YLD Happy Hour of the year. Keep an eye out for more happy hours and other events to connect with other NBA members and people in the Nashville legal Community.

To schedule or sponsor a happy hour, please visit NashvilleBar.org/Sponsor or contact our Director of Programs & Events, Traci Hollandsworth, at Traci.Hollandsworth@NashvilleBar.org

Alyssa Barksdale, Shruti Jaishankar, & Liesel Carmen-Burks

Gabby Rush, Sydney Stanton, Sydney Combs, Andrew Ball, & John Willis Stevens

Beau Creson, Tyler Ricker, Dalton Thompson, & Claire Fox Hodge

Eric Evans, Jesse Harbison, Casey Miller, & Jay Harbison

Ryan Loofbourrow, Molly McCue, & Eileen Evans

Laura Hull, Sharon Strahan, & Gabby Rush

Andrew Ball, Jay Harbison, Tyler Ricker, & Robert Marks

2024 Law Day | April 26, 2024

The Annual NBA Law Day lunch was held on Friday, April 26, at the Renaissance Nashville hotel. It was a wonderful afternoon, diving into the 2024 Law Day theme of "Voices of Democracy," and honoring award recipients and honorees. The Jack Norman, Sr. Award was given to Michael Engle for his exemplary work in criminal law and the pursuit of justice. The Liberty Bell Award was given to Councilwoman Zulfat Suara for her contributions to Nashville and the legal community.

In addition to Legal Aid Society awards, Diversity Recognition Awards, and honorees recognized during the program, attendees had the honor of hearing from Professor John G. Geer, as our keynote speaker. Professor Geer is a a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University, as well as an author, editor, and much more.

To see the amazing student work of the YLD Art & Essay Contest winners, turn back to page 24.

We look forward to our next Law Day program in 2025.

Councilwoman Zulfat Suara & Erin Coleman

Princess Rogers, Angela Williams, & Regan Sherrell

Mallory Schiller, Dan Geyer, Courtney Creal, & Eli Gibbons

Joycelyn Stevenson, Thomas Mihalczo, & Liz Sitgreaves

Nora Barrientos & Art Contest Winner Emily Leon

Jordan Stringer, Liz Leiserson, Shaina Castillo, DarKenya W. Waller, Kalyne Renda, Amia' Butler, Zac Oswald, & Trent Craig

Angela Williams & Regan Sherrell standing with winners of the YLD Art & Essay Contest

Princess Rogers & DarKenya Waller

Evan & Theodore Rothey

District Attorney Glenn Funk & Traci Hollandsworth

Jessica Outlaw, Antonio Carroll, & Audria Corbin

Grover Collins, Megan Geer, Professor John G. Geer, Jason Holleman, & Chase Cole

Trent Craig, Alex Koval, & Jordan Stringer

Elizabeth Foy, Bart Pickett, Judge Cindy Chappell, & Worrick Robinson

Alé Dalton & Traci Hollandsworth

Art Contest Winner Johanna Henderson & Teacher Ryan Cluff

NBA + NBF Golf Tournament | May 14, 2024

Thank you to all who came out for Tuesday's NBA + NBF Golf Tournament.

Congratulations to our winners: Straightest Drive: Jake Callaham Closest to the Pin: Casey Elrod Longest Drive (female): Lisa Bashinsky Longest Drive (male): Gary Dempsey

1st Flight

1st place: Daniel Choe, Pete Ezell, Taylor Mayes, Roe Moore 2nd place: Casey Elrod, Chris Houston, Taylor Luce, John Romero 3rd place: Jeff Gibson, Danny Harris, Eric Knox, Taylor Sample

2nd Flight

1st place: Mark Kilgore, Sam Raque, John Willis Stevens, Dominic Velasquez 2nd place: Jake Callaham, Patrick Crumpton, Brigham Dixson, Ron Pursell 3rd place: Eric Hayes, Billy Marlowe, Josh McKee, CJ Parrish

Thank you to our sponsors! Eagle Dinner Sponsor, HMR Servicing; On-Course Sponsor, Lexitas Legal; and Hole Sponsors, Bass Berry & Sims, Patterson IP Law, Polsinelli, and Peace Communications.

Thank you to Sims|Funk; Butler Snow; Carter Shelton Jones; Evans, Jones & Reynolds; Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin and Tom Lawless & Associates, who generously sponsored our first ever Pre-Tournament Shopping Experience.

Please mark your calendars for May 15, 2025 for our next NBA+NBF Golf Tournament!

John Willis Stevens

Jeff Gibson & Eric Knox

Eric Knox & Danny Harris

Patrick Crumpton & Jake Callaham

Mark Kilgore, Dominic Velasquez, & Sam Raque

Ben Wilson, Gulam Zade, Gary Dempsey, & Wes Wade

Gil Schuette, Scott Sims, Mark Donell, & Beau Creson

Ben Wilson

Gil Schuette & Beau Creson

Gabriel Ragsdale

Mary Ciezadlo & Kelly Miltimore

CJ Parrish, Josh McKee, & Eric Hayes (not pictured: Billy Marlow)

Brigham Dixson, Jake Callaham, & Patrick Crumpton

Hearsay | Honors & Awards, On the Move, Firm News

Honors & Awards

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Richard F. Warren , a partner in the firm’s Nashville office, has been honored with the Impact Award from the Nashville Chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP). Warren, who has been involved with many of Middle Tennessee’s major real estate projects over the past four decades, received the lifetime achievement award for career-long contributions to the real estate industry and community. He was formally recognized at the NAIOP Nashville Chapter’s Annual Awards Gala in March.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Christopher A. Bowles, a partner in the firm’s Nashville office, has been elected as a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL). Bowles is an energy and economic development attorney who co-chairs Bradley’s Solar Energy team. He has an interdisciplinary practice advising clients on the development and financing of energy and infrastructure projects, with an emphasis on renewable energy sources.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Nashville partner A.J. Bahou has been appointed to serve as chair of the Tennessee Bar Association’s (TBA) newly established Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task Force. As chair, Bahou will lead the AI task force’s efforts to explore the intersection of AI and the legal profession by driving initiatives to ensure that Tennessee attorneys are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of AI

technology. Bahou is an experienced technology and AI attorney with a wealth of insight that will allow him to assist the TBA in guiding attorneys on the appropriate use of AI in their legal practice, as well as reviewing new innovative tools and contributing information to the TBA’s online practice management resources.

On the Move

Stites & Harbison, PLLC welcomes attorney Bridget A. Stewart to the firm based in the Nashville, Tenn., office. She joins the Business Litigation Service Group. Stewart’s practice focuses on general business and commercial litigation, including product liability, professional liability and creditors’ rights matters. Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, she was a litigation attorney with a small Nashville law firm. She also worked as a Disaster Response Attorney for Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, Tennessee’s largest nonprofit law firm.

Klein Solomon Mills, PLLC is pleased to announce that Jeff Sheehan has joined the firm’s litigation team as Of Counsel. A graduate of Vanderbilt Law School, Jeff clerked for the Honorable Gilbert S. Merritt of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. Jeff is a member of the Tennessee bar and admitted to practice before all Tennessee state and federal courts, the United States Supreme Court, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Ninth, and Eleventh Circuits. He is a Rule-31-listed general civil mediator. Prior to joining KSM, Jeff worked as an attorney at Bradley where he litigated local and nation-wide disputes in federal and state courts.

Baker Donelson has added Paulluvi Henley as an associate in the Firm’s Nashville office. Henley is a registered patent attorney and an associate in Baker Donelson's Nashville office as a member of the Intellectual Property Group. She focuses on patent prosecution and represents clients in intellectual property litigation and protection matters. Clients trust Henley to guide them through each step of creation and maintenance of intellectual property portfolios and preparation of intellectual property agreements. She works with clients on patent and trademark preparation and prosecution.

Firm News

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that the firm was recognized as the “Tennessee Firm of the Year” for 2024 at Benchmark Litigation’s Benchmark US Awards. Bradley has won the award four out of the last five years.

Campbell Perky Johnson, PLLC officially opened its doors in Williamson County. Founded by attorneys Neil Campbell, Sarah Richter Perky, and Cathy Speers Johnson, Campbell Perky Johnson merges top-tier legal prowess with unwavering client commitment. The attorneys at CPJ are well-known for guiding clients through diverse, complex family law matters with integrity, empathy, and expertise. They represent clients in a wide range of matters including Divorce and Separation, Child Custody and Support, Alimony, Property Division, Business Valuations, Prenuptial and

Agreements, and Mediation.

The attorneys and staff from the Nashville office of Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP will be joining Buchalter P.C., a Los Angeles-based law firm. The team is enthusiastic about this transition, which will enable them to continue to service our clients, expand and enhance the current practice, and maintain a unique culture.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Brian Maas has joined the firm’s Nashville office as counsel in the Real Estate Practice Group. Prior to joining Bradley, Maas served for nearly four years as general counsel of a medical office real estate firm in Nashville. Additionally, he spent more than 20 years in California focusing on healthcare real estate at major U.S. law firms, including 14 years heading the transactional group at one of the nation’s largest healthcare REITs.

Belmont’s College of Law was awarded $260,000 by the Speer Foundation to fund the Healthcare Justice Clinic, the College’s first hybrid clinic which will be embedded at the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC). The grant — the College of Law’s largest grant of its kind — will fund a two-year pilot of the clinic for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 academic years. The Healthcare Justice Clinic, coordinated by a TJC staff attorney designated as the “Speer fellow” and staffed by Belmont law students, will expand TJC’s work of advocating for vulnerable Tennessee families, including families of children with special needs, older adults and caregivers, people with disabilities, those needing longterm care and many others. n

Lawyer Referral & Information Service

Are you looking for another avenue for revenue and referrals, specifically those tailored to your practice area?

If so, the NBA Lawyer Referral & Information Service needs you. We are currently in need of attorneys who handles issues such as:

For information on joining LRIS, please contact LRIS@nashvillebar.org

We look forward to hearing from you!

The NBA is offering exciting member benefits, including the new All-Access CLE Pass. For $199, members may register for an unlimited number of any NBA-produced* seminars, both online and in-person throughout the membership year (November 1 through October 31, 2025).

The All-Access CLE Pass is exclusive to NBA members only and available to purchase when renewing. For details and more information regarding the All-Access CLE Pass, contact our CLE Department at NBA_CLE@NashvilleBar.org

*Travel-related CLEs and other seminars in which we partner with outside entities are excluded from All-Access CLE Pass use. The All Access CLE Pass expires on October 31 and may not be used to register for seminars beyond that date.

Upchurch Watson White & Max Mediation Group

Gallagher rgallagher@uww-adr.com

Gallagher

» Resolving disputes in aviation/transportation), labor, contractual, personal injury, worker’s compensation and other areas of practice.

» Former commercial litigator with an emphasis on contract disputes. Also was a captain for a major airline and represented its labor group in mediations and arbitrations.

» Retired military (Navy pilot), Tennessee Air National Guard.

“I

2024 YLD Board

Casey Miller, President

Bradley

Goal: Less technology

Fun Fact: Hiking with my dog Milli

Quynh-Anh Kibler, Secretary

Holland & Knight

Goal: Creating an organized repository of all of the YLD’s files

Fun Fact: I enjoy collecting board games and hosting board game nights

Taylor Ward, Public Service Director

Manier & Herod

Goal: To expand our community outreach through collaboration with NBA leadership

Fun Fact: Huge pro wrestling fan

Kate Hamilton, Carbolic Smoke Ball Co-Chair

United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Goal: help new and returning members get more involved in the YLD and Nashville community

Fun Fact: I lived in Florence, Italy, for three months

Callie Hinson, President-Elect

Neal & Harwell

Goal: I would like to see the YLD increase its membership and attendance at its philanthropic events

Fun Fact: I have the best recipe for Thai Curry and know the best local store for ingredients

Eric Evans, Events Director

Adams & Reese

Goal: increase financial support to beneficiary organizations

Fun Fact: I drank from the Stanley Cup

Devon Williamson, Carbolic Smoke Ball Co-Chair

DevonLaw

Goal: To revitalize Carbolic Smokeball with fresh energy and vibrancy.

Fun Fact: During elementary school, I lived on a sailboat near school

Olivia Park, Race Judicata Co-Chair

McAngus Goudelock & Courie

Goal: To collect lots of money for our Race Judicata beneficiaries

Fun Fact: I got a dog trading card in the Charlotte Airport

Ryan Loofbourrow, Treasurer Baker Donelson

Goal: To build relationships

Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling and hiking

Hannah Kay Hunt Freeman, Professional Development Director

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation

Goal: Dig in & find ways to help the committees I support

Fun Fact: I went to culinary school in NYC before law school

Grace Benitone, Carbolic

Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell

Goal: to surpass the funds we raised for charity last year

Fun Fact: I ran my first half marathon in December 2023, and I’m signed up for the Rock ‘n Roll in April

Nathan North, Race Judicata Co-Chair

Patterson Intellectual Property Law

Smoke Ball Co-Chair

2024 YLD Board (Cont.)

Shundra Crumpton Manning, Race

Judicata Co-Chair

Polsinelli

Goal: Raise more money for ABLE Youth and Achilles

International Nashville

Fun Fact: I sometimes dress as a mime and make dance videos

Matt Hinson, Arts Immersion Co-Chair

Butler Snow

Goal: Contribute to the continued success of the YLD Fun Fact: I am an avid outdoorsman

Sarah Ingalls, Social Co-Chair

Thompson Burton

Goal: Meet a new person at every YLD event I go to Fun Fact: Won a karaoke contest a charity event here in Nashville

Seth Cline, Unhoused Committee Co-Chair

Collins Legal

Goal: Leverage personal network to partner & provide resources to Unhoused Peoples

Fun Fact: My life goal is to limit the time my feet spend on concrete

Elvira Rodriguez, Arts Immersion Co-Chair

Holland & Knight

Goal: to exceed last year’s Arts Immersion fundraising goal

Fun Fact: I am a former fitness instructor. I love salsa dancing

Alyssa Barksdale, Social Co-Chair

Bradley

Goal: Continuing to create a network and community for young attorneys

Hobbies: Spending time outdoors with my husband and our two dogs

Lindsey Shepard, Community Outreach Co-Chair

Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani

Goal: Increase community engagement through service

Fun Fact: I’ve lived in 7 states, but I’ve spent the longest in Tennessee

Jamie Thompson, Unhoused Committee Co-Chair

K&L Gates

Goal: Improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Nashville

Fun Fact: Oprah Winfrey’s Dad used to cut my hair as a kid

Ann Knuckles Mahoney, Arts Immersion Co-Chair

Epstein Becker & Green

Goal: To build connections between Nashville’s young attorneys

Fun Fact: I'm learning how to roller skate again

Claire Fox Hodge, Social Co-Chair

Bradley

Goal: Introduce young attorneys to Nashville’s vibrant legal community—and have some fun!

Hobbies: Knitting (currently working on a cardigan)

Evan Rothey, Community Outreach Co-Chair

Sims | Funk

Goal: Increasing engagement with (and generosity to!) our community partners by our YLD members.

Fun Fact: With three young kids, I’ve become an avid Lego builder.

Regan Sherrell, Law Week Co-Chair

Holland & Knight

Goal: Have more students participate in the art and essay contest this year than any past year

Fun Fact: In the past year I tought myself how to embroider. It's my new favorite past time.

(continued on page 50)

Angela Williams, Law Week Co-Chair

Sunrise Medical

Goal: Increase participation in the Law Day Art and Essay Contest

Hobbies: Spending time with husband and daughters

Caleb Hogan, Mock Trial Co-Chair

Bass, Berry & Sims

Goal: A smooth, fun mock trial competition

Hobbies: spending time with my young children

Diamond Stewart Roach, Membership Co-Chair

Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin PLLC

Goal: To increase knowledge about YLD to current law students

Hobbies: playing pickle ball and sand volleyball

Thomas Kyle Turner, ABA & TBA Liason iManage

Goal: To engage with other attorneys while promoting the great work of the NBA YLD

Fun Fact: I have three pet children, two beagles and a pot-bellied pig

Pooja Bery, Mock Trial Co-Chair McKellar Law Group

Goal: Volunteering, encouraging event participation, and engaging with the YLD!

Fun Fact: I almost (but not quite) have my private pilot's license

Richard Swor, Mock Trial Co-Chair Husch Blackwell

Goal: Successful mock trial enjoyed by all participants and volunteers

Fun Fact: I've seen both every Nicolas Cage movie and Best Picture winner

Colton Adams, CLE Co-Chair

Meridian Law, PLLC

Goal: Offer high quality CLE content to foster engagement from young lawyers

Fun Fact: I’m at least 7th generation Tennessean on my father’s side

Cynthia Lee, Napier-Looby Liason Holland & Knight LLP

Tanner Hamilton, Social Media & Tech Chair

Silicon Ranch Corporation

Goal: Expand YLD's community outreach and marketing Fun Fact: Was in a Reba McIntyre music video as a child

Hayley Baker, Mock Trial Co-Chair HB Advocates

Goal: Get to know my fellow board members better Fun Fact: I traveled to 30 countries by the age of 30

F. Dalton Thompson III, CLE Co-Chair Baker Donelson

Goal: To produce CLEs that excite and educate young lawyers

Fun Fact: I fly fish

Kevin Elkins, Membership Co-Chair

Epstein Becker & Green, P.C.

Goal: Continuing to grow the YLD’s membership numbers and engagement

Hobbies: Scuba diving – recently dove with whale sharks and manta rays

Katharine Fischman, LAW Liason US District Courts

Goal: Collaborate with Nashville’s affinity bars, including Lawyers’ Association for Women

Fun Fact: I speak fluent French and love bird watching

Editors Note: A mistake was made in the Spring 2024 issue of the Nashville Bar Journal, which resulted in some members of the YLD Board not being included in the pages listing the full list of board members. We apologize for this error and hope you enjoy the goals and hobbies or fun facts that the YLD Board Members of the board chose to share.

100% Club

Thank you for supporting your local bar association!

The Nashville Bar Association 100% Club is a special category of membership that demonstrates a commitment to the legal profession and our community from legal organizations with more than three attorneys that have 100% of their Nashville attorneys as members of the NBA. To become a part of the NBA's 100% Club, contact Vicki.Shoulders@nashvillebar.org and support your local bar association today!

Anderson & Reynolds, PLC

Baker Donelson

Belcher Sykes Harrington, PLLC

Bradley

Brewer, Krause, Brooks, Chastain & Meisner, PLLC

Butler Snow, LLP

Cole Law Group, P.C.

Collins Legal, PLC

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP

Cornelius & Collins, LLP

David Randolph Smith & Associates

Dickinson Wright, PLLC

Dodson Parker Behm & Capparella, PC

Equitable Trust Company

Fisher & Phillips LLP

Frazer PLC

Frost Brown Todd, LLC

Grissim & Hodges

Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin PLLC

Hall Booth Smith, PC

Healthcare Realty Trust, Inc.

Herzfeld, Suetholz, Gastel, Leniski, and Wall PLLC

Holton & Mayberry, PC

Jeffery S. Roberts & Associates, PLLC

Kay Griffin Evans, PLLC

Keller, Turner, Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC

Kinnard Law

Klein Solomon Mills, PLLC

Latitude

Law Offices of John Day, PC

Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, PLLC

Lewis Thomason, P.C.

Lieff, Cabraser, Heimann & Bernstein, LLP

Lindsey Amonette McCarter Beauchamp + Glassford PLLC

Martin Heller Potempa & Sheppard, PLLC

May & McKinney, PLLC

McCracken Kuhn Marks PLLC

Meridian Law, PLLC

Morgan Akins & Jackson, PLLC

Nashville Electric Service

Neal & Harwell, PLC

North, Pursell & Ramos, PLC

Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak, & Stewart, P.C.

Parker, Lawrence, Cantrell & Smith

Patterson Intellectual Property Law, PC

Pepper Law, PLC

Phelps Dunbar

Polsinelli, PC

Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell PLC

Raybin & Weissman, PC

Reno & Cavanaugh, PLLC

Riley & Jacobson, PLC

Rogers, Shea, Spanos

Ryan C. Davis Law, PLLC

Sims|Funk, PLC

Smith Cashion & Orr, PLC

Smythe Huff & Murphy, PC

Southern Environmental Law Center

Spicer Rudstrom, PLLC

Starnes Davis Florie, LLP

Stranch, Jennings & Garvey, PLLC

Sutherland & Belk, PLC

Swafford Law

Taylor, Pigue, Marchetti & Blair, PLLC

The Blair Law Firm

The Tennessee Justice Center

Watkins & McNeilly, PLLC

Wiseman | Ashworth | Trauger

Wood Stabell Law Group

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