Nashville Bar Journal | Spring 2024

Veterans Treatment Courts Are Serving Those Who Served

Service of Our Country as a Judge Advocate

Cuisine de Combat

A Journey Inside the Army Medical Services Corp: Where Can You Go?

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ARTICLES

Veterans Treatment Courts Are Serving Those Who Served

by Candi Henry

An in-depth review of the history of Veterans Treatment Courts and the positive impacts that the practice has had on the community.

Service of Our Country as a Judge Advocate

Rob Peal gives an overview on the role of a Judge Advocate and shares his personal experience.

Cuisine de Combat

Ashley Moore interviewed members

Hon. George C. Paine, II, and Hon. Walter C. Kurtz on their personal experiences with C-rations and other meals of note.

DEPARTMENTS

2024 Law Day

Spring Memorial Service

From The President

I’ve been thinking about change a lot lately. It’s all around me, and I understand it is a necessary and ironic constant in life.

Change can be simple or profound, life-altering or ordinary, fun or frustrating, welcome or devastating. Whether it is watching the dullness of winter transform in the beauty and paradise of spring; meeting new friends or evolving out of relationships; creating or growing a family; taking on new jobs or leaving old ones; discovering a new tv show or book to bring comfort, thoughtfulness, joy, or mystery; experiencing a city grow and shift while being stuck in traffic to rival more populous areas; or experiencing heartbreak, change is fundamental to who we are.

Despite this, I don’t generally embrace change. I’m happy to try new things, but making changes – that’s big. As attorneys reading this, I’m sure a few of you may be in that same camp. We tend to be risk-averse and to find solace in the routine; there is nothing wrong with that. I also recognize that internal transformation leads to outward progress. As the Persian poet, Rumi, once wrote, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” So, today, I’m trying something new: to embrace some change, even when it makes me uncomfortable. I’ll start mixing in new shows with my Seinfeld reruns. I’ll venture to new restaurants (so many options in town now) in addition to the old standards. I’ll read new authors or genres in between my favorites. I’ll step outside my comfort zone. I’ll accept that these aren’t big changes, and that’s okay. Our ability to change, to adapt, to transform allows us to keep moving forward – to keep progressing. And without progress, we stagnate, whether individually, as a profession, or as society.

I’m proud of the NBA for always growing and evolving. Changing, really. Sometimes out of necessity due to the unexpected, but most of the time because the NBA strives to provide the best for its members. To do that, it has to read the reality of those it serves and see what it, the legal profession, and its practitioners need.

You are holding one of those changes in your hand. Welcome to a new version of our beloved Nashville Bar Journal – quarterly edition! The NBJ has a long and storied history of providing insightful articles that help us improve our practice, challenge us to consider matters in different ways, and teach us about areas of the law outside of our everyday, all while helping us connect better with each other through our activities and events. By moving the publication from bi-monthly to quarterly, we hope to provide even more relevant content, as well as better glimpses into the lives of our members and what makes the NBA a place for connection, collaboration, and community.

I know this is different, but I hope you will try something new with me and embrace it. I can’t wait to see what else we can do. n

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

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

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

2024 LAW DAY

In celebration of the American Bar Association's Law Day, the Nashville Bar Association invites you to join us on Friday, April 26, at the Downtown Renaissance Hotel for our 2024 Law Day Lunch. We are happy to announce our keynote speaker, professor of political science at Vanderbilt University, editor, and author, John G. Geer, who will be speaking on this year’s theme: “Voices of Democracy.” For the latest information, visit NashvilleBar.org/ LawDay2024

NBA + NBF GOLF TOURNAMENT

Get ready for a day on the green with your friends and colleagues at our annual golf tournament on Thursday, May 14. Presented by the NBA & NBF, the tournament will be held at the Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory. The entry is $160 for NBA members, $180 for nonmembers, and includes range balls, greens fee, cart, beverages, snacks, and dinner. Additionally, this year we are offering three sponsorship levels that include Ace (Title) Sponsor, Eagle (Dinner) Sponsor, OnCourse Sponsor, and Hole Sponsor, each with respective benefits. All registrations must be submitted by Thursday, May 11. Dinner and prizes at the conclusion of play. Prizes for teams and individual contests include longest drive, longest putt, closest to pin, etc. To register or learn more, visit NashvilleBar.org/Golf.

SPRING MEMORIAL SERVICE

Our Spring Memorial Service will be on Thursday, May 25, 2024, at the Downtown Presbyterian Church. The service will begin at 11:00am. We hope you can join us in remembering those who have gone before us. Memorial resolutions are presented in honor of those in the Nashville legal community who have recently passed away. The memorial resolutions are prepared and read on the minutes of the Chancery Court at the service by friends and colleagues of the bench and bar and are added to the NBA's collection of more than 100 years of resolutions. Family members and friends of the deceased are invited to attend. Visit NashvilleBar.org/Memorial to view a list of those being honored and save your spot today.

HAVE AN IDEA FOR A CLE?

We are always looking for creative and relevant CLE seminar ideas! If you have an idea or would like to see a specific topic in the coming months, please visit NashvilleBar.org/CLE to submit the idea. We appreciate you!

Welcome to the NBA

New Members (November 1 - February 29)

Hadeel Abouhasira

Dan Abrams

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Tyler Anders

Jill Ayers

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Jessica Bloom

Emma Brewer

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Miranda Byrd

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Maddie Cassetty

Shaina Castillo

Lindsay Chrise

Patrick Clarke

Erika Clifton

Layton Coker

Trudie Condra

Gerrard Cox

Emily Crawford

Leah Creathorn

Blake Creekmur

Bar Bestie:

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Elizabeth Dayhuff

Danielle Deshane

Lindsay Dial

Matthew DiPietro

Darrius Dixon

Joe Doeg

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Lee Myers

Cameron Niemeyer

Keyshona Oatis

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William Pacwa

Abigail Page

Sam Podlas

Meredith Poole-Humphreys

Breana Query

Kurt Rademacher

Lindsey Ray

Tammy Rhoades

Shane Richards

Jack Ritossa

Tawana Rivers

Austin Rockwood

Taryne Ross

Boone (IG: @closewithboone), a five year-old AussieDoodle, serves as the Chief Smile Officer for Tract Title. While away from the office, you won’t find Seth or Boone indoors. You might say one their primary goals in life is to limit the amount of time their feet spend on concrete. With that in mind, Seth and Boone are always on the move – camping, hiking, and travelling the country!

Noah Rudloff

Lucy Ruscitto

Courtney Ryan

Evan Ryland

Ally Scatterday

Emily Schiller

Michael Scivley

Sara Shivamber

Chad Sisk

Hunt Smith

Jack Smith

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Delaram Takyar

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Mahsa Tippins

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Andrew Triplett

Seth VanDyke

Kurt Vincent

Emily Warwick

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Adam Williams

Corey Williams

David Wilson

Julia Wilson

Madeline Wiseman

Ian Wrigley

Marina Yousef

Vicky Yuan

Vanessa Zapata

Seth Cline, Collins Legal

Veterans Treatment Courts Are Serving Those Who Served

Candi Henry serves as Chief Legal Counsel for the Greater Nashville Regional Council, which means she spends an inordinate amount of time misspelling both counsel and council. GNRC is a governmental entity comprising 13 counties and more than 50 cities in upper Middle Tennessee.

“The transition from life in the military to civilian life is difficult, and sometimes that results in criminal charges.” 1 This is the simple but powerful way that Trish Breeding describes the situation that some veterans face after they’ve finished their service to the country.

Ms. Breeding is the Assistant Director of the Davidson County’s Veterans Treatment Court, which, since 2014, has connected the region’s veterans with a network of support from city, state, and federal agencies as well as mental health providers and outreach and advocacy groups. With hard work, veterans who have faced criminal charges can earn a clean slate and become thriving members of the community. Davidson County’s is one of hundreds of Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) in the country providing a lifeline to veterans in need.

The country’s first specialized court for veterans was established in 2008 by Judge Robert Russell in Buffalo, New York.2 A City Court judge since 1971, Judge Russell was an early pioneer and champion of drug treatment courts, establishing Buffalo’s first in 1993. Thirteen years later, an interaction in his courtroom would inspire him to create a new type of experience for veterans.

In late 2006, a participant in Russell’s drug court was struggling with the program.

During a status conference, the team working with him expressed concerns that, while the defendant was following the rules and coming to required sessions, he lacked engagement. The team was worried he wasn’t making progress. Upon learning that the man was a Vietnam Veteran, the judge asked a court officer and a county worker observing court that day—both veterans—to speak with the defendant in the hall.

“With hard work, veterans who have faced criminal charges can earn a clean slate and become thriving members of the community. Davidson County’s is one of hundreds of Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) in the country providing a lifeline to veterans in need.”

What happened next amazed Judge Russell:

About 20 minutes later, they returned to the courtroom. The court clerk recalled the case. Now, this individual is standing in front of me, no longer in the slumped posture, but standing fully erect. He’s at parade rest, with his arm behind his back. His head is raised, he’s looking directly at me, and now we have

(continued on page 10)

eye contact. I said, ‘Is there anything you would like to say?’ He said, ‘Judge, I’m gonna try harder.’ And that totally blew me away.

After court, Judge Russell asked the gentlemen who had spoken with the defendant what they had said to him. They replied that they had explained they were veterans, too, and all three talked a little bit about their service. The staff said they cared about him, the judge cared about him, and, if he was willing, they wanted to work with him to help him do better. That’s all it took to make the difference for that defendant.

That was all Judge Russell needed. Soon, the wheels were in motion on a brand-new concept: a treatment court for veterans. Veterans at the local VA hospital offered to volunteer, and the hospital even agreed to send an employee to court to serve onsite and help connect Veterans with available resources like healthcare and benefits. This led to a national movement and the establishment of a National Clearing House known as “Justice for Vets”3 and housed within the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.4 The Veteran’s Administration also established the Veterans Justice Outreach Program positioned at VA hospitals throughout the fifty states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.5 The Outreach Specialists. serve as liaisons to VTCs, assessing Veteran defendants’ treatment needs, linking Veterans with appropriate VA treatment services, and (with the Veterans’ permission) provide

regular updates to the court on their progress in treatment.6 In 2013, the United States Department of Justice began receiving a separate appropriation to support VTCs in state, local, and tribal areas.7

As VTCs spread around the country, Tennessee’s local judges supported the movement. In 2012, Montgomery County General Sessions Judge Ken Goble established Tennessee’s first Veterans Treatment Court. And in 2014, Davidson County received a three-year implementation grant from the DOJ through the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to fund operation of a fully accredited specialty court tasked with serving Nashville’s Veterans.8 It was Judge Melissa Blackburn in Davidson County who spearheaded the local establishment of a VTC. Judge Blackburn was elected to serve General Sessions Division II in 2014, which also ran the Mental Health Court docket. She implemented the DOJ grant and also worked at the state level to secure funding for the establishment of veterans courts. Veterans Treatment Courts are similar to drug courts in that they accept persons with substance abuse issues, but, depending on the individual court, the mandate can be broader. Courts can accept veterans with mental health disorders or issues occurring from trauma. And, unfortunately, trauma is something that it seems most veterans have in common. Ms. Breeding describes this succinctly:

Many have PTSD and need support. News from Ukraine and Russia, Israel and the Middle East—even things like hearing about a helicopter crash at Fort Campbell can be triggering. They have friends who are being activated, or they’re reminded of their own service. Also, sometimes individuals who come from not-so-great family lives or who are homeless as youth enroll in the military. They may have discharges that are other than honorable.

Given their range of backgrounds and experiences, it is not surprising that veterans may have transition problems. As Breeding

explains, there are multiple potential roadblocks to success. Sometimes military experience doesn’t translate well for potential employers. Veterans don’t necessarily know how to budget their finances because there may have been no need to do that while on base. Plus, the VA can be difficult to navigate, and not all veterans will qualify for the full range of services or benefits.

Veterans whose transition problems result in criminal charges often don’t know how to ask for help or are reluctant to do so. This has led Davidson County to adopt a “no wrong door” approach to Veterans Court referrals. The Mayor’s office has three veterans service officers, one of whom works with the VTC. The Davidson County jail asks about veterans’ status on intake. Since sometimes veterans decline to self-identify, the jail also participates with the national database Veterans Re-entry Search Service to run cross-checks in military service databases to flag veterans. Additionally, anyone—spouse, family member, friend, attorney—can call the court and help get an assessment for VTC started.

While statistics nationwide are mixed and still developing,9 in Davidson County at least, VTC seems to have a remarkable effect. According to Breeding, under traditional probate, often over 50% of offenders are rearrested, while the Davidson County VTC, at one point, had a recidivism rate as low as 4%.

The popularity of VTCs continues to grow. In 2021, Tennessee had six VTCs. As of this writing there are ten.10 And their reach is more widespread than the borders of a judicial district.

For example, Davidson County’s VTC program is not limited to those who live in or have been charged in the county. The court will accept referrals from any contiguous county that doesn’t have its own VTC. As long as participants can arrange travel to Davidson County for required attendance, they are welcome to become part of the group. Judges in some other districts require participation as part of a plea bargain; others will transfer open cases. The court’s philosophy is that these veterans should be given every opportunity to be connected to the benefits they have earned through their past service as well as the benefit they earn through the

program via dismissed charges or an expungement. But a clean slate isn’t an entitlement. Completion of the VTC program is an intensive commitment, requiring a minimum of 12 months’ participation if the veterans are low-risk offenders and a minimum of 18 months if they are deemed at high risk of recidivism. Participants are drug screened a minimum of twice per week. They must meet with therapists, psychiatrists, and medical providers as required by the program. And, significantly, they must show up in the office every week for peer support.

Indeed, the peer support element may be the most impactful aspect of a VTC program. Judge Russell noticed it fifteen years ago in New York when he first connected the veterans in his court room. And every day in Davidson County, Trish Breeding sees that “veterans just do better as a team.” Across the nation, and as a growing option in Tennessee, VTCs provide a network for communities to rally around their former servicemembers, providing much needed support on the home front. n

Footnotes

1 Telephone Interview with Trish Breeding, Assistant Director of Mental Health and Veterans Treatment Courts, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (Nov. 21, 2023). The author is grateful to Ms. Breeding for her time for sharing background information about Davidson County’s VTC, which informs much of this article.

2 Justice Today Podcast, The Story of Veterans Treatment Courts: Judge Robert Russell (SEPT. 9, 2022), https://bja.ojp.gov/ podcast/story-of-veterans-treatment-courts#0-0. References to Judge Russell’s experience founding Veterans Treatment Court come from the transcript of the podcast episode.

3 All Rise, Justice for Vets, https://allrise.org/about/division/ justice-for-vets/ (last visited Jan. 30, 2024).

4 The NADCP is now known as “All Rise.” We are All Rise, All Rise, (June 21, 2023), https://allrise.org/news/we-are-all-rise/

5 Veterans Justice Outreach Programs, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, https://www.va.gov/homeless/vjo.asp#contacts (last visited Feb. 3, 2024).

6 Fact Sheet, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Treatment Courts and other Veteran-focused courts served by VA Veterans Justice Outreach Specialists (March 2022), available at https:// www.va.gov/HOMELESS/docs/VJO/Veterans-Treatment-CourtInventory-Update-Fact-Sheet-March-2022-508.pdf

(continued on page 12)

7 Veterans Treatment Court Program, Bureau of Justice Assistance, U.S. Dept. of Justice, https://bja.ojp.gov/program/veteranstreatment-court-program/overview (last visited Feb. 3, 2024).

8 Veterans Treatment Court, General Sessions Courts Metro. Nashville and Davidson County, https://gscourt.nashville.gov/departmentsservices/veterans-treatment-court/ (last visited Feb. 3, 2024)

9 Jack Tsai, Andrea Finlay, et al., “A National Study of Veterans Treatment Court Participants: Who Benefits and Who Recidivates,” HHS Author Public Access, Author manuscript, PubMed Central, Mar. 1, 2018, available at https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC5776060/#:~:text=However%2C%20 further%20analysis%20revealed%20 that,participants%20across%20multiple%20 time%20periods

10 E-mail from Barbara Peck, Dir. of

Bar Bestie: Harvey

Kim Looney, K&L Gates

Harvey is a failed foster. He loves to ride in the car, visit the office, and go shopping with me and has been to many high-end stores where he makes friends easily. He especially loves to cuddle on the couch and will curl up right next to you. We call him our little fluffball. He knows no tricks. All we ask of him is that he look cute and he has that nailed!

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.

David Anthony

Gail Ashworth

Bahar Azhdari

Laura Baker

Dan Berexa

Michael Berman

Hon. Joe Binkley Jr.

Hon. Melissa Blackburn

Charles Bone

Dewey Branstetter Jr.

Josh Burgener

Kenny Byrd

Jamie Callender Jr

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Loy Carney

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Will Cheek III

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Grover Collins

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Beau Creson

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John Kitch

Bill Koch Jr.

Irwin Kuhn

Ed Lanquist Jr.

Tom Lawless

Billy Leslie

Wendy Longmire

Kim Looney

Hon. Randal Mashburn

Sam McAllester III

Hon. Amanda McClendon

Hon. Carol McCoy

Bob Mendes

Margaret Moore

Hon. Pat Moskal

Phil Newman

Paul Ney Jr.

Andrew Noell

David Parsons

Greg Pease

Andrea Perry

Tracy Powell

Member Spotlight: Mike Abelow

Fellow lawyers Brian Roark, Michael Stahl, Phil Cramer and I began playing pickleball during the pandemic. It started as a “casual” activity that we could do over cocktails with our spouses but the four guys quickly got “extra” as my teenage daughter would say. Things really got out of hand when I proposed we go to the Nike Pickleball Camp for Phil’s birthday and we haven’t looked back. What I love most about pickleball is having a competitive outlet but in a context of a group of people who are, on the whole, very relaxed and just wanting to get better together. I love that anyone can play – I play with my Dad and my kids. I also love teaching others how to play – unlike other sports you can learn the fundamentals and be decent with an hour lesson.

David Raybin

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Mike Abelow, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison

Bart Pickett

Twenty years ago, Martha Boyd left her Nashville home and law practice for active-duty service in Iraq. The Middle East might seem like a long way for someone from Dyersburg, TN, but not for the Boyd family. Boyd’s father, who himself had served in the military, had always emphasized that military service should be looked at as a way to expand one’s world view and to try different experiences. It’s no surprise then that Boyd and her two older brothers all chose to serve.

Following graduation from Dyersburg High School in 1986, Boyd headed to Vanderbilt on an Army ROTC scholarship. She majored in English and graduated in 1990, being commissioned a Second Lieutenant the same day. She went to Ft. Huachuca in Arizona for training in military intelligence. She then spent 3 years in Germany where the American soldiers were adjusting to their role in a reunified Germany. After a brief stint in AZ for continued training, she was assigned to the National Security Agency in Maryland.

After 6 years of active duty, Boyd returned to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt Law School beginning in 1996. Boyd spent one weekend a month serving in the Army Reserves at Ft. Campbell during law school.

Going into law school, Boyd had not considered working for a big firm until she accepted a summer clerkship at Frost Brown Todd in Cincinnati. That experience solidified Boyd’s desire to pursue private practice. After law school graduation, Boyd practiced in FBT’s Cincinnati office until 2002 when she returned to Nashville. Not long after her move, Boyd was called up for active duty in Iraq. She deployed in late 2003 and returned home in October 2004. Martha describes her time in Iraq as lifechanging. She saw the positive impact of the war on the lives of the Iraqi people (i.e., the removal of

Saddam Hussein) and the negative – the militias that emerged to fill the void of a legitimate government and that destabilized the country and caused years of relentless war and hardship. She also made lifelong friends with several of her Iraqi interpreters. She realized during her time in Iraq that the similarities between Americans and Iraqis far outweighed the differences.

Boyd resigned from the Army as a Major in 2005, and shortly after she wed fellow attorney and TBI agent Rich Littlehale. They wanted to start a family and Boyd thought it would be a good idea to be home since she would play a critical role in the project. It was a hard decision but with the war on terror, the possibility of a new deployment would always be there.

Boyd joined Bradley Arant in 2006 where she stayed until (continued on page 16)

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.

Background Check (cont.)

joining Baker Donelson in 2012, where she remains. Boyd’s practice has always been employment law. Her practice focuses on providing employment counsel to employers, conducting workplace investigations (e.g., employee misconduct, harassment and discrimination, and employee fraud), and conducting training for managers on topics like interviewing and hiring; employee engagement and management; and discipline and discharge. Baker Donelson recently selected Boyd to chair the firm’s Labor and Employment practice group.

Boyd has found involvement with Operation Stand Down Tennessee as a way to continue her service in support of the military. The organization does an amazing job providing high level/high quality services for veterans in Middle Tennessee. Boyd served on the board from 20152021 and continues to advise the organization on

employment issues on a pro bono basis.

Boyd also speaks highly of her time engaged in bar activities and serving on the NBA board. She believes bar service is essential and a great way to interact with lawyers from all practices to support our continued collegiality. Boyd likens NBA events to family reunions and would love to see all lawyers spend some time in service to the bar.

Boyd and her husband live in the BelmontHillsboro neighborhood with their daughter, Alice, and cat, Leroy. Rich now serves as an assistant director for the TBI. Alice is a sophomore at University School of Nashville. While she currently considers herself a nascent ukulele player, one day when she retires, Boyd plans on taking professional lessons and improving, with the goal of joining a band and traveling the world. If that fails, she will be content to sit on the front porch, playing the ukulele and singing to herself. n

In the ever-evolving world of tech gadgets, where each new release promises to revolutionize our lives, Bill and Phil recently laid their tech-savvy hands on the T1 Mini from Time Kettle. Known for pushing the boundaries of communication technology, Time Kettle's latest offering aims to shrink the world a bit more, making language barriers as obsolete as last year's smartphone model. But does it deliver? Or is it destined to join the graveyard of promising but ultimately underwhelming tech toys?

First Impressions: Unboxing the T1 Mini

Right out of the box, the T1 Mini strikes you as a gadget that James Bond might use if he needed to negotiate with a tech-savvy Q in multiple

languages. Compact, sleek, and with a design that screams "I belong in the future," the T1 Mini fits comfortably in the palm of your hand or pocket, ready to be whipped out at a moment's notice to dazzle friends or confuse those who speak another language with its prowess.

What We Love

Ease of Use: The T1 Mini is as intuitive as it gets. With a simple setup process that even the tech-challenged can navigate with ease, it's ready to go in minutes. Bill, with his notorious impatience for lengthy setups, was particularly pleased.

Accuracy: The accuracy of translations is where the T1 Mini truly shines. Conversations flow more smoothly than a wellaged Scotch, with minimal lag. It's not perfect, but it's close enough to work magic in realworld scenarios.

Portability: Its diminutive size makes the T1 Mini the perfect travel companion. Phil, who once tried to use a bulky, firstgeneration translation device in a crowded Berlin subway (to comical effect), appreciates the discreet nature of the T1 Mini.

Quibbles

Battery Life: While not a dealbreaker, the battery life leaves a bit to be desired. During extended testing, we

found ourselves reaching for the charger more often than we'd like, a minor inconvenience that feels a bit old school in the era of all-day battery life.

Connectivity: In areas with spotty Wi-Fi or cellular data, the T1 Mini can stumble, struggling to maintain the seamless translation it promises. While it's a common issue among similar devices, it's a reminder that we're not quite in the utopian future of universal, uninterrupted communication—yet.

Beyond the T1 Mini: Exploring Time Kettle's Arsenal Time Kettle doesn't put all its eggs in one basket. Their product lineup is as diverse as the languages their devices translate. The WT2 Plus, with its earpiece design, offers an immersive translation experience that feels like having a UN interpreter whispering in your ear. Meanwhile, the M2 Translator Earbuds double as a high-quality audio device, proving that utility and entertainment can coexist harmoniously. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the Zero Translator is a card-sized wonder that works wonders in a pinch.

Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy?

The T1 Mini from Time Kettle is a testament to how far

(continued on page 18)

Gadget of the Month (cont.)

we've come in breaking down language barriers. While it's not without its flaws, the sheer magic of facilitating real-time conversations across languages outweighs the minor grievances. Whether you're a globetrotting adventurer, a business traveler, or just a tech enthusiast eager to try the latest gadgets, the T1 Mini is a worthy addition to your tech arsenal.

In the end, Bill and Phil agree: The T1 Mini is not just another gadget—it's a glimpse into a future where language no longer divides us. And that's a future we're excited to be a part of, one translated conversation at a time. Soon we can say goodbye to the Tower of Babel.

See you next month for another dive into the world of tech, where we'll explore what's new, what's hot, and what's just around the corner.

Bill and Phil n

Member Spotlight: Tabitha Robinson

I love playing music and learning new instruments. At various points in my life, I learned how to play piano, bass guitar, clarinet, cello, and saxophone. I currently play saxophone in the Nashville Community Concert Band and teach saxophone lessons to high school students at W.O. Music School. Playing music is my favorite way to decompress after a busy day.

Tabitha Robinson, Nashville Electric Service

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 handle issues such as:

SSI Employment Evictions Immigration Workers' Compensation

For Information on joining LRIS, contact LRIS@nashvillebar.org. We look forard to hearing from you!

Capitol Notes

“You would have an easier time grabbing a bone from a junkyard dog than getting that man to let go of a grudge.”

- Colson Whitehead

2024 Legislative Session. The 113th General Assembly is now in midsession form for its 2024 session. The subcommittee and committee dockets and the sponsor notebooks are full of amendments and fiscal memos. Appointments with legislators are typically hard to arrange now as harried assistants know the scheduled committee meetings and even floor sessions can easily run long and wreck an already crowded calendar. Reminds us that the best conversations around the advocacy supper bowl happen outside of regular legislative session.

Be more like your dog. As a dog, I am always excited to see my human return home at the end of the day. I have forgotten that I chewed up what used to be a tasty running shoe and my human’s irritation with that bad dog behavior. Sometimes our legislative friends continue to nourish a real or perceived slight, just as generals are sometimes accused of preparing for the last war. Two bills come to mind. First is House Bill 2716 by Johnny Garrett of Sumner County that prohibits a local legislative body from reappointing a legislator who is expelled for disorderly behavior such as chewing up a sneaker. Second is HB 1652 by Gino Bulso of Williamson County that removes subject matter jurisdiction from any court of this state over “any legal action, challenging any rule, regulation, or procedure of the senate or house of representatives.” Both bills are well on their way to final passage in the House. Good dogs are good

students of the legislative process and know that each body must pass identical language for a bill to become law. Presently, the Senate does not appear to be inclined to be a rescue dog for the House. The regular session is expected to run through the end of April. Be respectful of their time in the long closing days of the session. They may well take a little longer to return a phone call or respond to your email.

Calendar Notes.

March 23 -

March 29 -

April 4 -

April 23 -

April 26 -

May 12 -

May 27 -

Nashville Bar Foundation Gala

State offices closed for the Good Friday holiday

Qualifying deadline for state and federal office elections this year

First day of Passover

NBA Law Day Luncheon

Mother’s Day

All government offices closed for the Memorial Day holiday n

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.

Service of Our Country as a Judge Advocate

Rob Peal

While nearly every law school admission office these days touts the many different types of jobs afforded by a law degree, rarely does the discussion include service to your country. This is a mistake as service as a military lawyer—a Judge Advocate2 in the parlance—can be an exciting and rewarding choice, and one that provides valuable and marketable experience. This article will discuss (1) how Judge Advocates are made, (2) what they do, and (3) my personal journey as a Judge Advocate.

How Judge Advocates Are Made Qualifications.

Judge Advocates must be a U.S. citizen under a service-specific age3 at time of commissioning, have a juris doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school, and be a licensed attorney in good standing in a bar of any state, commonwealth, or territory of the United States.4 Generally speaking, Judge Advocates are made one of two ways: (1) direct entry or (2) entrance into one of the service’s law education programs, which allow commissioned officers then-serving in other capacities to attend law school and transition to the Judge Advocate corps upon graduation.

Paths of entry

Direct-entry Judge Advocates generally earn their commission in the armed services after law school. They must pass service-specific height and weight standards, physical fitness tests, and medical screenings. Upon commissioning, Army, Navy, and Air Force Judge Advocate officers will attend a direct commission course, which is an abbreviated indoctrination program, receiving condensed physical, weapons, military etiquette, and leadership training. In the Marine Corps,

applicants need to first successfully complete a commissioning course such as the ten-week Officer Candidate School, as would any other officer. This is followed by The Basic School, a six-month school in which new Marines learn the “basics” in physical fitness, infantry, leadership, and other knowledge required of Marine Corps line officers.

For officers already serving in the armed services who decide to transition to a Judge Advocate, the law education programs come in two flavors. The Funded Law Education Program (“FLEP”), set forth in 10 U.S.C.§ 2004, allows for a maximum twenty-five officers5 from each branch of service to attend law school on the government’s dime, in exchange for a six-year service commitment. The Excess Leave Program (Law) (“ELP(L)”), pursuant to 37 U.S.C. 502(b), allows commissioned officers to attend law school at their own cost in return for a three-year commitment. Both programs are highly competitive.

Judge Advocate Schools

No matter the path of entry, once Judge Advocates complete their law schools and commissioning programs, they attend follow-on schooling to prepare them for the actual job of being a Judge Advocate. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps officers attend Naval Justice School at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island. The Army attends the Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School located on the University of Virginia campus in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Air Force Judge Advocate General’s School is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

All of the service schools provide a Basic Staff Judge Advocate Course, which, as the name implies, is designed to teach new judge advocates

LtCol Rob Peal, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve (Retired) 1. Peal is an attorney at Sims|Funk, where he enjoys a diverse practice focused on complex litigation, and he handles both criminal defense and civil trials.

what the need to know to begin practicing as a military lawyer. This basic level course provides an intensive review of key legal issues in core practice areas, including conducting investigations, the administrative separation of military personnel, government ethics and standards of conduct, professional responsibility, fiscal law, civilian personnel law, grievance procedures, installation issues, and relations with civil authorities. This course also includes training and practical application regarding military justice, evidentiary issues, the conduct of military courts martial, posttrial processing, and victim programs.

The various service school houses also provide advanced training for Judge Advocates later in the career. For example, Judge Advocates can receive intensive trial advocacy, prosecutor, specialized defense, operational law, ethics, fiscal, or environmental law training by attending the various short courses held at the Judge Advocate schools throughout the year.

What Judge Advocates Do

Judge Advocates wear many hats. They serve as legal advisors to commanders in the various branches of the armed services, providing expert advice on operational law, administrative, ethics, and command issues. They prosecute and defend violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Judge Advocates serve as liaisons to local law enforcement for service members’ violations of civilian laws. They act as Special Assistant United States Attorneys prosecuting civilian criminal violations that occur on base. Judge Advocates also provide legal assistance to servicemembers, representing them in disputes with landlords, creditors, immigration, and other similar issues. In the Army, Navy, and Air Force, Judge Advocates also serve as labor, contract, fiscal, international, and environmental attorneys. While not covering the waterfront, this article will touch on some of the various duties Judge Advocates perform. Keep in mind that, generally, Judge Advocates will only be assigned one of these duties at a time; for example, it would be unusual for someone to serve simultaneously as a trial counsel and legal assistance officer.

Advising the Commander

The most important mission for a Judge Advocate is providing prompt and sound legal advice to the commander. Commanders are ultimately accountable for the actions of their units, and they deserve the best possible legal advice to help them make the difficult, and often time-sensitive, decisions required in the course of their duties. This advice may concern operational law issues, to include law-of-war advice on targeting, handling and processing captive enemy combatants, or the practical application of the rules of engagement. Or the advice may be more mundane, such as whether a commander can accept a certain gift from a visiting dignitary under DoD Directive 5500.07, the Joint Ethics Regulation. Oftentimes, the advice concerns military justice issues, and commanders often need advice on whether or how to charge a servicemember for certain misconduct. Finally, Judge Advocates often conduct various types of investigations as ordered by the commander, determining the cause and giving recommendations regarding injuries and deaths, property loss and destruction, criminal activity, safety violations and concerns, or any other matter or incident the commander wants investigated. The experience gained in this regard is similar to serving as in-house counsel.

Military Justice

A core function for a Judge Advocate is prosecuting (or defending) criminal justice trials for violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The UCMJ is, essentially, a criminal statutory framework, the violations of which are prosecuted at trial, often before a jury of the accused’s peers. The Military Rules of Evidence are, with a few notable exceptions, identical to the Federal Rules of Evidence. Serving as a prosecutor (“trial counsel”) or defense counsel generally means extensive on-your-feet time in a military courtroom, trying cases and arguing motions. Unlike their civilian counterparts, military prosecutors do not possess prosecutorial discretion; the commander makes the decisions as to whether and what to charge. And because the commander ultimately writes the fitness reports

(continued on page 22)

Service of Our Country as a Judge Advocate (cont.)

that will determine the course of a subordinate’s career (including lawyers), all of the branches ensure that the defense counsel opposing the prosecution are in a separate, special chain of command. Thus, trial counsel will prosecute cases on behalf of the United States and advise the commander on his or her cases as they flow through the system, while a defense counsel’s sole ethical obligation is to zealously represent the individual accused servicemember clients. Trial shop experience is considered valuable because of the extensive courtroom time these Judge Advocates endure.

Legal Assistance

Judge Advocates are also tasked with providing basic legal assistance at no cost to military servicemembers, dependents, and retirees. A common service legal assistance officers provide is basic estate planning, writing wills, powers of attorney, advanced medical directives, and similar documents for servicemembers, often before they deploy. Legal assistance officers also assist in family law matters such as adoptions and drafting (agreed) marital separation agreements. Legal assistance officers help servicemembers deal with creditors, taking advantage of the provisions of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Oftentimes, legal assistance Judge Advocates assist servicemembers in landlordtenant disputes, usually pursuant to the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Finally, on limited occasions, legal assistance Judge Advocates can file certain consumer-protection lawsuits on behalf of servicemembers pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 1044 and agreements between the branch of service and the state bar association in which the military post is located.

My Time as a Judge Advocate

By way of illustration, my personal time as a Judge Advocate may provide one example of a career path. I received my commission in the Marine Corps from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis in

May of 1996. I then proceeded to the Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, and from there to flight school in Pensacola, Florida, in March of 1997. Flight training in the various schools ended with me reporting to my first “gun” squadron, VMFA(AW)-533 in Beaufort, South Carolina, in December of 1999. I began serving as a flight officer in F/A-18D hornets. During my first tour, we lost an aircraft and a pilot. I was appointed to serve as a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer, helping the widow (and her unborn child) bury their Marine and begin the process of collecting government benefits. I found the process of advocating on someone’s behalf rewarding and as a typical arrogant fighter guy, I thought I was good at it.

"I found the process of advocating on someone’s behalf rewarding and as a typical arrogant fighter guy, I thought I was good at it."

Shortly before deploying for Operation Southern Watch in late 2002 (which, for me, turned into flight operations in support of the invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003), I took the LSAT, submitted my package for the Excess Leave Program (Law), and applied to the University of Florida and Vanderbilt University law schools. Shortly before my deployment ended, I found out I was accepted to both schools and the ELP(L) program. Upon returning to the states, I proceeded immediately to Nashville for Vandy orientation, and distinctly remember sitting behind a student with a “no blood for oil” t-shirt.

Law school was a pleasant change from squadron life, in that I was only professionally responsible for myself. My wife probably felt we had too much time on my hands, as I entered Vanderbilt with two children and left with four. In the summers I would spend one month clerking with the Marine Corps and, with permission, one month clerking in the civilian market. My Marine

Corps internships included the prosecution shop back at MCAS Beaufort during one summer, and with the Government Appellate section at the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces for the other. My civilian clerkships included a stint at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for one summer, and a split clerkship with Sherrard and Roe and Neal & Harwell the other.

After graduation, I sat for the bar in July of 2006. The next day—and obviously with no idea whether I passed the test—I drove from Nashville to report to Newport Rhode Island to begin the Basic Judge Advocate School at the Naval Justice School. I reported for duty at Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Parris Island, South Carolina, in November of 2006. I was a major in the Marine Corps at the time.

My tour began with a short stint in the legal assistance section, where I found adoptions to be the most rewarding. After only a few months there, I was transferred to the Military Justice (prosecution) shop due to a pending prosecutorial misconduct motion against my predecessor. Because of my rank, I was appointed the senior prosecutor in charge of the section, despite my complete lack of any experience. It went about as well as you would expect at first. As Military Justice Officer, I prosecuted or oversaw the prosecution

of murder, child rape, adult rape, forcible sodomy, child abuse, drug distribution, fraud, assault, and DUI cases. I also served as the Director of the Law Center and filled in as the General’s advisor in the Colonel’s absence.

In July of 2008, I deployed to Afghanistan as an individual military augment. While there, I served as a “line” officer primarily, embedded in an Afghan kandak tasked with the movement, interrogation, and detention of rendered high value captures, primarily at the Afghan National Detention Facility in Policharki Prison Block D. I also simultaneously served in legal jobs, acting as the pol-mil advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul and the operational law advisor for 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Marjah.

Upon my return in 2009, I transitioned off active duty, got a job in Nashville, and entered the reserves, working in recruiting and as a Judge Advocate for the 4th Marine Division until retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2019.

While certainly not for everyone, service as a Judge Advocate provides a variety of experiences and provides marketable and useful experience in the civilian practice. n

Footnotes

1 The opinions expressed herein are exclusively those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Defense or any of its components.

2 In the Marine Corps and the Coast Guard, a lawyer is referred to as a “Judge Advocate,” while in the Army, Navy, and Air Force, he or she is referred to as a “Judge Advocate General.” This is because lawyers in the Marines and Coast Guard are line officers, who exercise general command authority and are eligible for operational and combat command positions, as opposed to Army, Navy, and Air Force officers, who normally exercise command authority only within their staff branch. For ease of reference (and because I am a Marine), I will refer to all branches’ attorneys as Judge Advocates.

3 For example, the Marine Corps maximum age at commissioning is 28 while the Army’s is 42.

4 Services may have other criteria. For example, the Marine Corps requires a minimum ACT score of 22 and LSAT score of 150.

5 It is usually substantially fewer who are accepted. For example, the 2023 Marine Corps board selected 3 primary and 3 alternate FLEP candidates. See MARADMIN 591/23

BarBites

Lauren Poole serves as a co-chair of the NBA's Editorial Committee. She is an Associate at Moore Ingram Johnson & Steele in Brentwood.

Aloha and bon appétit from the Bar! In honor of our servicemen and servicewomen, this edition of the Journal we chose to use a special ingredient as a nod to culture that grew from the roots of World War II. Spam musubi is a Hawaiian-American snack that is enjoyed by all— service not required. For those of you who may not have the need or patience to perfectly sculpt sushi rice into a smooth rectangle, I included an original “free-style” option of a spam musubi bowl. Just fry it up and throw it in. I hope you enjoy, and careful not to burn the rice!

Ingredients

Rice

1 cup of rice (sushi grade)

2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

1 Tbsp. granulated sugar

½ Tsp. salt

½ teaspoon of furikake

Bowl (optional)

Sesame seeds

Green onion

Directions

Spam

1 can of Spam

3 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce

1 Tsp. soy sauce

3 oz. sake

3 sheets roasted seaweed nori (cut into 2 in. wide strips)

Rice: follow cooking directions on package. Mix rice vinegar, granulated sugar and salt in a small bowl. Pour over cooked rice and mix in.

Spam: slice spam into nine (9) slices and heat up a medium pan on medium high heat. Fry the spam on each side until it is browned and crispy (approximately 10 minutes).

Remove spam from pan, reduce heat, deglaze with a dash of sake. Add teriyaki sauce and soy sauce and add spam back, coat to cover.

Assembling the musubi stack:

Line the inside of the Spam can with plastic wrap, add rice into the lined tin and press down to fill the mold. Pull the rice out of the mold, sprinkle rice with furikake and place a Spam slice on top. Wrap the stack with the seaweed nori securing by wetting the ends of the seam with water.

For the musubi bowl:

Plate the rice, chop up a few slices of the crispy spam and cut up the roasted seaweed nori. Dump together and pour a drizzle of soy sauce. Sprinkle with furikake and sesame seeds. Green onion for garnish.

Meet Us at the Bar

Bahar’s Mock Trial Mocktail

Ingredients

1 part pineapple

2 parts ginger beer

generous squeeze of lime ice

Directions

Fill a glass of your choice with ice.

Pour in pineapple juice and top with ginger beer.

Squeeze a generous amount of lime to taste.

Garnish with lime and enjoy!

Photo by Adrienne Bennett Cluff

Cuisine de Combat

Ashley Moore

is a Nashville native, USC alum, and Interim Executive Director of the Nashville Bar Association. When out of office, she enjoys gardening, restoring old trucks, and creating architectural stained glass.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with retired judges, NBA members, and local treasures, Hon. George C. Paine, II and Hon. Walter C. Kurtz, to discuss C-rations in Vietnam. I could tell from the exchange of emails prior to our meeting that this would be an unforgettable conversation between longtime friends, and I felt honored to witness it. As I walked up to their table at Brown’s, George and Walt were sitting, deep in conversation with nearby Frank Friedman. As Frank walked away, George motioned for me to sit, seemingly excited to share his experiences. G: “I like this idea. I mean, talking about the food in Vietnam is akin to discussing the water bubbler at Wimbledon.” W: “I meant to bring my P-38. Do you know what a P-38 is?” And just like that, we were off.

With terms ending in 1969 and 1970, they were among the last soldiers to have C-rations, which were dropped by helicopters and designed to sustain troops for 3-4 days. The MREs now distributed are more compact, freeze dried and better suited for long spans of time, but require water. Carrying sufficient amounts of water would have been a challenge for George and Walt. When Walt went out with his recon platoon, he carried three canteens of water. W: “Let me tell you. It was HOT.” George said they carried water and salt pills. When they ran out of canteen water, they had iodine tablets for treating the water they found, though “it tasted terrible.”

Their experiences with food were a bit different in part due to their stations. Walt was an officer of the armored cavalry division primarily patrolling on flat land, while George was an officer

of the mechanized infantry division and later an infantry platoon leader until he was carried out of the scrub jungle in a Dust Off. Both were awarded multiple medals for their service.

“I was lazier than I was hungry,” George said. He carried 65lbs of ruck sack on three to four day excursions and would choose rations according to what he could pack. Walt, on the other hand, would receive a big box of rations that he would peruse for his favorites. “Oh, look at this one!” Walt exclaimed as he recalled pulling out the ham from one pack, lima beans from another, and the occasional Hershey bar from a third before discarding the less desirable items. His unit would be able to stockpile a few favorites in the tank.

George informed me that rations consisted of a meat can, fruit can, bread, coffee, cocoa, a couple squares of toilet paper, and four cigarettes. G: “Almost everybody smoked,” then, addressing Walt, “did you?” W: “No. I never smoked.” George continued without skipping a beat, “well then he traded them,” which was common practice, as food options became monotonous.

G: “This is where we’re getting into the culinary delights. We called ham and lima beans Ham and MFs." Me, looking at Walt: "Wait, you said you sought out the lima beans.” W: "That’s because I’m from the north.” George continued, “Ham and eggs were the best for the people with good taste, and the pears.” W: “I loved the pears, I’ll go with him on that one, and the peaches”. And though it made him homesick, George's favorite was the pound cake made right here at Colonial Bakery.

To warm up their C-rations, and to remain undetected, they used smokeless, odorless heat tabs. G: "If you didn’t have those, you’d use C-4.” As my eyes widened, George explained that the C-4 came in skinny malleable bricks; they’d use the tiny P-38 can openers that they carried with their dog tags to poke holes in the top of a ration can and pinch off a bit of C-4 to heat it. W: “They wouldn’t explode without the blasting cap.” Walt knows a thing or two about C-4. He described how they would use the empty cans without holes to shape charges, pushing the C-4 inside with a blasting cap, then toss them to blow the top off a tunnel.

Walt recalled chinooks flying out to the middle of nowhere, and for 90 minutes they’d have “a college setup in the field” with hot meals like

turkey and “crazy potatoes.” Three or four days out of the month, they’d make their way back to base camp and have mess hall meatloaf or similar hot meals. “MERMITE CANS!” Walt exclaimed. “We’d put ice in them, and we’d have cokes.” Turns out even hot cokes were a hit. Walt recalled opening cases of hot cokes and pitching them to the infantry. G: “No they wouldn’t! They’d try to hit us!” “No, we wouldn’t,” Walt said with a smile. Walt continued, “When you’re in combat, you’re hungry. We were firing M60s and eating C-rations for 45 minutes with our adrenaline pumping. It’s amazing how well you can hear and how clear your vision can be when you have that much adrenaline.” G: “That’s because we could see back then.” W: ”…and we didn’t even have any carrots!”

Walt had the opportunity to experience the local cuisine. Once they were at a Vietnamese

(continued on page 28)

Left: Paine's platoon cooking fish in a helmet

Top Right: Paine's platoon with a large snake they encountered

Bottom Right: Paine and his platoon sergeant sitting on and among cases of c-rations

Cuisine de Combat (cont.)

Army District Post stringing wire for security. While there, he took the advice of the Civil Affairs Officer to “eat what the hell they give you,” while noting it would be a little different from the restaurants. In a shack on the side of the road, Walt sat down with his lieutenant and some other army guys to eat. “They came out with an 11-day egg – pickled.”

Unlike the “3-day eggs” common to most grocery stores, this one was fertilized and showed signs of development. W: "I wouldn’t eat it. That was my only experience with the food.” George was in Vietnam for 8-9 months and never ate local food since he was stationed far from the villages. He was, however, familiar with the local condiment

of choice, nuoc mam, made from fermented fish and easily located just about anywhere.

They speak quickly with their own jargon and tell colorful tales of their experiences. In our hour chat, they shared stories about snakes, scorpions, and leaches; discussed injuries and close calls, colleagues, and training. They reflect fondly on the fellowship and with a deep respect for those who served alongside them.

W: “We were young and immortal.”

G: “Well that’s why we were there! And in a way it was a great adventure.”

n

Top Left: Cooking up a deer at a company night defensive perimeter

Bottom Left: Kurtz eating with Vietnamese scouts

Top Right: Paine eating fresh watermelon outside an area artillery base Bottom Right: cleaning fish caught with concussion grenades

Bar Bestie: Steve

Cat Stevens (Steve) is a little overweight, but is very body positive. In his spare time, he enjoys yelling at his sponsor, Olivia, and watching TV. Despite his apparel, he does not have a Costco membership.

Olivia Park, MGC Law

Can You Name These People?

Golden Oldies

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.

December/January Golden Oldies

Congratulations to Judge Frank Clement of the Tennessee Court of Appeals Middle Section for correctly identifying the indivuals in last issue's photo! Individuals are listed from left to right: Judge Richard Dinkins, Mike Murphy, Joe Haynes, and John G. Geer.

A Journey Inside the Army Medical Services Corp: Where Can You Go?

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.

Most Americans know someone who has been in the Army, but many don’t know the details when it comes to the decisions that you make, or that are made for you, once you enlist. I had the opportunity to speak with a former Major (he chooses to remain anonymous, so I will refer to him as Major T) who was in the Army Services Medical Corps. He shared the experiences he had with the commissioning process, overseas assignments, and life after Military service based on his personal experiences and the intertwining of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and “General Military Law,” which is found in Title 10 of the United States Code Service. Commissioning and Enlistment: Major T embarked on his Military journey through the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) during college, which is generally a two-to-four-year process. When commissioning, Major T was required to take the following Oath: “I, ___, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” 1 To enlist, you must be an able-bodied person who is not less than seventeen years of age, nor more than fortytwo years of age.2

The process was rigorous, and included fitness tests, interviews, and academic evaluations. Following two years of ROTC and completion of pharmacy courses, he was commissioned as

a Reserve Officer. While workings towards his doctorate, he received a monthly stipend and the opportunity to select his duty station out of ten different bases; he ultimately relocated to Kansas, which was his 7/10 pick. Major T explained that one’s first duty station depends on the needs of the military, whereas subsequent stations are determined based on interviews completed for one’s desired locations. Major T was in the Medical Services Corp, which focuses on various specialties, such as Behavioral Health Services, Optometry, Preventative Medicine, and Pharmacy. He received his doctorate in Pharmacy and chose this concentration.

"The process was rigorous, and included fitness tests, interviews, and academic evaluations."

Overseas Assignments and Relocation: Relocation can be a big part of life in the Military and is something anyone joining the Army should be prepared for. Some of the procedures, notice periods and legal basis for relocation orders can vary based on the specific branch of the military. Generally, a first enlistment will be for a period of at least two years but not more than eight years.3

Subject to section 2 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3002), the Secretary of Defense shall take appropriate action (including the transfer, reassignment, consolidation, or abolition of any function, power, or duty) to provide more effective, efficient, and economical administration and operation, and to eliminate duplication, in the

Department of Defense.4

After fulfilling 3.5 years at the duty station in Kansas, Major T was presented with the chance to go overseas. To be eligible to be relocated overseas, a member must have completed the training requirements for their membership.5

The assignment process for Major T involved an extensive match system where preferences were ranked, coupled with interviews for each location. Major T ultimately ended up in Germany. The overseas assignment to Germany was for a minimum commitment of three years, a common requirement for European bases. Other locations have different requirements, for example, a relocation to Japan or Korea would have been a two-year assignment at that time.

Living overseas has various benefits. For example, the Military covers housing costs, provides hazardous pay for certain locations, pays all utilities, and offers a cost-of-living adjustment. Additionally, the Military will ship one vehicle at their expense.

Military personnel are subject to reassignment every three years through the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) cycle. This involves applying for relocation through the Assignment Interactive Module (AIM). Major T described the AIM cycle as similar to a doctor's residency match during medical school. You then have about six months’ notice before relocation. Once commissioned, you are allowed to request leave, and approval is based on discretion. Each Command generally has their own process for requesting time off.

Moving Back to the States and Life After the Military: There are various ways to leave the Military, such as “Unqualified Resignation.” For Major T, he was able to seek an authorized unqualified resignation or “early selective retirement” as an “officer holding the regular grade of major general or rear admiral who has served at least three and one-half years of active duty in that grade.”6 Major T voluntarily decided to move back to Kansas after completing his threeyear assignment in Germany. He went through the approval process and was given an honorable discharge. While he previously was subject to move every three years, he now chooses to remain

in Kansas for the foreseeable future with his family. When he decided to leave the Military, he had to get approval, which can take several months to a year, and involves getting permission from numerous people. They can say no to this request, ultimately requiring you to request to discharge at a later date. There can be many reasons for deciding to leave, such as fulfilling your assignment.

Military law is primarily governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and presents unique challenges and opportunities. Legal terms work diligently, with strict rules that often differ from civilian law. The Military also offers legal professionals the chance to pay off student loans and negotiate duty stations, which can make it an attractive career path. Major T will forever be grateful for the experiences he had in the Military, but is now looking forward to settling down in Kansas. n

Footnotes

1 10 U.S.C.S. § 502 (LexisNexis, Lexis Advance through Public Law 118-34, approved December 26, 2023, with a gap of Public Law 118-31)

2 10 U.S.C.S. § 505 (LexisNexis, Lexis Advance through Public Law 118-34, approved December 26, 2023, with a gap of Public Law 118-31)

3 Id.

4 10 U.S.C.S. § 125 (LexisNexis, Lexis Advance through Public Law 118-34, approved December 26, 2023, with a gap of Public Law 118-31)

5 10 U.S.C.S. § 671 (LexisNexis, Lexis Advance through Public Law 118-34, approved December 26, 2023, with a gap of Public Law 118-31)

6 10 U.S.C.S. § 638 (LexisNexis, Lexis Advance through Public Law 118-34, approved December 26, 2023, with a gap of Public Law 118-31)

Featuring Friedman's

1949 was a banner year for the Friedman family. In short order, my parents, Harry and Delores Friedman, got married and opened their first store...a little Army Navy Store on 4th Avenue across the street from the 4th Avenue entrance to the Arcade. As a young child, I remember it being filled with "real army stuff" as well as some camping and fishing supplies. I remember my Cub Scout Den going to the store one day and my father giving everyone a collapsible tin cup.

My father quickly realized that there was a demand for fishing, camping and hunting supplies as well as work clothes and winter gear and set out looking for a second location that was of sufficient size. He found a building on Nolensville Rd, half of which was vacant, and in 1952 the second Friedman's was opened. About 5 years later, the other half of the building came available and the store doubled in size and featured an array of fishing and hunting gear and clothing as well as work clothes and boots, thermal underwear and other winter wear.

In the early sixties, the downtown store was

closed and the Nolensville Rd. store became the go to place for fishing, camping, hiking and hunting gear as well as work clothes, shoes and boots, thermal underwear and other winter accessories as well as seasonal casual clothing and a whole lot more.

In 1972, my parents opened the now iconic FRIEDMAN'S ARMY NAVY STORE at its current location at 2101 21st Avenue, South where we have occupied the corner of 21st and Blair for over fifty years.

In 1978, Friedman's expanded to the old Greenfield's store on Gallatin Road and in 1989 opened a store in Bellevue near the intersection of Hwy 70 and Old Hickory Blvd, all the while offering a mix of goods that had something for everybody. In 1989, after I had practiced law for nine years and was a partner in a plastic manufacturing company for another four, my parents told me that they were retiring to Florida and that if I did not take over the operation of the family business, they would systematically close all of the stores and thus began my career as a small merchant. At some point, we decided to put all of our eggs in one basket and closed all of the stores except in Hillsboro Village where we have operated continuously since 1972. My wife, Mimi, and our children, Jodie and Jana were all instrumental in the operation of the store and pitched in whenever necessary. We have enjoyed being a part of the community but all good things come to an end and Friedman's will be closing in June 2024....75 years, almost to the day, that the first Friedman's in downtown Nashville was opened. We have made many friends through the years at the store and will always cherish the kind remarks and warm feelings that our customers have imparted to us. n

Frank Friedman is the chair of the NBA's Historical Committee and owner of Friedman's Army Navy Outdoor Store.

Frank Friedman and his wife stand behind the checkout counter of Friedman's Army Navy Outdoor Store.

Continued Legal Education (CLE)

March 25 | Hybrid Seminar

The Negotiator: How to Negotiate Like An FBI Crisis Negotiator

OVERVIEW

Most lawyers don’t negotiate “life and death” situations in their day-to-day practice. Beth Kreppein, a Crisis Negotiation Team Supervisor for the FBI, does. This 90 minute presentation followed by a Q&A session will provide civilians with the “basics” of crisis negotiation, including the importance of active listening skills and how to apply the lessons she’s learned as a crisis negotiator to the more mundane scenarios lawyers (litigator or transactional alike) face. Who knows, you might even be able to use these tips at home with your partner, parents, or children!

PRESENTER

DETAILS

Seminar

Beth Kreppein, Federal Bureau of Investigation

12:00pm - 2:00pm

Credit 2.0 General

Location NBA Office & Zoom

* Pending Accreditation

April 18 | Live Seminar

Cannabis Law CLE

OVERVIEW

Join us for an overview on Cannabis law in Tennessee from attorney Joey Fuson, while enjoying cannabis infused drinks and food at High Notes on Demonbreun. A full bar menu without cannabis is available as well.

PRESENTER

DETAILS

Seminar

Joseph W. Fuson, Esq., Freeman & Fuson

April 26 | Live Seminar

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

OVERVIEW

Join us after the Law Day Luncheon for a CLE that will explore lawyers’ ethical obligations to provide pro bono representation and financial support for legal aid, the “justice gap” by which there are not sufficient pro bono and financial resources available to assure that all indigent persons receive representation, and the fall-out and effect on people’s belief in the rule of law and trust in democracy that is eroded because of that justice gap.

PRESENTERS

Eric Osborne, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison

DarKenya W. Waller, Legal Aid Society

DETAILS

Seminar 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Credit ................................................. 1.0 General

Location Downtown Renaissance Hotel

* Pending Accreditation

April 29 | Virtual Seminar

Death and Real Estate: Title Company Perspective

OVERVIEW

This seminar will highlight key areas of real estate law as it involves death and property ownership. This course will cover how vesting of ownership can impact ownership post-death, the difference between testate and intestate deaths, affidavits of heirship, and title requirements to transfer a property with a death in the chain of title. Supplementing this presentation, speaker John Rochford has prepared a resource guide highlighting TN statues frequently referenced by title companies on underwriting requirements for deaths in the chain of title.

PRESENTERS

3:00pm - 5:00pm

Credit ................................................. 1.5 General

Location High Notes Cannabis Bar & Lounge

* Pending Accreditation

John Cobb Rochford, Rochford Law and Real Estate Title

DETAILS

Seminar ..................................... 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Credit 1.0 General

Location Zoom

* Pending Accreditation

Annual Meeting & Banquet | December 6, 2023

On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, The Nashville Bar Association celebrated the close of 2023 with our Annual Meeting & Banquet. Between reflections on the year and expectations of 2024, many awards and honors were given to members of the Nashville Bar Association who went above and beyond in serving the NBA membership and forwarding our mission to improve the practice of law through education, service, and fellowship.

Among the many awards given, including the Emeritus Awards, was the YLD President’s Award, given to Devon Williamson, the YLD Enterprise Award to Elvira Rodriguez, Mary Stoner & Richard Swor, NBJ Contributor of the year to Candi Henry, Article of the Year, given to Hal Hardin, and the CLE Excellence Award was given to Nathan Ridley and Bill Young. The President’s Awards were given to Mary Bers, Rebecca Lyford, Jimmie Lynn Ramsaur, Keith Turner. Ashley Wiltshire, and Austin McMullen.

Thank you to our sponsors: Member Reception Sponsor, JAMS Mediation, Gold Sponsors, Lieff Cabraser and Polsinelli, Silver Sponsors, Fisher Phillips and Nashville Electric Service, and Bronze Sponsors, Baker Donelson, Bass Berry & Sims, Bradley, Daniel Clayton Law, Gordon Rees, K&L Gates, Neal & Harwell, Ortale Kelley, Patterson IP Law, Shackelford Bowen, Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison, Sims|Funk, and Tune Entrekin White. After giving 2023 a proper send off, we are looking forward to the exciting things that 2024 will bring! n

Eli Richardson, Thomas Mihalczo, Shundra Manning, Elizabeth Wolfe, & David Fletcher

Keith Turner & Lora Fox

Gary & Devon Williamson

Joseph Hubbard, Olivia Park, James Haltom, & John Baxter Bill Ramsey & Thor Urness

Stephanie Williams, Zaia Thombre, Tabitha Robinson, Candi Henry, & Emily Griffin

Darkenya Waller & Michelle Sisco-Sankrityayan

Emily Warwick, Jim Fessenden, Jenny Kiesewetter & Marilyn Higdon Marcus Shute, Jr., Lesa Skoney, & Tim O'Connor

Judge William Joseph "Joe" Haynes, Jr. & William Joseph "Paz" Haynes III

Rachel Harris, Callie Hinson, & Grace Stranch

Joseph Hubbard and Michele Johnson

William Scales, Marie Scott, & Shellie Handelsman

Amy Willoughby Bryant & Thomas Mihalczo

Simone Marshall Hayes & Summer Geyer

Gulam Zade & Mary Bers

Steve Meyer, Peter Weiss, Rhea Bucy, John Nelley, & Judge Joe Haynes

Judge Cindy Chappell, Hal Hardin, & Karen Barnes

Damali Booker 1L Minority Job Fair | January 6, 2024

I was a first year law student in 1993 and among the first two classes of students to participate in Nashville 1L Job Fair. When I graduated, I was hired by the firm I started with at the Job Fair and became that firm’s first partner of color and one of the first partners of color in a majority owned firm in Nashville. I have participated in the Job Fair every year since in some capacity, sometimes as Chair of the NBA Committee, sometimes as a Board or Committee Member, sometimes as a moderator or panelist at the Friday night event, sometimes as an interviewer and sometimes as just a supporter. In my 28 years of practice, the Nashville legal community has gone from a city that had little to no diversity in private law firms, corporations, the judiciary and state and local legal departments to a city that is now rich in diversity and has people from historically under-represented groups and communities well represented in and even leading those same institutions and organizations. The Damali Booker Job Fair has been a critical part of this evolution as it has helped Nashville attract diverse talent from all parts of the country.

In my opinion, being a part of or supporting the Damali Booker Job Fair is not an option—it is an imperative. The Job Fair embodies all of the things that make the practice of law special in Nashville—community, commitment and consistency. The Job Fair’s 30-year plus legacy is one of the longest in the country and one of the most important. I know that it positively changed the trajectory of my career and has done the same for countless others. As a product of the Job Fair, one of its biggest supporters and someone who now leads a Nashville firm that participates in the Job Fair, I can confidently say that the return on investment in the Job Fair is substantial and well worth the effort. n

Luther Wright, Jr. has practiced with Ogletree Deakins' Nashville office for more than a decade. He represents management in all forms of employment discrimination litigation, including litigation based on federal anti-discrimination statutes, state statutes and common law, violence in the workplace, FLSA claims and independent contractor disputes. Wright is also a member of Ogletree Deakins’ national Diversity and Inclusion Practice Group and routinely provides timely client advice and guidance on diversity related matters.

Fady Megaly, Tara Blake, Jianne McDonald, & Dustin Gubernick

Rachel Roberson, Maverick Flowers, & Karla Grullon

Jasmyn McCalla & Kameron Dawson Jin Yoshikawa, Bahar Azhdari, & Princess Rogers

Olivia Park, Bahar Azhdari, & Scarlett Sloane

Meri Gordon, Kevin McCormick & Kim Looney

Antonio Carroll, Laura Smith, Tabitha Robinson, & Alé Dalton

Kameron Dawson, Jasmyn McCalla, & Bryan Cortes

Davidson County High School Mock Trial Competition

February 23-24, 2024

Caleb Hogan is a senior litigation attorney in Bass Berry' Sims' Litigation & Dispute Resolution Practice Group and focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation. He represents clients in a wide range of matters including antitrust matters, business and contract disputes, and investigations.

The 44th Annual Davidson County High School Mock Trial Competition took place February 23-24, 2024, at the Davidson County Courthouse. This year, 21 teams from 11 local high schools competed across four preliminary rounds playing the parts of prosecutors, defense attorneys, and witnesses in a mock trial involving homicide, vandalism, and burglary. The competition culminated with the top two teams competing in the championship round, which was judged by Judge Lynne T. Ingram of the Eighth Circuit Court for the 20th Judicial District serving Davidson County. In the championship, University School of Nashville – A Team took home top honors with their defeat of Montgomery Bell Academy – Red Team. University School of Nashville and Montgomery Bell Academy, however, will both be competing at the state competition being held in Nashville on March 22-23, which will determine the Tennessee champion. Harpeth Hall also fielded three very competitive teams this year, which finished third, fourth, and fifth, and rounded out the awards given to the top five finishers. Mock trial competitions are held throughout the country, with both criminal and civil problems, and are intended to foster an understanding of America’s judicial system while also providing students the opportunity to develop their critical thinking and public speaking skills.

Caleb Hogan, who has served on the Mock Trial Committee for the past three years, reflected on the competitions stating: “it has been an enriching experience to see in action the months of hard work and dedication the students put into preparing for the competitions we have hosted. The students always appear excited to participate, and it is my hope that, win, lose, or draw, my fellow committee members and I have put on competitions that the students found to be a rewarding experience and allowed them to fully demonstrate their talents.”

Save the Date! The 2025 YLD Mock Trial will be held on February 21 & 22, 2025. If you'd like to volunteer contact Pooja Bery and/or Richard Swor. n

Mock Trial Participants

Joseph Hubbard & Ben Raybin

Billy Leslie & Caleb Hogan

Eileen Evans, Eric Evans, Katharine Fischman, Claire Fox Hodge, & Alex Storer

This competition would not have been possible without the generous donation of products, time, and services from the following:

Davidson County Judges & Chancellors

Davidson County Courthouse/General Services

Vanderbilt University Legal Clinic

The Board would also like to express its gratitude to the hundreds of coaches, judges, bailiffs, scorers, and other volunteers who make this competition such a tremendous success (including a very special thank you Casey Miller—2024 NBA YLD President). And, of course, thank you to the school sponsors and students who have worked so hard in preparing for and competing in this year’s Mock Trial Competition. Congratulations on a job well done!

Caleb Hogan, Hayley Baker, Pooja Bery, Richard Swor Mock Trial Committee Co-Chairs n

J.D. Thomas

Second Place Team: Montgomery Bell Academy - Red Team

Bahar Azhdari

Judge Lynne T. Ingram

Pooja Bery, Richard Swor, & Hayley Baker

Mock Trial Participants

First Place Team: University School of Nashville - A Team

Callie Hinson

Lutie Lytle Plaque Unveiling | February 28, 2024

David Ewing

is a ninth generation Nashvillian and Historian. David has spoken to the national board of PBS and visited conventions, including the National Road Builders, Conference of Former U.S. Attorneys, and the League of Cities on Nashville history.

The Lutie Lytle Plaque Committee a project of the Nashville Bar Association Historical Committee unveiled her plaque on February 28, 2024. The committee, co-chaired by Paul DeWitt and David Ewing and made up of Judge Charles Walker, Billye Sanders, David Jones, and Kristen Taylor, raised over $16,000 to commission the plaque of a trailblazing lawyer.

At the unveiling, Mayor Freddie O’Connell spoke on the history Lutie Lytle made in Tennessee. Other speakers included Paul DeWitt, David Ewing, Napier-Looby President Chicoya Smith Gallman, and Judge Angelita Dalton.

The Committee received unanimous approval from the Judges of the Justice A.A. Birch Building to hang the plaque in the lobby in a prominent place of honor. Most Judges of the Birch Building and other current and retired Judges were also in attendance.

David Ewing suggested the Historical Committee should create a plaque honoring the first woman lawyer in Tennessee and Kansas, the second African American woman lawyer in the South and the first woman law professor in the United States. A subcommittee was formed and everyone was excited about honoring Lutie Lytle. This project was a collaboration between the Nashville Bar Association and the Napier-Looby Bar Association.

The Committee hired Jim Franklin the artist who did the plaque of Mayor Richard Fulton on the Fulton Campus and the one honoring Ben West near the entrance of the Ben West Building.

The Committee is still accepting donations until the end of May 2024 which can be sent to the Nashville Bar Foundation and all gifts of $250 or more will have their name placed on a separate plaque next to the Lutie Lytle marker. n

David Ewing, Mayor Freddie O'Connell, Jim Franklin, & Paul DeWitt

Chris Buford & Judge Joe Binkley, Jr.

David Ewing

Chicoya Smith Gallman

Judge Angelita Blackshear Dalton, Paul DeWitt, & Charles Grant

Left: Judge Angelita Blackshear Dalton Below from left to right: Judge Lynne T. Ingram, Judge Allegra Walker, Judge Sam Coleman, Chancellor I'Ashea L. Myles, Judge Angelita Blackshear Dalton, Judge Rachel L. Bell, Judge Khadija Babb, & Judge Robin K. Hayes

Mayor Freddie O'Connell

Left: David Ewing & Chancellor I'Ashea L. Myles Below: Paul DeWitt

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

Honors & Awards

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Nashville partner Tom Trent has been recognized for the fourth consecutive year with a Client Choice Award presented by Lexology. He is recognized in the area of Real Estate in Tennessee, making him one of only three U.S. attorneys receiving a Client Choice Award in the area of Real Estate.

Jonathan Cole , a shareholder in the Nashville office of Baker Donelson, has been nominated by the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates (HOD) as the chair-elect of the 597-member policymaking body for a two-year term that begins after the ABA Annual Meeting this August.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Kristina Allen Reliford has been selected as a 2024 Fellow of the Leadership Counsel on Legal Diversity (LCLD). Reliford is a partner in the firm’s Nashville office and focuses her practice on securities and government investigations, complex business disputes, and non-compete litigation. She has a strong commitment to civic involvement and serves in various leadership roles in civil and professional organizations, including serving as an active member of the Napier Looby Bar Association and serving on the Boards of Directors for the Nashville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division and the STRIVE Collegiate Academy.

On the Move

Nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. is pleased to announce that Kaya Grace Porter

has recently joined the firm as an associate in its Atlanta and Nashville offices. Porter joins Jackson Lewis from Littler Mendelson P.C. and focuses her practice on representing employers in all aspects of employment law, including litigation and preventive counseling.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Elta Breen and Woods Drinkwater have joined the firm as senior attorneys in the Nashville office. Breen is a member of the firm’s Healthcare Practice Group and previously worked for multiple Tennessee state agencies. As an associate counsel for the Tennessee Department of Health, she advised health professional licensing boards, conducted bill analysis for the department, and prosecuted administrative law cases on behalf of the state. Drinkwater joins as a member of Bradley’s Real Estate Practice Group. He concentrates his practice in the area of commercial real estate transactions, leasing, land development, and land and zoning. He has additional experience with litigation related to real estate issues.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that 7 attorneys have joined the firm’s Nashville office as fall associates. Adelaide K. Determann graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School and joins the Healthcare Practice Group. Erik Halvorson graduated from Belmont University College of Law and joins the Banking & Financial Services Practice Group. Lara Morris graduated from Washington and Lee University School of Law and

joins the Construction Practice Group. Andrew W. Tao graduated from University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law and joins the Litigation Practice Group. W. Preston White graduated from University of Tennessee College of Law and joins the Real Estate Practice Group.

Christian L. Wilkinson graduated from University of Tennessee College of Law and joins the Real Estate Practice Group. Adam Williams graduated from University of Alabama School of Law and joins the Banking & Financial Services Practice Group and Litigation Practice Group.

HMC Civil Rights Law

– a law firm focused on employment discrimination cases, is pleased to announce the addition of Katherine X. Hinkle, Esq. as an Associate Attorney. Hinkle was most recently a law clerk with Lackey McDonald, LLC, and previously interned with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and The Bowen Law Group.

Latitude, a globally ranked flexible legal talent company that specializes in providing former Big Law and in-house attorneys for contract engagements with legal departments and law firms, announced today that Robin Bicket White has joined the company’s Nashville office as a Director of Legal Recruiting and Placement. White will serve the Tennessee legal community by finding exciting roles for outstanding attorneys and helping legal department and law firm leaders expand their teams to meet fluctuating demand.

Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison is pleased to announce that David H.

Rue has joined the firm as chief operating officer. Throughout his distinguished career, David developed an innate understanding of implementing strategies to help law firms thrive. He brings the firm over 30 years of operational excellence and strategic leadership.

Stites & Harbison, PLLC announced today that attorney Mary Lucille Noah (Mary Lu) has been promoted to Member (Partner). The promotions are effective January 1, 2024. Noah’s practice primarily involves representing borrowers and lenders in financing transactions, including acquisition and construction loans, term loan facilities, asset based secured financings and revolving credit facilities. She also represents developers, investors and owners in the acquisition, disposition and leasing of real property. She works closely with businesses to ensure compliance with environmental laws, including advising clients on Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act regulations and assisting with the federal and state permitting process.

The Tennessee Bar Foundation announces awards that total $2,000,000 from the IOLTA (Interest On Lawyers’ Trust Accounts) program to law-related organizations across the state. This grant amount for 2024 is the largest in the 36-year history of IOLTA in Tennessee and is a result of higher interest rates paid by financial institutions on the funds in lawyer trust checking accounts. Total IOLTA awards since inception are in excess of $27,000,000. Grants were awarded to 35 different projects, including seven that are new to the IOLTA program this year. The recipients are headquartered in major cities and smaller towns, with collective outreach to all 95

Tennessee counties. The projects provide an array of services, including individual legal representation in a variety of settings, dispute mediation, assistance for survivors of domestic violence, immigration counseling and housing advocacy.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that 2 of the firm’s Nashville attorneys have been elevated to partner, effective Jan. 1, 2024. The new partners are Alé Dalton and Casey L. Miller. Dalton is a member of Bradley’s Healthcare Practice Group, where she assists healthcare industry clients with a wide range of transactional, operational, and regulatory matters. Miller is a member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group and has a diverse practice focused on business tort litigation, contract disputes, fiduciary-duty claims involving corporate directors and officers, intellectual property litigation, securities litigation, disputes over non-compete and non-solicitation agreements, and real estate litigation.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP has completed its Nashville office relocation to ONE 22 ONE, situated at the corner of Broadway and 13th Avenue, and now occupies the top four floors of the 24-story high-rise building.

Memphis and Nashville based attorneys Anne Hamer and Dan Taylor, who specialize in family law services, are proud to announce the opening of their new practice, Hamer & Taylor, in Nashville, Tennessee. With an already established presence and client base in Nashville, the expansion represents their commitment to providing exceptional family law services to the local community.

Baker Donelson has been recognized by Southern Business & Development (SB&D) as one of the South's leading law firms for economic development.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that partner Todd Presnell and counsel Kristi Arth have co-authored a treatise on evidentiary privileges recognized under Tennessee law and federal law within the Sixth Circuit. A firstof-it-kind publication, Privileges and Protections: Tennessee and Sixth Circuit Law, published by LexisNexis/ Matthew Bender, contains 16 chapters addressing over 40 evidentiary privileges and related protections plus an extensive examination of conflict-of-laws issues and the historical origins and development of evidentiary privileges.

The law firm of Baker Donelson has announced a renewed commitment to the American Bar Association's (ABA) Free Legal Answers (FLA), a virtual legal advice clinic, with a major investment of financial and technology resources that will ensure the tool continues to increase access to advice and information about non-criminal legal matters for those who cannot afford a lawyer. This major reinvestment marks ABA's continuing partnership with Baker Donelson, which originally created the FLA platform in 2010 and has provided ongoing financial and technological support.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Nashville partner A.J. Bahou has been appointed to serve on the newly formed Artificial Intelligence (AI) Committee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

(continued on page 44)

Baker Donelson has added 8 new associates in the firm’s Nashville Office. Daniel Abrams in Health Law, Aaron S. Chaloner in Intellectual Property, Meg Hancock, a New Litigator, Julie A. Kilgore in Health Law, Star Kimbrow in Corporate, F. Dalton Thompson, III , in Construction, and new litigators, Frank Toub and J. Tyler Wampler.

Tennessee Bar Foundation announces upcoming retirement of executive director, Barri Bernstein, and launches search for new executive director. Bernstein was the initial executive director of the Tennessee Bar Foundation and has served in that role since 1985. She has advised the Board of Trustees of her retirement in mid-2024.

The law firm of Baker Donelson has named Martha L. Boyd as chair of the Firm's Labor & Employment Group. Boyd, who has served as vice chair of the Labor & Employment Group since 2022 and is a shareholder in the Firm's Nashville office, will work alongside Jennifer K. Dunlap, who assumes the role of vice chair from Boyd, to oversee

the management and strategy of Baker Donelson's national labor and employment practice.

Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP is pleased to announce that Christopher C. Puri has been appointed to a twoyear term as chair of the American Health Care Association’s (AHCA) Legal Committee, which began in January 2024. He was also named a member of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. Puri is a nationally recognized professional in long term care and senior housing who handles a full array of legal issues for providers. As a member of Bradley’s Long Term Care & Senior Housing team, he understands the business of postacute care and how it affects a client’s legal goals. n

Russ

NBA Committee & Section Updates

Our committees evaluate important bar or court-related issues. By volunteering with us, you will not only become part of enhancing the local legal profession, but you will have the opportunity to build your professional network by forging lasting relationships with local, like-minded attorneys, develop and sharpen vital skills like leadership, collaboration, and team-building, and leverage career advancement opportunities — all while making a difference in the profession, our community, and your life.

Attorney Health & Wellness

This year the Health and Wellness Committee is planning to re-establish itself after a multi-year hiatus. Our plans include preparing an updated list of resources for the NBA’s members who are looking for ways to improve their mental and physical well-being, putting on a CLE program focused on mental health, a program that addresses the stress associated with student loan debt, and more! We are currently planning to hold committee meetings the second Thursday of every other month starting in March. Meetings will be held virtually at noon.

YLD Arts Immersion Committee

We are currently organizing Arts Immersion 2024. Our committee received the 2023 NBA YLD Enterprise Award and we plan to bring the same level of commitment and enterprise to planning the event this year, with a fun and engaging Arts Immersion 2024 that will showcase our local creatives and facilitate the delivery of much-needed pro bono legal services to them. Our committee meetings are ongoing and take place monthly – or sooner, depending on need.

Appellate Practice Section

The Appellate Practice Committee is looking forward to increasing engagement and building connections among the Bar’s appellate practitioners in 2024. The Committee is excited to host a social event this spring and, in coordination with the YLD, a multihour CLE program this fall touching on various aspects of appellate practice. Please be on the lookout for details regarding these upcoming programs. If you are interested in joining the Committee or participating in these programs, we would be grateful to have you!

Bankruptcy Court Section

All bankruptcy practitioners are invited to join the Bankruptcy Court Committee! We have regular lunch meetings with CLE credit every-other month at Bradley. We also have social events like the Holiday Party, Sounds games, and happy hours. Come join us! For details contact Committee Chair Austin McMullen (amcmullen@bradley. com or 615-252-2307).

Community Relations Committee

The NBA Community Relations Committee developed a comprehensive spreadsheet listing public, private, and charter schools in Metro-Nashville Davidson County for purposes of streamlining outreach efforts to promote the 2024 NBA Law Day Event and the Poster and Essay Contest for local students. Additionally, the Committee held a meeting with NBA staff to strategize new initiatives aimed at collaborating with local entities dedicated to community engagement, health, safety, and well-being, with the goal of offering additional low-cost or free services to Metro-Nashville Davidson County residents. Additionally, we aim to host an NBA Community Relations Event in early summer, postMemorial Day Weekend, featuring free legal aid services from NBA Members and complementary welfare services from community partners. The Community Relations Committee will conduct quarterly meetings, with updates shared on the Nashville Bar Association Website.

YLD Community Outreach Committee

In 2023, we saw members of the Nashville Bar, specifically the Young Lawyers Division, step up in a big way to give back to the community. Through our annual Brews for Backpacks and Cocktails for Costumes events, Nashville Bar Association members donated

hundreds of backpacks, school supplies, school uniforms, and costumes to Metro Nashville Public Schools Support Services and children in foster care in Middle Tennessee. Members of the NBA and YLD have always been generous during our community outreach events. In 2024, the Community Outreach Committee hopes to see even more engagement with our community partners. We have a few annual events,

(continued on page 46)

Member Spotlight: Daphne Bugelli

I have been singing with the Nashville Symphony Chorus since 2017 performing classical and modern choral works alongside the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. I graduated from Michigan State University College of Law and currently serves as president of the Nashville Spartans alumni club.

Daphne Bugelli, MNRK Music Group

NBA Committee & Section Updates (Cont.)

but they have not yet been scheduled for 2024. Keep an eye out for NBA YLD Volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank in Spring/Summer, Brews for Backpacks in late July, and Cocktails for Costumes in late October.

Criminal Law & Criminal Justice Section

We typically provide a legislative update each fall, which we recently did in August of 2023. We also are working on a team trivia CLE happy hour event, which we hope to get scheduled very soon. Besides that, our committee routinely acts as a liaison between our local criminal judges and the defense bar regarding procedural updates and changes in the local rules.

Estate Planning & Probate Practice Section

Members of the Estate Planning and Probate Committee should have received a "save the date" email in January with all of our upcoming events for the year. While we are still finalizing a few details, we're looking forward to seeing everyone for our Zoom "lunch and learn" CLEs. Make sure to mark your calendars for October 24, 2024 when we will do another all-day Institute. We're adding ethics credit this year! And we're planners, so of course we'll be using any ideas that you send us to plan our CLE calendar for 2025.

Federal Court Section

The Federal Court Section meets regularly to discuss exciting new events and offerings. So far on the docket, there is a hope to revive the ever-popular, State of the Middle District event, led by the Chief Judge, featuring updates, things to consider in Federal Court, and a Happy Hour/get-together in concert with the Circuit and Chancery Committee. We are also planning a CLE on the POWER Act featuring one of our Magistrate Judges. The committee is dedicated to increasing understanding of the Federal Judiciary as well as building camaraderie and offering opportunities to learn from the Federal bench. Stay tuned for more updates!

Government Law Section

The Government Committee plans to continue its tradition of hosting two full-day CLEs during the months of November and December. The committee is excited about convening to determine which topics will be of great benefit to CLE attendees and hopes to increase attendance this year!

Historical Committee

The mission of this committee is to preserve the history of the Nashville legal community and to honor the memory of those who have gone before us and shaped the legal landscape of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. An excellent example of this is the recent NBA Historical CLE, an annual event, the subject of which was the early years of Legal Services of Nashville, headed by Ashley Wiltshire as chronicled by his book, Everyday Justice: A Legal Aid Story. I was reminded how Ashley and his team fought to provide competent legal representation to the underserved and overlooked during a period of time that many thought that legal representation was only for those who could afford it. If you are unfamiliar with this story, I strongly recommend that you read the book or watch the CLE on the NBA’s YouTube Channel.

Another major project of the Historical Committee is the Oral History Project in which we interview for posterity long-standing members of the Nashville Bar, recording their formative years, education, legal experiences, etc., all of which are posted to the NBA YouTube Channel and make an ongoing history of the Nashville Bar. We have other projects such as the twiceyearly Memorial Service but more about that in a subsequent column.

If this has piqued your interest and you would like to join the NBA Historical Committee, please contact Ashley Moore at the NBA office and she will add your name to our email list. We meet on the second Wednesday of every month via Zoom so feel free to join us at a meeting in the near future and see if this is for you. Like the old TV commercial said, “try it, you’ll like it!”

Immigration Law Section

The Immigration Law Section held a wonderful virtual CLE on March 7 highlighting different immigration law nonprofits in Nashville and explaining how these organizations are helping immigrants in the Nashville community. For attorneys, this has proven to be a great resource to refer to clients who are needing pro bono or low bono immigration-related services. As well, it has provided attorneys interested in nonprofit practice an idea of the job opportunities in our area and familiarized attendees with pro bono opportunities through these agencies. If you are interested in planning and supporting future events that promote education about Immigration Law and help foster support for our practices and the communities we serve, please consider joining the Immigration Law Section.

YLD Membership Committee

The NBA YLD Membership Committee is focused on growing the YLD’s membership numbers, with particular focus on new young lawyers joining the Nashville Bar each year following graduation from law school. To that end, our main event each year is a happy hour in which the current members of the NBA, NBA YLD, and law students across the state are invited to come together and get to know each other. This event serves as a primary information gathering point for both potential new members and the YLD. Be on the lookout for this event in early July 2024!

YLD Mock Trial Committee

After a successful and fun 2024 YLD Mock Trial, we are looking forward to 2025! The 2025 YLD Mock Trial will be held on February 21 & 22, 2025. If you'd like to volunteer or mentor a team, contact Pooja Berry and/ or Richard Swor. We hope to throw another fantastic event with the help of our generous volunteers! n

2024 Board of Directors

Goal: To grow relationships and energize the NBA and its members.

Fun Fact: I love puzzles, crosswords, and any NYT games.

K&L Gates

Goal: Increase member engagement in NBA

Fun Fact: I am scared of heights but have been sky diving two times and hang gliding once.

Goal: Grow NBA membership.

Hobbies: Reading and napping.

Goal: Do more

Fun Fact: I enjoy live theater! One of my favorite shows was Kindling Arts Festival's "Naughty Tree”

Goal: Celebrating turning 40 by hiking a short stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

Fun Fact: My wife and I raised chickens in 2023. We named the hens after first ladies: Lady Bird, Maime, and Flo.

Goal: To finish my Associate of Science in Industrial Electronics and Electrical Maintenance.

Fun Fact: I play saxophone & teach saxophone lessons every week at W.O. Smith Music School.

Goal: My goal for this year is to be more present, and not thinking about my cases when I am with my family.

Hobbies: My biggest hobby is exercising – I prefer to run if I can keep from injuring myself.

Goal: Connect with attorneys across practice areas to assess NBA offerings to attract and retain members.

Fun Fact: I ran track throughout high school and will be completely useless this summer when womens track and field/sprinting is on at the Olympics.

Lewis

Goal: Progress from running a 10K to 7 miles.

Fun Fact: My hobbies include cooking, fitness dance and beginner yoga.

Goal: More reading.

Hobbies: Georgia football and SCUBA diving.

Thomason

Goal: To identify new member benefits, including unique CLEs, networking events, community service opportunities, and innovative benefits like our new CLE Pass.

Hobbies: cooking with my daughter, chauffeuring my son to his various sports, and traveling to new places with my family.

Bahar Azhdari, President Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

Joseph Hubbard, President-Elect Polsinelli

Kaya Grace Porter, First Vice President Jackson

Kim Looney, Second Vice President

Tabitha Robinson, Secretary Nashville Electric Service

Blake Bernard, Treasurer Bradley

S. Jae Lim, Assistant Treasurer United States Attorney's Office

Lela M. Hollabaugh, General Counsel Bradley

Casey Miller, YLD President Bradley

Gulam Zade, Immediate Past President Cards Consulting

turnaround consulting this year as I continue growing my consultancy!

Marie Scott, First Vice President-Elect Fisher & Phillips

Christen Blackburn, Second Vice PresidentElect Lewis

2024 Board of Directors (Cont.)

Goal: To run a half marathon (it's been since pre-covid since i've done one.)

Fun Fact: I like to Paddleboard

Goal: To connect through the NBA with a new mentee and a new mentor.

Hobbies: Reading romance and suspense novels.

Goal: To be happy and to be happy at work.

Fun Fact: the only two movies I’ve seen in the last 3 years: Maverick and The Meg 2

Goal: To be able to do a handstand

Fun Fact: I taught Latin dancing for five years with my husband.

Goal: transition from my current role (I ‘retire’ 6/30) to starting a mediation practice, and work to have more corporate counsel join the NBA.

Fun Fact: I once babysat for Mr. and Mrs. Cash (yes, Johnny and June).

Goal: Drink more water

Hobbies: obstacle course races and rucking

Goal: For NBA members to take advantage of our great CLEs all year

Fun Fact: I was born and raised in New York City

Goal: (Per my son) Read all children’s books at the Nashville Library

Fun Fact: Prior to being a lawyer, I sold knives and cars

Goal: To welcome new members into the Nashville Bar Association especially solo practitioners and government attorneys.

Hobbies: Reading and cheering on my junior high school son.

Goal: Be more intentional about time spent scrolling on my phone

Hobbies: I love to explore new places

Jaz Boon Bridgestone Americas

Amy Willoughby Bryant Office of Conservatorship Management

Josh Burgener Dickinson Wright

Erin Coleman Yad Consulting

Daniel Clayton Law Office of Daniel Clayton

Beau Creson Sims|Funk

Flynne Dowdy Holland & Knight

Sherie Edwards State Volunteer Mutual Insurance Company

Hon. Ana L. Escobar General Sessions Court, Division III

Elizabeth Foy Tennessee Department of Correction

Shellie Handelsman Handelsman Law

Cherelle Hooper Tennessee Housing Development Agency

Ben Raybin

Raybin & Weissman

Goal: To continue expanding my civil rights practice.

Hobbies: I enjoy long walks on the beach.

Worrick Robinson Law

Goal: To find a better balance in work and home life, work out, and take advantage of opportunities for travel. Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, working in the yard, and time with my family. I collect fine pens and have enjoyed getting back on the field in the NBA Softball League after being away for twenty plus years. It is, no doubt, still a young person’s game.

Bruce Shanks

Deloitte

Goal: Enjoy the Journey Hobbies: Golf

Tim Warnock

Loeb & Loeb

Goal: to help the Entertainment, Sports and Media Law Committee have another great year.

Fun Fact: avid scuba diver.

Thank you to our Dial-A-Lawyer Volunteers

Tom Lawless

Gina Crawley

Katie Donovan

Pooja Bery

Chris Hugan

Shane Richards

Olivia Al-Sadi

Quynh-Ann Kibler

Erika Ivey Clifton

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.

The NBA All-Access CLE Pass

For $199, members may register for an unlimited number of any NBA-produced* seminars, both in-person and through Distance Learning throughout the membership year (November 1 through October 31**).

The All-Access CLE Pass is exclusive to NBA members only. For details and more information regarding the All-Access CLE Pass, visit NashvilleBar.org/CLE

*Travel-related CLEs and other seminars in which we partner with outside entities are excluded from AllAccess CLE Pass use.

**The All Access CLE Pass expires annually on October 31 and may not be used to register for seminars beyond that date.

Worrick G. Robinson IV

Leigh Walton Bass, Berry & Sims

Hon. John R. Manson Davidson County Judicial Magistrate

2024 YLD Board

Goal: Less technology

Fun Fact: Hiking with my dog Milli

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

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

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

Fun Fact: Huge pro wrestling fan

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

Goal: increase financial support to beneficiary organizations

Fun Fact: I drank from the Stanley Cup

DevonLaw

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

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

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

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

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

Goal: To build relationships

Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling and hiking

Corporation

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

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

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

Casey Miller, President Bradley

Callie Hinson, President-Elect Neal & Harwell

Ryan Loofbourrow, Treasurer Baker Donelson

Quynh-Anh Kibler, Secretary Holland & Knight

Eric Evans, Events Director Adams & Reese

Hannah Kay Hunt Freeman, Professional Development Director Louisiana-Pacific

Taylor Ward, Public Service Director Manier & Herod

Devon Williamson, Carbolic Smoke Ball Co-Chair

Grace Benitone, Carbolic Smoke Ball Co-Chair Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell

Kate Hamilton, Carbolic Smoke Ball Co-Chair United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee

Olivia Park, Race Judicata Co-Chair McAngus Goudelock & Courie

Nathan North, Race Judicata Co-Chair Patterson Intellectual Property Law

2024 YLD Board (Cont.)

Epstein Becker & Green

Goal: Raise more money for ABLE Youth and Achilles International Nashville

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

Butler Snow

Goal: Contribute to the continued success of the YLD

Fun Fact: I am an avid outdoorsman

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Goal: Improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness in Nashville

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

Goal: To build connections between Nashville’s young attorneys

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

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

Hobbies: Knitting (currently working on a cardigan)

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.

& 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.

Shundra Crumpton Manning, Race Judicata Co-Chair Polsinelli

Elvira Rodriguez, Arts Immersion Co-Chair Holland & Knight

Ann Knuckles Mahoney, Arts Immersion Co-Chair

Matt Hinson, Arts Immersion Co-Chair

Alyssa Barksdale, Social Co-Chair Bradley

Claire Fox Hodge, Social Co-Chair Bradley

Sarah Ingalls, Social Co-Chair

Lindsey Shepard, Community Outreach Co-Chair

Evan Rothey, Community Outreach Co-Chair Sims | Funk

Seth Cline, Unhoused Committee Co-Chair Collins Legal

Jamie Thompson, Unhoused Committee Co-Chair K&L Gates

Regan Sherrell, Law Week Co-Chair Holland

Medical

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

Hobbies: Spending time with husband and daughters

Advocates

Goal: Get to know my fellow board members better

Fun Fact: I traveled to 30 countries by the age of 30

Goal: Successful mock trial enjoyed by all participants and volunteers

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

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

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

Trial Co-Chair

Goal: A smooth, fun mock trial competition

Hobbies: spending time with my young children

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.

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

Caleb Hogan, Mock

Bass, Berry & Sims

Angela Williams, Law Week Co-Chair Sunrise

Pooja Bery, Mock Trial Co-Chair McKellar Law Group

Hayley Baker, Mock Trial Co-Chair HB

Richard Swor, Mock Trial Co-Chair Husch Blackwell

100% Club

Thank you for supporting your local bar association!

The Nashville Bar Association 100% Club is a special category of membershipthat demonstartes a commitment to the legal profession and our community from legal organization 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

Butler Snow, LLP

Cole Law Group, P.C.

Collins Legal, PLC

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP

Cornelius & Collins, LLP

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

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, PLLC

Nashville Electric Service

Neal & Harwell, PLC

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

Parker, Lawrence, Cantrell & Smith

Patterson Intellectual Property Law, PC

Pepper Law, PLC

Phelps Dunbar

Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell PLC

Raybin & Weissman, PC

Reno & Cavanaugh, PLLC

Riley & Jacobson, PLC

Rogers, Shea, Spanos

Ryan C. Davis Law, PLLC

Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton, LLP

Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison, PLC

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

Get to Know Bahar Azhdari

We had the opportunity to talk with our new NBA president to get to know her better. We Are excited about her leadership in the coming year!

Which living person do you most admire?

Right out of the gate with a big one. I admire quite a few people for different reasons, but the one I most admire is my mom. She came to this country expecting to stay a short time to complete her master’s degree and ended up having to stay due to political forces outside of her control. Once here, she made a life for herself and her family, built a dental practice in a rural area seeing an underserved population, and has never met a stranger. Seriously, she can talk to anyone and make them feel instantly heard and loved. She exemplifies the best of what we can achieve, and she’s got a pretty wicked sense of humor.

What is your current state of mind?

A good mix of emotional and reasonable depending on the time of day – or how much coffee I’ve had.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

I don’t think there is one. Virtues, by their nature and simplest definition, are qualities that make us better. Everyone’s capacity for developing them is different. We may not all have the same ones, or we may have to try harder than others to develop certain ones. I think there is a benefit to continually trying to improve, even if we don’t always hit the mark.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Fantastic,” “that’s great,” “sounds good,” and “perfect.”

Which talent would you most like to have?

To know how to make clothes. I can fix a hole in a sock or replace a button (both barely), but it would be great to be able to be more sustainable by creating or converting my own items.

What is your most marked characteristic?

This is hard to quantify, but my ability or willingness to try new things, even if scary. I tried surfing for the first time last year in Costa Rica. I was hesitant to do it, thinking I wouldn’t be good at it. While I won’t be turning pro any time soon, I ended up having a great time and even caught a few waves! Most importantly, I’m so glad I tried and that memory will stay with me.

What do you most value in your friends?

Understanding, patience, love, and humor.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Those who have the courage, sense of justice, and conviction to serve others and who work to make the world a better place.

What is your greatest fear?

Spiders, obviously. n

“I don’t know who my malpractice insurance is with...”

…is something our policyholders don’t say.

With our unparalleled customer service, monthly free CLE, and our active participation in bar associations and affinity groups, you’ll know you’re with us, even if you never have a claim. We support you, educate you, and someday might even defend you.