From the Podium to Practice: Faculty Insights on Elevating Legal Education at Nashville School of Law
Teaching, Mentoring, and Building a Legal Future
NSL Welcomes New Faculty
STUDENTS
72 Graduate from Nashville School of Law at Annual Commencement Ceremony
NSL’s Class of 2029 Begins Their Law School Journey
Get to Know: NSL 4L Ashley Allen
Get to Know: NSL 2L Marvin Williamson
Celebrating Heather Bright’s 20 Years at NSL
BOARD & FACULTY
NSL Alumna Marlene Eskind Moses ’80 Joins the Board of Trust
ALUMNI Bar Exam Success List
Catching up With: NSL Alumnus Jesse Waterman ’12
Class Notes
Board & Faculty Notes
In Memoriam
Teaching by Example
When asked for their impressions of the Nashville School of Law, Tennessee’s legal community most often praises our faculty. With good reason. These 52 judges and lawyers are a source of enormous institutional pride. They utilize their extensive real-world experience, their passion for teaching, and their dedication to their students’ success to help our graduates earn their J.D. degrees and then go on to become respected legal professionals.
the importance of learning practical ways to build a law practice, to resolve disputes, and to add value to their clients’ transactions. As a result, many in the legal community believe that NSL graduates are more “practice ready” than their counterparts.
William
The four founders of our school in 1911 also became our first four professors. NSL has relied exclusively on adjunct faculty ever since. We have recruited respected members of the bench and bar to return to the classroom to share their knowledge, practice-minded insights, and experiences with the next generation of lawyers. Our professors not only help our students understand basic legal principles; they also help them become better thinkers and writers.
During most of the 20th century, the curriculum in many United States law schools became increasingly focused on concepts, theories, and principles and on advancing legal knowledge through scholarly publications. While the pendulum swung away from the real-world application of these theories, NSL’s professors continued to emphasize
Other law schools have now realized the value of adjunct faculty. They have become a prominent fixture in virtually every law school in the United States. By some estimates, adjunct professors are now teaching up to 45% of all law school courses. With the increasing recognition that adjunct faculty broaden and enrich legal education and help control its cost, it will not be surprising to see more law schools moving in NSL’s direction by relying more on the expertise of the bench and bar to guide students through the complexities of the law.
This issue of The Torch recognizes and celebrates our adjunct faculty. While space constrains the number and length of the profiles, these professors embody and reflect their colleagues’ commitment to and long-lasting relationships with their students. NSL’s Board of Trustees, graduates, and current students are grateful for our faculty’s good work.
From the Podium to Practice:
Faculty Insights on Elevating Legal Education at Nashville School of Law
At Nashville School of Law, our greatest strength is our faculty. Some of Tennessee’s most respected judges and practicing attorneys aren’t just teaching here, they’re mentoring, challenging, and inspiring the next generation of lawyers right from our classrooms.
This feature is our chance to spotlight just a few of these exceptional professors and the impact they have on our students. How do they take aspiring lawyers from day one and prepare them for the realities of legal practice? That’s the story we’re beginning to tell.
We could easily dedicate a full profile to each faculty member, but for now, we’re pulling back the curtain to share a glimpse of the people and the passion that make NSL such a unique place to study law.
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Judge Angelita Dalton and Chancellor Pat Moskal
Judge Marshall Davidson and Lavinia Becker ’23
Christian Cahill ’16
Judge Stephanie Williams
Judge Amanda McClendon
Nancy Baxley ’26, Savanna Loftis ’26, Eric Osborne, and James Harsey ’26
Dianne Neal and Judge Amanda McClendon
Judge Mark Fishburn ’79
Dr. Thorunn McCoy
Dan Berexa and Laura Chastain ’86
Judge Carlton Lewis Judge Lynn Alexander ’87 and Trevor Howell
Kim Reed-Bracey Johnson ’00
Russell Taber, Eric Osborne, Patrick Frogge, and Kyle Neal Lisa Helton
Phil Newman Scott Fielding
Sara Figal
Shannon Walker ’14
Jonathan Motley
Teaching, Mentoring, and Building a Legal Future
On a Monday night, well past 8 p.m., Nashville School of Law Professor of Evidence Judge Steve Dozier attaches his wireless microphone in front of a brightly lit classroom, preparing to engage a group of weary-yet-determined law students about the rules of evidence. One student has just come from a full-time shift as a legal assistant; another is already thinking of his 90-minute commute home after class. However, all eyes are on Dozier, ready for tonight’s class.
At NSL, night law classes are not just a convenience, they are a commitment. And the School’s faculty works hard to deliver the same academic rigor, mentorship, and innovation found in top-tier law schools.
With a focus on giving students real-world learning, future-ready courses, and the support they need to succeed, NSL professors are redefining what it means to teach the law after dark.
High-Impact Learning Environments
Dozier, a 1984 NSL graduate, knows the demands of night law school firsthand. He balanced work and classes as a student, and now, after 25 years on the faculty, he still does, serving as a Davidson County Criminal Court Judge by day and teaching Evidence at night.
“I teach law school on Mondays, and at work my Mondays can be long because that is typically jury selection day. I might not get home until 6 p.m., and then I eat, turn around, and come to campus,” said Dozier.
In his courtroom, Dozier handles a wide range of criminal cases —everything from
domestic violence to first-degree murder. No matter the charge, each case demands careful attention to the rules of evidence. It’s his job to make sure the trial is fair, the process is followed, and justice is done.
“I tell my students you can research your case and the law all day long in your office, yet if you want to be a litigator in a courtroom setting, evidence issues can get right past you within two or three seconds, and if you don’t make an objection, you’ve waived it. Some of your better lawyers are good with procedural rules and evidence,” he said.
Dozier must swiftly make legal rulings in his courtroom, assessing whether the evidence presented violates any rules. He emphasizes to his students the importance of having a solid understanding of legal principles and demonstrates how to effectively apply that knowledge in real courtroom scenarios.
“NSL teaches the theory behind the law to some extent, but it also emphasizes the importance of knowing how the rules work in real life because a good lawyer doesn’t just understand the law, they know how to use it to help their clients,” said Dozier.
“If you can keep something out, based on an evidentiary issue, and your client doesn’t get convicted or gets convicted of a lesser offense because you kept the jury from hearing something, you have done your job.” He added, “Or maybe you get the DNA admitted because of convincing arguments on the chain of custody, then you have helped that victim because of the rules of evidence. And that is why they are so important because they affect nearly every aspect of a trial.”
In Dozier’s classroom, lectures are just the starting point. He focuses on case studies and gets students actively involved in the discussion. Drawing from his own courtroom experience, he discusses aspects of local cases, as well as high-profile ones like the Alex Murdaugh murder trial, which showed how important circumstantial evidence can be, and the Johnny Depp defamation case, where hearsay evidence took center stage.
“I tell a student to keep reading the appellate opinions, because the rules of evidence evolve. The rules may be in black and white, but the appellate court can interpret those rules in different ways. Hearsay is a great example. The U.S. Supreme Court is still dealing with hearsay issues and explaining that for the courts and lawyers. Their opinions are still trying to define it,” said Dozier. “So, I let our law students know —you can’t just graduate, pass the bar, and forget about evidence or torts.”
Learning the law gives students the ability to think like a lawyer, but it’s real-world experience that teaches them how to act like one. That’s why Judge Dozier goes beyond the classroom, inviting his students to observe trials in his courtroom and see the law in action.
“I have had quite a few students ask me about the dockets. The students have come to court to watch a trial I preside over,” said Dozier. “I think seeing it in person as well as talking about it in class makes a big difference.”
Nashville School of Law faculty connect classroom learning to real-world practice, preparing students to step confidently into
Tamika Dyer ’15
Matt Sweeney Chris Hugan ’03
Chancellor Anne Martin
General Glenn Funk
Wes Turner
the legal profession from day one. Since becoming an NSL professor in 2000, Dozier has hired eight former NSL students to serve as law clerks.
Teaching Law with the Future in Mind
Down the hallway, NSL Professors Jeff Mobley and Judge Andra Hedrick of the 20th Judicial District Court in Tennessee, co-teach Wills on Monday nights. They bring a wealth of experience, almost 70 years combined, in helping clients and courts navigate estate matters.
“We are dealing with wills and estates all day, every day. This is our space, and so I would like to think that helps make the class a unique experience for the students,” said Mobley, a partner at Mobley & Gontarek, PLLC.
When it comes to wills and estates, these professors don’t just teach the material — they literally wrote the book on it.
“Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates,” tailored to Tennessee law, covers the nuances of wills, probate, and estate administration under Tennessee statutes and case law, making it a key resource for practitioners and students.
Hedrick and Mobley were invited to co-author the most recent editions. Mobley contributed to the 5th, 6th, and 7th editions, while Hedrick joined as a co-author for the 6th and 7th. They were brought onto the project by Jack Robinson, Sr., an attorney who has also worked on the book.
“Pritchard on Wills and Administration of Estates is a revered treatise among the Tennessee Bar; it is kind of the bible of probate law and will law in Tennessee,”
said Mobley. “So, to have the opportunity to work on this treatise is a privilege.”
“Teaching at NSL and being involved in Pritchard forces us to keep up with the changes. I do think it is easy for very experienced lawyers to sit back and relax and think they know everything and nothing ever changes. However, there might be a change to the statute. A new case may come about. There may be a surprising argument that someone makes in a case that is successful, and we can be proven wrong,” said Hedrick.
Mobley and Hedrick stay current with changes in the law and keep their students informed. When a significant change happens, they update their teaching to reflect it.
“We present our exam questions similar to what you could expect on the bar exam. They are in the style of bar questions –fact patterns with choices that require you to analyze the options and choose the best option. It is different from when I first started at NSL. Back then, I was presenting more true/false questions and essays, and now we bear down on complex multiple-choice questions,” said Hedrick.
The professors are focused on making sure students obtain the necessary knowledge and skills that are essential for success. Mobley draws from his experience in private practice, walking students through the documents they’ll need and how to handle the court process. Hedrick, on the other hand, gives them a look from the bench—pointing out the common traps and courtroom mistakes even seasoned attorneys sometimes make.
“It is important to us to make the students functional in this law practice because the reality is, even those lawyers who say, ‘Well I am a litigator, well I am a real estate lawyer, or I do bankruptcy,’ they will still be asked to do people’s wills. They will be asked to present that will for probate. And they will assume that it is easy, and they would assume wrong. So, we want to get our students to a level of functionality in law practice so they can do this if they choose to, or if they are asked to, with few if any mistakes,” said Judge Hedrick.
“This part of the law is relational. It’s about meeting people and helping them write a will or meeting with a family who has lost a loved one and helping them with an estate,” said Mobley. “So my approach in the classroom is relational. We want the students to see that this area of the law is exciting, and fundamentally relevant to everything they do.”
Curriculum Designed for Today’s Legal Profession
To keep up with the changing legal landscape, Nashville School of Law has been updating its curriculum with forward-looking courses. In the past five years, the School has added several new classes including Electronic Discovery, Artificial Intelligence, and Legislative Law & Drafting.
Anastasia Campbell is the Director of the Tennessee General Assembly Office of Legal Services. She has worked for the state legislature for 18 years and joined the NSL Faculty in 2023.
“I enjoy being around the future of the Nashville legal community. The fact that I am teaching our future legal leaders is a
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Hunter Mobley
Donald Capparella
Ed Lanquist Judge Carlton Lewis, John Lewis, Evan Baddour, Clark Spoden, NSL
Dean William C. Koch, Jr.
Emily Harvey ’16, Amber Schlatter ’23, and Jenna Huff ’23
Hank Hildebrand , Dianne Neal, Judge Frank Clement ’79, Judge Jeffrey Usman, and Barbara Moss
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high honor,” said Campbell. “I get to be a part of shaping how new lawyers approach a legislative problem, which is a privilege.”
According to the Tennessee Legislative Librarian, in the first session of the 114th Tennessee General Assembly, lawmakers introduced a total of 2,904 bills: 1,440 in the House and 1,464 in the Senate. More than 500 bills became law. As the volume of legislation grows, so does the demand for skilled lawyers who know how to draft.
“Legislative drafting is complex, as it involves not only navigating a particular area of the law that itself might be complex, but also balancing the needs and interests of all three branches of government. The drafter must navigate all these competing needs and interests while also attempting to be creative and clever using a highly technical form of writing,” said Campbell.
Legislative Law & Drafting teaches the fundamentals of drafting, editing, and analyzing statutes, the importance of effective statutory drafting, and how the legislative process operates. It covers the constitutional and legal requirements for drafting legislation, the structure of a bill, its key components, and why each element matters in the final draft.
“As for legislative law, understanding the process by which the statutory law changes helps understand the law itself. Most lawyers will probably not draft legislation as their sole practice; however, most lawyers will have to devote time to understanding, applying, interpreting, and counseling others about the statutory law,” Campbell said.
“Understanding the process in which statutory law is made, and the methodology of statutory construction will help lawyers when they are called upon to interact with the statutes,” she added.
Legislative Law & Drafting is offered as a one-credit elective at NSL and enrolls approximately 40 students per academic year. As the final writing assignment, students are asked to draft a bill and amendment that would solve a legislative problem.
Helping Students Thrive from Day One
At the end of his orientation presentation for new students, NSL Professor of Advanced Legal Studies Chuck Shonholtz grabs a dry erase marker and writes his email address
and cell number on the white board. Even though he will not teach these incoming 1Ls until their final year, he always tells them they are welcome to reach out anytime if they need help during law school.
And he means it.
Over the years, he has answered emails, phone calls, and even gone out of his way to meet with NSL students when they do not understand a legal concept. As he says, he helps demystify the law.
“You have to really be passionate. You really have to love this. Find your niche. If you find an area of law that really ‘blows your skirt up’ then that is the area of law that you need to focus on,” Shonholtz said with a chuckle.
“The majority of (NSL) students want this more than I want it for them. Now, if you want it more than I want it for you, then you have a shot. You know what I mean? For the students who want it, I will move mountains for them,” he said.
In his role at NSL, Shonholtz prepares 4L students for the multiple-choice section of the bar exam. And he has the credentials to help them succeed. Shonholtz is the Senior Director of Legal Education and National Multi-state Instructor at Barbri, where he has helped hundreds of thousands of law students from all over the nation pass the bar exam. He is the most viewed Barbri lecturer in the United States.
He even caught the attention of Los Angeles Entrepreneur and now legal advocate Kim Kardashian.
“I got a phone call from someone I work with at Barbri, and he said, ‘I have been working with Kim, and she saw some of your videos and she got really excited at the possibility to work with you,’” Shonholtz said.
He tutored Kardashian and helped her pass the baby bar in California.
“She called me as she was leaving a Red Lobster — you know she puts her pants on one leg at a time like the rest of us — and she was through the roof and giddy about passing,” he said.
“She is a really cool person, very humble. Her whole family is really nice. It was a major feather in my cap. The experience was amazing because I got another opportunity
to work with someone who wanted it more than I did. At the end of the day, that is all I ask from our students.”
From tutoring influential executives to teaching NSL students, Shonholtz approaches every legal lesson with passion.
“I teach in a very conversational manner. I try not to speak law to the students. When I say that, I mean I don’t want it to seem like I am speaking from an ivory tower. I come down to a human colloquial level. I speak plain English,” he said. “My teaching style is meet them where they are and then reel them in to what they need to know.”
Looking back on his time in law school, Shonholtz recalls struggling at times, largely because some instructors didn’t clearly explain key legal concepts.
“When students realize I am just telling stories and putting them into a fact pattern, they can start not only intellectualizing what the law is but seeing how the law is applied,” said Shonholtz. “I stress to my class—passing the bar is about practicing the law, not reading it. If you think you’re going to pass the bar exam by reading outlines and you think you’re going to pass the bar exam by watching videos, you are engaging in a fool’s errand.”
Throughout a student’s time in law school, Shonholtz stays connected with them well beyond the classroom. Even while traveling for Barbri, he takes time to answer emails from NSL students, often breaking down complex legal concepts to make sure everything clicks. Whether it’s over the phone, in person, or through a detailed message, he’s always willing to walk through questions and offer thoughtful, clear feedback. He has joined study groups for a quick tutorial and stayed long after class ends to help students.
His goal is to eventually get NSL to a bar passage rate of 85%.
“I don’t know how I am going to do it, or if it’s feasible, but I am going to go to the mattresses for these students, and I will die on my sword trying to get them there because I genuinely care about this student body,” said Shonholtz. “Other than the birth of my two daughters, the Angels winning the World Series in 2002, the Rams winning a couple of Super Bowls, the best 100 minutes of my week, every week, is on Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8:10, here at NSL. I really love what I do.”
NSL Welcomes New Faculty Members
NSL Professor of Bar Exam Workshop
Josh Hunter is a 2024 graduate of Nashville School of Law. He is an associate attorney at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law in Hendersonville where his primary focus is estate planning, asset protection and life care planning. He also specializes in helping clients understand and navigate Medicare and Veterans benefits.
In 2025, the NAELA Journal (National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys) published his article, “Constructive Removal – An Unsolved Due Process Violation in the Medicare Program.”
Hunter holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Tennessee Technological University. He started co-teaching Bar Exam Workshop with NSL Professor Emily Harvey ’16 in August.
NSL Professor of Sports Law Derek Crownover
Derek Crownover is a trusted adviser to top names in sports, entertainment, and media, helping clients protect and grow business assets. He has represented artists, athletes, executives, indie labels, and major brands in licensing, litigation, NIL, and IP transactions.
Crownover has led over $1 billion in catalog sales and advised on deals involving funding, private equity, and stadium development. A former MLBPA-certified agent and college baseball standout, he began his career in sports media and launched his own talent agency before law school.
Crownover started teaching Sports Law at NSL this fall. He previously taught entertainment and sports law at Belmont and has held leadership roles with the T.J. Martell Foundation and Tennessee Bar Association.
Jeff Mobley and Judge Andra Hedrick
Judge Andra Hedrick
Chuck Shonholtz
Judge Steve Dozier ’84
Anastasia Campbell
Judge Steve Dozier ‘84
Chuck Shonholtz
Anastasia Campbell
NSL Alumna Cindy Jones ’96 and NSL Faculty Member Clark Spoden Honored at NSL Recognition Dinner
More than 500 guests filled the ballroom at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel on Friday, June 6, for this year’s Nashville School of Law Recognition Dinner.
Colleagues, classmates, friends, and family members gathered to celebrate this year’s NSL alumna honoree, Cindy Jones ’96.
“I am deeply honored, and honestly, emotional, to be this year’s recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from Nashville School of Law. It is one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Jones.
“When I think back to those years—working full time, raising two little ones, and going to law school at night—I remember how hard it was. But it was also one of the most defining chapters of my life. It shaped in me a discipline and a work ethic that served me throughout my entire career. This school opened doors that changed the course of my
life, and I’m forever indebted. This recognition means more than I can say.”
In the late 1980s, Jones worked alongside Kirk Scobey, a 1974 graduate of NSL, at Sovran Bank in Nashville. Scobey, who died in 2023, played a pivotal role in encouraging Jones to pursue her law degree at NSL. Their professional relationship continued when Scobey founded Equitable Trust in the 1990s, where Jones dedicated her career to assisting families with trust and estate planning.
“She is warm, connective, and she loves to make friends and make people feel comfortable. Cindy is one of the most relational people I know,” said Jones’ co-worker and friend and NSL Professor of Estate Planning Hunter Mobley.
Since graduating from NSL, Jones has been an active alumna, attending the School’s an-
nual dinners, as well as encouraging others to obtain their law degree at NSL.
The evening also recognized Clark Spoden, the NSL Professor of Civil Procedure and Remedies, who was honored as this year’s NSL faculty recipient. Spoden, a partner at Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin PPLC (GSRM) in Nashville, was surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and even some clients, all of whom came to express their support.
“I am tremendously honored to be the Faculty Honoree at the Nashville School of Law,” “Sharing the evening with my family, friends, colleagues and hundreds of former students was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I am very grateful to be on the faculty at the Nashville School of Law and to be part of its mission to provide an affordable legal education. The event is a celebration of that commitment. I am
grateful to Dean Koch and to the Board of Trust of the law school for this incredible honor,” said Spoden.
“Clark exemplifies our faculty’s commitment to our students, not only in his enthusiastic approach to teaching but also in the way he models professionalism and competence,” said Koch.
Spoden has been part of the NSL faculty for 22 years. In his acceptance speech, which featured a PowerPoint presentation expressing gratitude to those who contributed to his successful legal and teaching career, he encouraged all former and current students to stand. Remarkably, nearly half of the attendees in the ballroom rose to their feet.
NSL’s Annual Recognition Dinner concluded with Dean Koch expressing gratitude to the audience for their continued support of the law school.
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L to R, Jeanne Heaton, Michele Wojciechowski ’12, Sherie Edwards ’96, and Julie Downs Payne ’22
L to R, Ryan Terrell ’20, Kate Nyquist Rybinski ’20 and Justin Hall ’22
L to R, Norah Buikstra, NSL Faculty honoree Clark Spoden, Anna Spoden, and Pat Vatterott
L to R, NSL Board Member Mary Frances Rudy ’88, Ashley Rudy ’08, and Alexandra McDaniel ’28
L to R, Wes Turner, Takeshi Matsuo, and Susan Dye.
L to R, Eddie McCaig, Billly Leslie ’17, Joanna McCracken ’13, and Ryan Heinl
NSL alumni honoree Cindy Jones ‘96 and Dean Koch
NSL Class of 2026
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. DEAN’S COUNCIL . GSRM Law
Carol & John Rochford Rochford Realty & Construction
Mary Frances Rudy
SUSTAINING BENEFACTORS
Equitable Trust Company
Aubrey Harwell & Trey Harwell Adams & Reese
Debby & Bill Koch
Maddox Foundation
May & McKinney
Marlene Eskind Moses
. LAW SCHOOL ADVOCATES .
Cornelius & Collins Farrar Bates & Berexa
Ryan C. Davis Law
Hon. Mark Fishburn
William Spaniard
Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry
Herbert & Lux
Law Office of Mary LaGrone
Lewis Thomason
Michael Goff
Lowery Lowery & Cherry, PLLC
McCraken Kuhn Marks PLLC
Rocky McElhaney Law Firm
Nashville Scottish Rite
Jennifer Noe, Attorney at Law
Trudy Bloodworth, Attorney at Law
Norvell PLLC
Puryear Newman & Morton, PLLC
Rogers Shea & Spanos
Runyon & Runyon
Wayne Sutter
Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association
Suzanne Keith
Larry R. Williams, PLLC
Law Office of Lucas B. Willoughby
Morgan Williams, Earl Loh ’28, Mikayla Goff ’28, and Michael Goff ’97
Tammy Medley, Kate Alsobrook, Judge Ryan Moore ‘11, Ashley Moore, and Jim Judkins ‘09
NSL Faculty honoree Clark Spoden accepts award.
Randy Kinnard, NSL Board Member John Rochford ’74, and Suzanne Keith ’81
Jordan Long ’24, Lily Long, Rochelle Brickle ’24, and Amy Parker ’24
Emily Harvey ’16, Amanda Bradley ’16, Olivia Al-Sadi ’21, and Jennifer Saint ’16
NSL alumni honoree Cindy Jones ’96 celebrates with family.
Claire Drowota, Julie Fisher, and Beth McDonald
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Don’t miss out on emails and mailings from Nashville School of Law.
Send a message to deans.office@nsl.law with all your current information so we may update your NSL records today!
N Nashville School of Law Honors 72 New Graduates at Commencement Ceremony
ashville School of Law celebrated its 117th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 24, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in downtown Nashville.
A total of 72 graduates received their Juris Doctor degree, including NSL graduate Jonathan Braden ’25.
“I am feeling proud of myself for accomplishing one of my dreams. At times I dealt with self-doubt and hurdles along the way, but I am glad I never gave up, and I am so thankful to be graduating,” said Braden.
“I will miss seeing everyone — friends, office staff, and the security staff. Everyone at NSL is so helpful and positive. For now, I plan to use my J.D. degree to serve Middle Tennesseans and to mentor and inspire the youth from my community, Columbia, Tennessee.”
While NSL graduates were excited to celebrate this great accomplishment, many shared similar feelings.
“I will definitely miss my classmates. Law school is hard. It is mentally and physically draining. As a group, we relied on each other to lighten that load in big and small ways. I will miss the random conversations before class, the commiserating when something was really tough, and just the overall camaraderie,” said Jennifer Burch ’25.
“I will also miss just being at NSL and the faculty and staff. Those hallways and classrooms have been such an important part of my life for the last four years and have helped shape who I am now.”
Once the ceremony began, NSL Dean William C. Koch, Jr. addressed the gathering of friends and family, highlighting the dedication and resilience demonstrated by the Class of 2025.
Aubrey B. Harwell, Jr., Chairman of the NSL Board of Trust, introduced the School’s newest board members, Mary Frances Rudy ’88 and Marlene Eskind Moses ’80, as well as other board members in attendance: Judge Frank Clement ’79, John Rochford ’74, and Gary Garfield.
At this year’s NSL Graduation, Justice Dwight Tarwater of the Tennessee Supreme Court delivered an inspiring commencement address, encouraging students to strive for excellence in their legal careers by reflecting on the hard work that brought them to this moment.
“You are here because you demonstrate some skills. You work hard, you write well, you are curious, you are analytical, you are precise and accurate. These are qualities that are possessed by great lawyers,” said Justice Tarwater.
“However, your work is not yet done. Many of you will take the bar exam. The bar exam is hard. It is supposed to be. But I want you to hear this from me today—you can do this; you can do this. If you can graduate from this law school with everything else that has gone on in your lives, you can take one more test and pass it.”
During the ceremony, Koch acknowledged Avery Alsup, Jennifer Burch, Emily Crawford, Ezekiel Hall, Holden Montgomery, Stephanie Snow, and Jack Thompson, who earned induction into the prestigious Cooper’s Inn
Honor Society, reserved for those in the top 10% of their graduating class.
This year, the Founder’s Award for having the highest grade point average was given to Jennifer Burch.
The Dean’s Certificate of Recognition is awarded to graduates completing 50 hours of Pro Bono Service throughout their law school career. This year Emily Bain, Jennifer Burch, Emily Crawford, Charlena Fuqua, Amanda Harrington Sargent, Anthony Myers, Reginald Perry, Hayley Pogue, and Jamie Schultz were recognized. Their names will be submitted to the Tennessee Supreme Court to be considered as Law Students for Justice.
Receiving the Dean’s Certificate of Excellence for recording the most pro-bono hours in the School’s Pro Bono Service initiative was Jennifer Burch.
Dean Koch then conferred the Doctor of Jurisprudence degrees upon the students before NSL Director of Recruiting and Alumni Affairs Stacey Angello ’11 read the names of each graduate as they crossed the stage to receive their diploma.
NSL graduate Ezekiel Hall shared a heartfelt farewell message that honored his classmates, emphasizing the richness of their diverse backgrounds. His tribute celebrated the unique stories and experiences that everyone brought to their shared journey.
“What makes this school so special is that no two students come from the same backgrounds, and yet we are bonded by our
unique experiences. I believe that is a bond that cannot be found at other law schools. Some in the legal community might have looked at this assortment of students and seen insurmountable odds, but with great determination and endurance, we have proven our merit. At our school, it doesn’t matter if you’re a parent or a grandparent, if you work a full-time job, if you drive from three hours away, if you’re 24 or 74, or even if you have cerebral palsy. If you’re willing to put in the work, NSL wants to see you succeed,” said Hall.
NSL graduate Marquita Oglesby ’25 offered this year’s benediction.
Closing the ceremony, Dean Koch extended his sincere congratulations to the NSL Class of 2025, emphasizing their remarkable ability to drive positive changes in the world.
“All of you have studied the law with intensity of purpose. NSL’s goal has been to give each of you the opportunity to experience yourselves as capable and effective women and men. You are — and should be — more self-confident
today than when you started law school. We hope we have succeeded in empowering each of you to believe deep in your souls that you matter and that your responses to the challenges awaiting you will make an enormous difference in other peoples’ lives,” said Koch.
“You are at the threshold of entering a noble profession, and you have accepted the responsibility to lead your communities to embrace, not power, but the Rule of Law. I am confident that each of you will live up to that challenge.”
A. Justice Dwight Tarwater delivers his commencement speech. B. L to R, Emily Crawford ’25, Avery Alsup ’25, and Jennifer Burch ’25
C. Nick Crawford ’25 and family D. Anna Richardson ‘25 receives a hug E. Dean Koch and Shanterrica Morris ’25 F. Ezekiel Hall and family. G. Jonathan Braden ‘25 and family H. Will Bell ’25 and family member. I. L to R, Jamie Amos ’25, Zaia Thombre ’25, Marquita Ogelsby ’25, and Hanna Padaoan Spittle ’25 J. Emily Seivers ’25 and daughter, Sloane. K. Phoebe Dozier ’25 and her dad, NSL Professor of Evidence Judge Steve Dozier L. Leah Pybas ’25 celebrates with family members. M. Matthew DiPietro ’25 and family N. L to R, Reginald Perry ’25, Trey Collier ’25, Jonathan Braden ’25, and Matthew Thomas ’25
NSL’s Class of 2029 Begins Their Law School Journey A
t this year’s Nashville School of Law new student orientation, Maggie Nix was the first 1L to arrive.
Nix admits she was eager to start her law school journey, noting that a considerable part of her childhood was spent at her grandfather’s law firm in Waverly, her hometown.
“My granddad has been waiting for me to attend law school for several years. He says he looks forward to the day I can take over his law office. I am excited about that opportunity too,” said Nix.
Nix’s grandfather is NSL alumnus J.P. Bradley who earned his law degree almost 50 years ago, in 1976.
“The work that my granddad and his paralegal have done has always been interesting to me. I have been helping them in some way since I was in college with their deeds and wills,” she said.
Nix is one of 97 new NSL students who participated in the two-day orientation.
The students heard from a group of lawyers with the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) who discussed the importance of
being honest, respectful, and ethical when entering the legal profession.
The new students were asked to recite the Oath of Professionalism, delivered by Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sarah Campbell.
And a student panel, consisting of current NSL students, along with faculty members Chuck Shonholtz, Judge Jeffrey Usman, and Dr. Thorunn McCoy, provided insights on effective strategies for achieving success at NSL.
Taking in every word was NSL 1L Terrance Clayborn, who is looking forward to gaining a legal education from these instructors.
“I spoke to other law schools’ admissions, but when I spoke to Beth McDonald (NSL Assistant Dean for Administration), she sold me on NSL. Even though NSL is not ABA accredited, it is accredited (by the Tennessee Supreme Court), and I do plan on staying in Tennessee, so why not learn from some of the prominent figures in Tennessee like the justices, the DAs, and attorneys who have a vested interest in this community,” said Clayborn.
NSL students started the 2025-2026 academic year on Aug. 7.
1L students L to R: Madison Brown, Ashley Hernandez, Mariah Umland, and Bella Arias
1L Terrance Clayborn completes an assignment.
1Ls take part in writing a assignment.
TN Supreme Court Justice Sarah Campbell administers the oath of professionalism.
1L Maggie Nix
1L students purchase NSL merchandise.
ABOTA Members L to R: NSL Professor of Civil Trial Practice
Dan Berexa, Nancy Phillips, Eric Beasley, Wendy Longmire, and Clint Kelly
NSL Student Panel - Back row: Sydney Gleaves ‘28, Darrius Oldham ‘26, Francisco Negron Avila ‘27, and Nicole Gheorghe ‘27. Front row: Nancy Baxley ‘26 and Diane Boncquet ‘26
Get to Know: NSL 4L Ashley Allen
Wrapping up her final year at Nashville School of Law, 4L Ashley Allen has deepened her understanding of legal principles. Balancing her roles as a mom, wife, and U.S. Marshal, Allen brings two decades of experience in criminal law to her academic pursuits, enriching her law school experience with both professional expertise and personal insights.
“I knew law school would be a challenge, but I am thankful for my life and work experience. Over the years, when an instructor starts giving examples of the law, I start relating that to my life. Whether it is has to do with my work, or because I have purchased a home, and even taking care of a relative’s estate — the law has played a role in so many aspects of life,” said Allen.
After earning her bachelor’s degree in accounting, Allen pursued and completed her master’s degree at Ole Miss in the same discipline.
“I was working as a criminal investigator for the IRS. I loved the work I did. In 2005, there was a lot of emphasis on drug trafficking, and that work always was tied to finances, so I stayed busy. But as the government changes, priorities change. I started working on tax
cases, and I thought tax cases were so boring. I wanted to kick in doors, seize people’s property, and do all sorts of exciting stuff. So, I switched over to the U.S. Marshals office.”
As a U.S. Marshal, Allen’s main work involves leading a fugitive task force to execute arrest warrants and ensuring that federal inmates navigate their judicial processes smoothly. Allen has worked alongside attorneys, judges, and fellow law enforcement professionals who were alumni of NSL. While working on the task force with Metro Police Officer Jason Cregan, the two realized they shared the ambition to obtain a law degree.
“He (Jason) said his wife was hoping he might attend law school. And as soon as I knew that I told Jason —‘OK, we’re doing this together.’ Jason set up a meeting with (NSL Professor of Evidence) Judge Steve Dozier, who we worked with when we obtained warrants. Judge Dozier really encouraged us to attend NSL, and we started the next semester.”
Allen noted that the Class of 2026 quickly formed a close-knit community from the outset. They organize back-to-school events, girls’ nights out, and consistently offer each other support throughout the academic year. She also acknowledged the strong backing from NSL professors, who contribute to this encouraging environment.
“Our instructors are so understanding and accommodating. They respect what we are doing. They know we have jobs, families, and yet we are trying to obtain our law degree too. I have yet to have a professor who has not acknowledged that, and in a way, honored it,” said Allen.
So far, Allen said Appellate Practice has been her favorite course. And NSL Professor of Torts I and II Judge Marshall Davidson ranks at the top of her list of instructors.
“He is so wise and a brilliant teacher. He can have fun and sometimes makes you feel foolish at the same time—not in a mean way, but in a way of keeping it real,” she said.
“One time I was briefing a case, and I was a little anxious about it. I totally thought I had it, and
then Judge Davidson was asking me questions, kind of leading me down this path, and all of a sudden I realized where he was going with it. I sit on the back row, and he could tell from the front of the classroom that my light bulb went off and he started laughing and pointed out to the rest of the class that he witnessed me understand what he was talking about,” laughed Allen. “He cares so much about us as students, and he wants us to succeed.”
Allen also has a great support system at home. Married for more than 22 years, her husband, David, and their daughter, Lucy, have been her biggest cheerleaders, helping her maintain focus on her legal studies. They also value the importance of taking breaks together, allowing them to recharge and strengthen their family bond.
“We recently went to Puerto Rico, and we were in this rainforest area where they had these huge cliffs. My husband and daughter were jumping off the cliffs into the water, and I was like, ‘You go ahead and enjoy. I am going to be over here.’ I take enough risk at work, I know my limits,” laughs Allen.
Once she earns her law degree, Allen said she hopes to become a lawyer with the U.S. Marshals Service or maybe even a U.S. Attorney. Another goal? She looks forward to the day when she can read something besides her law books.
“At work, I keep a leadership library. I like to read books about leadership, and I encourage my employees to read so they too can grow. But I haven’t read anything for pleasure. So, I really can’t wait to read something fun again.”
Allen will graduate with her classmates in May 2026.
Get to Know: NSL 2L Marvin Williamson
As a teenager, Marvin Williamson, a Nashville School of Law 2L, discovered he had a unique talent while taking an elective at Central High School in Memphis. Surprisingly, it wasn’t a typical course such as theater or robotics that revealed this ability; rather, it was a legal theories course that felt instinctive to him.
“When I took the legal course, there were several honor students in my class, and I was not in the honors program. I remember that I was able to identify the issues and have a solid argument and use reasoning as to why things are the way they are,” said Williamson.
“The first thing we learned was the Magna Carta, and when we went back and forth with our arguments, everyone was wondering how I understood everything. I got an A, and they were getting Cs. My classmates would ask me how I got a certain answer, and I would say, ‘You don’t see it?’”
As his mother’s only child, it was Williamson’s mom who encouraged him to become a lawyer. He moved to Nashville to attend Tennessee State University, majoring in criminal justice and history. After graduating from TSU in 2018, Williamson was eager to make an impact. He quickly found meaningful employment as a research analyst for the Tennessee
Legislature, eventually serving as the executive assistant to Rep. Mike Sparks of District 49.
Williamson worked on the hill for five years, being selected to lead a few special projects and mentoring several interns at the legislature.
“I told the interns where we are is the gold mine (referring to the legislature). And every day make sure you show up to dig for gold. Make sure you present yourself well. Every day you step foot in that building is an interview, so present yourself to the highest standard not only for yourself but for your family and your university.”
Nowadays, Williamson works during the day as a paralegal for the Three-Judge Panel with the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.
“Working for the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), I am constantly around attorneys and other legal specialists who have an expertise in their respective fields, which helps me tremendously when I have trouble understanding a concept. In addition, I love the camaraderie and the encouragement I have with fellow colleagues and how much they support me pursuing my legal studies. There are no words to express how much of an honor it is working at the AOC. I am grateful to have wonderful colleagues, and I particularly want to thank Michelle Consiglio-Young, the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the AOC, for her unwavering support.”
In his first year at NSL, Williamson found that he could effectively grasp the law through independent study, yet he also enjoyed forming friendships in his classrooms.
“I sit in the back row of every class. It just happened that way. As a new student, I looked for a seat and found one in the back and then made friends on the back row. Joking with us one day, (NSL LSVI Professor) General Funk called us the ‘Back Row Scholars.’ But I will say, two of my classmates on the back row with me, Rick and Veronica, made the dean’s list this year, and I am really proud of them.”
Williamson enjoyed all his first-year law classes. He attributes much of that positive experience to the NSL faculty. Their influence played
a significant role in shaping his enthusiasm for the coursework.
“I do love me some General Funk, and I do love me some Judge Davidson. He is funny. As a matter of fact, all our professors are funny. Eric Osborne is hilarious—very intelligent, genius-level mind. Judge Davidson—he just cracks me up, and he’s arguably the best Torts professor in the state of Tennessee. Dr. McCoy, our legal writing coach, is phenomenal. Professor Frogge is honestly the most hilarious professor I ever had. I used to work with him a bit when I was at the legislature, and I had no idea how funny he was,” he said.
Appreciating their great sense of humor, Williamson also holds the insights of the School’s faculty in high regard and said he looks forward to continuing his legal education at NSL.
“I am already engaging in my second year. I kind of want to be a week ahead of all my classes, and thankfully I know some upperclassmen who told me what to start on so I can get ahead and be very prepared for my exams,” said Williamson.
Williamson is also actively exploring the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), understanding its potential implications for the legal field. He is dedicated to staying updated on the developments and influences AI may have on the profession.
“Tennessee State Rep. Mike Sparks, whom I consider a father figure and mentor, spoke about artificial intelligence (AI) and how I, along with the world, need to adjust to the impact of AI. Because of artificial Intelligence, so many things are becoming automated. For example, maybe someone goes on ChatGPT and asks to work out a contract. By the time I graduate, I will have to think of a way to work with AI because I think it is going to disrupt some things at the entry level.”
For now, Williamson hopes to work as general counsel for a large state department after he graduates from NSL while also maintaining a private practice on the side.
NSL 2Ls Earl Loh, left, and Marvin Williamson visit in student commons.
Celebrating Heather Bright’s 20 Years at NSL
As She Leaves Our School, We Honor Her Two Decades of Dedicated Service
In June 2005 Wilson County native Heather Bright was looking for a new job. She was going door to door visiting several companies along Sidco Drive to submit her resume, including Nashville School of Law.
A few days later, she received a call from NSL inviting her to come in for an interview.
“At the end of my interview with Dean Virginia Townzen, she asked if I needed to call anyone for a ride. I was a bit confused and told her I drove to the law school. She stood up and then showed me where I would sit to do my work,” Bright said.
“I had never been hired on the spot, starting immediately after an interview, but that is what happened. One of my first job duties that day was to type letters to the other applicants who did not get the job,” she laughed.
answered the phones, organized student files, and handled other essential tasks that supported the office and administrative team. Two months after starting her new job, the law school moved to Armory Oaks Drive.
“I used to joke that I was hired so that I could help the school pack up and move,” she laughed.
Back then, Bright said students registered in person. She vividly remembers the incredible turnout during her first summer at NSL, calling it a surreal experience.
“My first registration was wild. We opened at 8:30 a.m. I arrived 30 minutes early, and students were lined up around the parking lot. Several of them said they had either slept in their vehicle overnight or arrived around 3 a.m. to get in line,” said Bright.
Over time, she would acquire more responsibility. She became the go-to contact for NSL law students, helping them with everything from registration, to dropping or adding classes, and being the kind voice on the other end of the phone when they sometimes called the law school in a panic.
“I got several phone calls from students telling me their water heater exploded, or they got a flat tire. Those calls always seemed to happen on the night of a test,” recalls Bright.
“And it seems every flight was delayed or cancelled on the night of an exam. I have heard many stories about why students were not able to make it to class.”
Bright felt compassion for the students each time, trying to work with those who found themselves in challenging situations.
going to drop out of my class, but you encouraged me to stay and said I could do it, and I made it through the year.’”
In 2021, Bright’s title changed. She became NSL’s Student Services Coordinator.
“Heather supported so many of our law students over the years. She was not only a dependable resource for them, but she became their friend. I am glad that she has been part of our NSL family for so long, and I thank her for her hard work and dedication to our law school,” said NSL Assistant Dean for Administration Beth McDonald.
After two decades at NSL, Bright is grateful for her work experience but feels a strong desire to prioritize her family.
She and her husband, Danny, recently welcomed their first granddaughter, Violet. And the couple is committed to supporting aging family members. So Bright decided to move on from NSL. Although it wasn’t an easy choice, she is eager to create more cherished memories with her loved ones.
“I am going to miss the friendships, the mission, and the legacy of this school. I have learned over the years how important Nashville School of Law is to our community, and it was an honor to be a part of that for so long.”
Bright began working as an Administrative Assistant for NSL. She
“When I was packing up personal belongings, I found a small section in my desk filled with thankyou notes that I have received over the years from our students. There were a few that said, ‘thank you for talking me off the ledge,’ and others that said, ‘I was about to drop out of law school completely until you talked me into staying,’ and ‘I was
Besides spending more time with her family, Bright looks forward to celebrating the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas, when she enjoys decorating both herself and her home. In addition to her festive activities, she will also pursue her passion for restoring their historic home in Wilson County, which dates back to the 1800s.
Bright’s last day was Aug. 29.
Danny and Heather Bright at 2018 NSL Recognition Dinner
NSL Staff cheer on the Nashville Predators
This spring, Nashville School of Law Dean William C. Koch, Jr. announced alumna Marlene Eskind Moses ’80 as a new member of the NSL Board of Trust. Moses is a partner in the family law section at Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin (GSRM Law) where she specializes in family law litigation, mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law.
“It was an honor for Dean Koch to ask me because there are so many graduates of our law school whom he could have asked. I am truly honored. I love the law school, and I like to be in the position to give back,” said Moses.
Before joining GSRM Law in early 2022, she was the founding partner of Moses, Townsend & Russ (MTR) Family Law PLLC. Moses is known internationally for her unwavering commitment to client advocacy and favorable outcomes across all types of family law matters.
She has been a staunch advocate of NSL since she graduated in 1980. In fact, Moses and her late husband, Bob, helped create the School’s
NSL Alumna Marlene Eskind Moses ’80 Joins the Board of Trust
annual recognition dinner so NSL alumni could feel connected, supported, and celebrated.
Growing up Grateful
As a fourth generation Nashvillian, Marlene Eskind Moses grew up in a friendly, safe neighborhood. The eldest of three, she has two younger brothers — Seth and Lon.
In their close-knit community, all the children attended the same grammar school. Moses fondly remembers the fun days spent playing games with her brothers and friends, as well as riding bikes throughout the neighborhood.
“I am grateful that I had a good childhood. I am still friendly with lots of my neighbors from my childhood. In fact, I now live a block away from my family’s home. One of my brothers built another home on the same plot as my family home. He built a wing on it for my parents to live there. My Dad is 96 ½ years old and mom is 96, and they are doing very well,” said Moses.
Higher education was a significant part of her family’s legacy. Moses’ father attended Vanderbilt, and her mom started the women’s golf team when she attended the University of Miami. Once Moses graduated from high school, she was ready to pack her bags for her own college experience.
Expanding Her Horizons
“I decided that I wanted to leave Nashville to expand my horizons, but I wanted to stay
in the South, so I attended Tulane in New Orleans. I am still actively involved in the university, as I serve on the President’s Council. Two of my three children went there. One of my brothers and many other relatives also attended Tulane. It appears that I started a trend,” Moses laughed.
She majored in psychology and minored in Spanish, receiving her bachelor’s degree in three years. Still eager to learn, Moses wanted to achieve her master’s degree. At the time, she was 20 years old and had been dating Bob Moses, a Vanderbilt graduate, since she was in high school.
“He (Bob) was a really nice guy. My parents liked him and trusted my judgment. My brothers called Bob the ‘Red Baron’ because he had a red Camero. Bob was always kind and personable. It was hard not to like him,” she said.
In the summer of 1972, the couple got married. Together, Marlene and Bob headed back to New Orleans to attend Tulane where she received her Master of Social Work (MSW), and he obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA).
A Career in Social Work
Moses found inspiration in her Aunt Suzie Morris and cousin Annette Eskind, both of whom dedicated their professional lives to social work. When she returned to Nashville, Moses got a job at Dede Wallace, a nonprofit mental health and addiction treatment center (now called Centerstone). She was committed to helping others, counseling clients enrolled in the drug and alcohol program.
In her role, Moses occasionally received subpoenas to testify in court regarding certain clients, assessing their compliance with pro -
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bation requirements. This experience allowed her to witness firsthand the positive effects of the legal system.
“The experience in court made me realize I could do more if I had a law degree. I liked the counseling aspect at Dede Wallace, but I could only talk about change. When you go to law school and obtain a law degree, you can effectuate change,” Moses said.
As rewarding as her social work was, Moses made the decision to attend law school. She talked with her husband about the Nashville YMCA Night Law School (NSL) and asked him if he would join her. Moses continued to work at Dede Wallace during the day and studied law with Bob at night.
Studying and Practicing Law
“I was glad Bob was with me. We would not have seen each other if he didn’t attend,” she said. “I remember my favorite instructor was Doug Fisher who taught Civil Procedure. He was a superstar
Association for Women (LAW). Moses served on a committee and ended up becoming president of the local chapter.
“It was an interesting time because women could not wear pantsuits to court. So, as the LAW president, I created a survey of the judges to see if they would allow pantsuits in the courtroom. They responded and said we could. The results of the survey were published in our LAW newsletter. That was a unique experience.”
for sure. And Judge Robert C. Murphy was another good instructor. He taught Torts.”
“I loved psychology, but the law studies opened up my whole world. It made me read newspaper articles differently. It made me understand what was going on in the world. It gave me a better understanding of life. I understood relationships. My law degree allowed me to access greater resources for my clients. It is increasingly gratifying. Obtaining my law degree has provided so many opportunities that I would not have expected.”
Bob and Marlene started a family while attending law school, ultimately graduating from NSL in 1980.
Moses entered the legal field during a time when very few women practiced law. One of the first groups she joined was the Lawyers
She was instrumental in helping women gain judicial positions and leadership positions in the Nashville legal profession. Soon, Moses was involved in the Nashville Bar Association (NBA), Tennessee Bar Association (TBA), and then the American Academy Matrimony of Lawyers (AAML), holding leadership positions in each organization.
The AAML included the top 1,600 family law lawyers in the nation. Admission to the organization required Moses to pass an exam and provide recommendations. She would become the president of the AAML, and later she joined and became president of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.
“Legal work is rewarding. I wanted to improve my skills. Networking and learning from the finest family law attorneys across the country, and later across the world, gave me that opportunity. It became a quest of gathering as much knowledge and experience as possible so that I could be at the top of my field,” said Moses.
Family and the Future
Moses has remained at the top of her field and has made practicing family law a family affair—working alongside her daughter, Marissa, with whom she worked at MTR Family Law firm before the pair moved to GSRM. Her two sons-in-laws are attorneys, too.
Her husband, Bob, died in December of 2019. The couple have three married children: Marissa, Caroline, and Ryan, and six grandchildren, ranging from 6 to 16.
While she will always make time for her family, she plans to continue her law practice and eagerly anticipates the opportunity to support the outstanding efforts of Dean Koch and the NSL Board of Trust.
“I am pleased that our law school is getting more national recognition so there are more opportunities for our students, not just in our community, but elsewhere,” Moses said. “Dean Koch has been instrumental in getting additional states to recognize our licensing. The Board of Law Examiners are pleased and appreciate our mission and how we have accomplished it over the years.”
Moses attended her first NSL Board of Trust meeting in April.
Marlene and Bob Moses ’80 at a 2008 NSL Patrons Party
Marlene Moses ’80 and daughter Marissa Russ at Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin PLLC (GSRM Law).
Marlene Moses ‘80 and daughter Marissa Russ
Bar Exam Success List
Congratulations to these Nashville School of Law alumni who passed the February and July 2025 Tennessee bar exam. And thank you to NSL Alumni for treating our exam takers to lunch.
If you would like to donate or participate in this effort, contact deans.office@nsl.law.
February 2025
Gerardo Andres Alvarez Aguilar
Robin Shawn Bain
Arthur Bradfield
Emily Grace Crain
Debra Denise Davenport
Ryann Brinkley Freemon
Preston Lee Garrett
Megan Jean Hartsfield
Britton Marcus Headden
James Lee Hill
Zackwell Wayne Huff
Kelsey Morgan Hunter
John Kerrigan
Elizabeth Nicole Nicklas
Lauren Nicole Thomas
Lynsie McCarty York
July 2025
Avery McKenna Alsup
Grace Gao Armstrong
Emily Katherine Bain
Mercedes Nicole Baker
William M. Bell
Morgan Justine Blackburn
Jonathan Stephen Lejuan Braden
Jennifer Lynn Burch
Joe Lane Cantrell
Emily Anne Crawford
Catherine Grace Faulk
Hope Lorraine Ford
John Gus Barton Fraley
Charlena Gail Fuqua
Katelyn Anne Graham
Jackson Lee Hagar
Ezekiel Nole Hall
Zoey Eloise Hamm
Amanda Victoria Harrington Sargent
Ashley Cara James
Andrew Gordon Jensen
Lauren Ashley Jones
Stephanie Jordan
Shakira Nicole King
Ayla Marianne Loeb
Jennifer Michelle McDonnell
Savana Faith Mezquiriz
Holden Lee Montgomery
Marquita Antoinette Oglesby
Hannah Nicole Padaoan Spittle
Donald Gene Peslis
Leah BreAnn Pybas
Caleb Joshua Roney
Emily Barnes Seivers
Douglass Bradford Smith
Justin Douglas Smith
Jasmine Michael Snow
Stephanie Elizabeth Snow
Austin George Solomon
William Craig Spellings
Dustyn Mitchell Stevens
Zaia Melanie Thombre
Jack Andrew Thompson
Samuel Andrew Vernon
Ashley Ervin Whirley
Alice Faye Williamson
Austin James Wilson
Christopher Allen Yates
Qianlu Ying
Rochelle Brickle ’24, Tamika Dyer ’15, Randi Bruce ’24, Amy Parker ’24, and Brian Hurst ’24, help pass out lunch to NSL alumni taking the bar exam.
Catching up with: NSL Alumnus Jesse Waterman ’12
In his Downtown Nashville law office, Jesse Waterman, a 2012 alumnus of the Nashville School of Law, is dedicating another full day to supporting his personal injury clients at Grissim and Waterman.
“One of the things that helps me show up every day is knowing I am able to treat our clients well, treat them with respect,” said Waterman.
He has been a lawyer for 13 years and attributes much of his professional growth to his predecessor, NSL alumnus Mitch Grissim ’81, who imparted invaluable lessons along the way.
“Having an attorney like Mitch who you could see walk through really difficult situations and always make the ethical choice, always make the right decision for the client, really set me up for success,” he said.
First Legal Mentor
Back when he was in middle school, Waterman first encountered the legal profession. “I was about 11 or 12 when my dad graduated from NSL and became an attorney. I remember he went out solo. It was long hours, a real grind. It was something else watching him navigate the start of his legal career because he had been working for companies all his life. And for him to start out on his own was great to see.”
Waterman’s dad, NSL alumnus Douglas Waterman ’94, worked as a sound engineer when he and his family first moved to Nashville in 1984. When he attended NSL, he was working for American Airlines. Once Douglas obtained his law degree, he worked in probate, wills and estate law before transitioning to business law.
By the time Jesse Waterman attended college at Middle Tennessee State University in 2002, he pursued a degree in music business.
“Even though I was studying music business, my dad was directing me to consider law school once I graduated from MTSU. When I was in college, we would have these discussions about legal classes like copyright law or contract law, and he could tell I was interested in the work,” said Waterman.
Once he graduated from MTSU in 2006, Waterman took a job in Nashville working in music licensing at Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). And within two years, he was taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
“I knew I couldn’t just give up my job and go to Vanderbilt full time. I was married and had a full-time job, so the night school option seemed like a good one. NSL was a reputable school. My dad had a lot of success as a solo practitioner. And when I looked at the schedule, I thought – I believe I could make this work as far as the coursework the school was offering and the times they offered them,” he said.
Attending Law School
Waterman found himself curious about the legal aspects of his work, and he always enjoyed the law discussions he had with his father. This growing fascination led him to realize pursuing a law degree was the natural next step for his career.
“I look back and realize I have a lot of good memories from NSL. I had a lot of respect for the professors because they were practicing
attorneys. We would ask them – ‘OK, we are learning this legal concept, but how does that apply in your practice?’ And so many of them could tell us what they see in court and how they apply the law in their work.”
Soon after Waterman started law classes at NSL, the recession of 2008 hit. His company, like many others, reorganized its departments, and Jesse found himself unemployed. With his wife expecting their first child, he was eager to secure daytime work allowing him to attend NSL classes in the evening.
“In 2011, I was working three part-time jobs. Grissim and Associates advertised a parttime, front desk position, so I came in and interviewed with (1992 NSL Graduate) Sarah Stein and Mitch Grissim. And I remember during the interview, Sarah said, ‘Well, this job is part time,’ and I said, ‘That is fine, but I would really like a full-time job.’ And I guess something in that interview made them re -
another vehicle occupied by a mother and her son. He represented the plaintiff, whose young son suffered severe injuries that prevented him from swallowing food for several months. Waterman worked tirelessly to secure a settlement that would ensure the boy’s care for life.
“When I can sit down with a client at the end of the case, and they say, ‘I could not have done this without you,’ that to me is what success looks like. The money will come in and the cases will be there, but the most important thing is knowing you were able to be there for someone, to help them through a really challenging time and then hear them be grateful for that help—it just means everything.”
consider, because I started working here full time in July of 2011,” said Waterman.
Ready to be a Lawyer
When Waterman graduated from NSL and passed the bar exam in 2012, he was named an associate at (then) Grissim and Associates. He spent time working alongside Stein and Grissim, learning important skills on how to become a good lawyer.
“More than anything, I have learned to listen, because not every situation is the same. A lot of times a client is nervous, scared, or anxious. Just being able to listen to them for a while and let them pour out their concerns has allowed me to clearly think about what I can control in my role as their lawyer, and how can I help them?”
Waterman recalls a case from Columbia where a driver ran a red light, colliding with
he encouraged me and said he knew I would be successful, and that meant the world to me,” he said. “And of course, I wanted to honor him and his name and reputation which is why I kept his name on our firm.”
In 2018, Waterman became the managing attorney at his firm. And while his professional life was expanding, so was his family. He and his wife, Heather, have four children: Violet, Jovie, and twins Eve and Ivy.
“When I walk in the door it’s ‘Dad’s home!’ And I get lots of hugs, and that is so nice, especially if it has been a tough day. I definitely enjoy being able to get home and spend time with my family,” Waterman said.
Taking the Reins
In 2024, Grissim decided it was time to leave the firm. After a lucrative legal career spanning more than 40 years, he was ready to retire.
“It was bittersweet because Mitch has always been an incredible mentor to me. I was always able to lean on him, and I still can. We went through an eightmonth transition process, so it felt OK until it was time for Mitch to pack up everything. We kind of stood there and he shook my hand and then it hit me—this is really happening, I am taking over, but
Within 13 years, Waterman went from working at the front desk to owning and operating Grissim & Waterman law firm. And now, like his predecessor, Waterman has hired another NSL student – 2L Patrick Ward –to start his legal career in the same way he did.
“Mitch would hire NSL students and found they were really driven to work hard on cases and do a good job and bring cases in. So, any time we have a job opening, I want to extend that opportunity to an NSL student. There is something to be said for those students who go to night school and put in the hours working a full-time job. There is a quality of excellence and diligence inherent in that, so that is something I am continuing.”
Waterman’s goal is to eventually grow his firm, but for now, he will continue to focus on providing exceptional service to their clients, recruiting the right people, and ensuring Grissim & Waterman operate efficiently and effectively.
NSL 2L Patrick Ward, left, and Jesse Waterman ’12 discuss a case.
Grissim and Waterman team, L to R: Sarah Stein ‘92, Patrick Ward ‘28, Jesse Waterman ‘12, and Brenda Cagle
Jesse Waterman ’12 and family
1981
The Inner Circle of Excellence acknowledged Suzanne Keith as a Pinnacle Professional Member for her contributions to the legal community. Keith has spent more than two decades as the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association’s (TTLA)
Executive Director. Her extensive experience in managing legal operations has contributed to strengthening the organization’s impact throughout the state.
1992
Gov. Bill Lee appointed William Lane to the 32nd Judicial District Circuit and Chancery Courts, which covers Hickman, Lewis, and Perry counties. Prior to this appointment, Judge Lane was a principal attorney at his own legal practice. Lane fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael Spitzer.
Ashland City attorney Patrick Smith was appointed by the Town of Ashland City Council
to fill the term of longtime Judge Bill Stinnett ’67 who passed away in January. Judge Stinnett, along with his law partner Bill Wilkinson ’67, were Smith’s mentors and were recognized as Distinguished Alumni in 2012 by NSL.
1998
Michelle Poss was appointed by Gov. Bill Lee as the Conservatorship Association of Tennessee member of the Tennessee Conservatorship
CLASS NOTES
Management Task Force. Poss is a solo practitioner in Nashville. She is currently serving as the Metropolitan Davidson County Public Administrator and serves on the board of directors of the National Guardianship Association and the Conservatorship Association of Tennessee.
1999
Rocky McElhaney opened another Rocky McElhaney Law Firm (RML) office in the
Midstate. The new location is in the Music Row area. RML specializes in personal injury and wrongful death. This is the sixth location for RML. They have offices in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, and Hendersonville.
2004
Shawn Kohl joined an international nonprofit in 2009. Since then, he and his family have lived in Cambodia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and now Bucharest, Romania. Shawn serves as the Director for the International Justice Mission and leads the European Anti-Trafficking Program combating labor and sex trafficking across multiple countries. The program was successfully awarded a partnership agreement under the U.S. Department of State, the Child Protection Compact, to combat child trafficking in Romania in 2024. The program partnered with the Romanian Parliamentary Committee
Against Human Trafficking to pass three legislative initiatives in 2024 to increase sentencing for perpetrators and expand victims’ rights and access to justice.
21st Judicial District Circuit Court Judge and Chancellor David Veile received the 2025 William M. Leech Jr. Public Service Award at the Tennessee Bar Association’s annual convention. Named in honor of former state Attorney General William M. Leech Jr., the award is given to a Tennessee lawyer who has been of outstanding service to the legal profession and their community.
Lance Wray was appointed as City Attorney for Hendersonville. And in July 2024, he retired as a Senior Master Sergeant from the Tennessee Air National Guard, 118 Wing in Nashville, after
33 years of service. He still maintains his private law practice in Hendersonville.
2006
Ginna Winfree Burrell joined Bass, Berry & Sims, leading the firm’s alcoholic beverage law practice team. Previously, Burrell worked at Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin (GSRM) as a member. She also served as both the assistant
director and interim director of the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).
2008
Robert Taswell “Tas” Gardner has been elected to serve as President of the Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference. The
Conference is a statewide network of publicly elected district public defenders representing each of Tennessee’s 32 judicial districts. Gardner will lead the Conference’s Executive Committee which supports public defenders and works with lawmakers on policies and procedures that impact the justice system.
2009
Shelby Stack Silvey joined the 23rd Judicial District’s Attorney’s office. She previously worked for 11 years at the public defender’s
office for the 19th judicial district. While in Montgomery County Silvey served as Bar Association president, and she continues to serve on the Chi Omega Women’s Fraternity Mock Trial committee, traveling to higher education institutions all over the country.
2010
Mariam Stockton is a partner at Womble Bond Dickinson US LLP. She earned a spot on Billboard’s 2025 “Top Music Lawyers” list and was also recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation, for her work in entertainment law.
John Williams was hired as a Hearing Officer for Texas A&M University. He is responsible for making decisions for Title IX and other violations of university policy. Williams took the Texas bar in 2017.
2013
Justin Hight has been named Chief Legal Officer at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm (RML). With more
than 15 years of experience at RML, Hight will now lead legal operations and complex litigation, under the guidance of founder Rocky McElhaney.
Joseph Jakes, a 22-year veteran of the Metro Nashville Police Department, was promoted
to sergeant. In this new leadership position, he oversees the dayside detail at the South Precinct.
2015
Kimberly Faye is in-house counsel at DaVita, and was recently promoted from Director, Senior Corporate Counsel to Director, Assistant General Counsel.
2016
In 2016, John Griffith founded Griffith Law, which now has offices in Franklin, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, and coming soon, Nashville. Two NSL alumni, Managing Attorney Josh Cantrell ’19
and Director of Operations Kirby White ’18, work at the firm, as well as three current NSL students.
2017
Shanna Bertram accepted the position as Assistant General Counsel with the Kentucky
Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS). Her practice focuses on child welfare and related matters on behalf of the Cabinet. Prior to her work with CHFS, Bertram worked as a Public Advocate for Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy.
2020
Bobbie Jean Lamar has been selected for the 2026 Nashville Bar Foundation Leadership Class. In 2014, the NBF established its Leadership Forum—a local leadership program for lawyers with three to eight years of experience— designed to bring together emerging leaders who participate in monthly workshops for nine months. This opportunity allows participants to realize their potential and to benefit the legal profession and our local community.
Pooja Bery started Bery Law PLLC in June. The Nashville-based firm handles civil litigation cases focusing on domestic, business, and real estate.
Chip Cathey left Consilio LLC after seven years to start the firm, Old Franklin Law PLLC, as a solo practice focused on Business, Real Estate, Data Privacy, and eDiscovery support based in Franklin, Tennessee.
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2022
Katie Shannon is an associate at the Law Offices of Will Fraley in Murfreesboro, where she practices family law.
2023
Josh Lewis was promoted to Assistant Vice President of IT Internal Controls at HCA Healthcare. In this role, Lewis is responsible for
ensuring there is effective governance over the IT organization’s internal controls, including those controls supporting financial reporting.
2024
Nathan Nicholson is an Assistant District Attorney with the Office of the District Attorney General/Nashville-Davidson County. He previously worked in the music publishing industry for more than 20 years. Nicholson works in the Domestic Violence Division at the DA’s office.
2025
Zaia Thombre joined Ponce Law firm in Nashville as an associate in August. She will focus her time on assisting with the firm’s personal injury cases.
Emily Crawford was this year’s runner-up in the Tennessee Bar Association’s Environmental Law Section’s 2025 Hastings Writing Competition.
Nick Crawford was promoted from Senior Associate to Principal at Capitol & 5th Public Strategies, located in Nashville.
2028
The National Association of Counsel for Children honors the champions who set the standard for excellence in child welfare legal
advocacy. Every year, the NACC presents the Promoting Excellence Awards to individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the rights and well-being of children and families through excellence in legal representation. This year, Jenna Matthews ‘28 was named “Outstanding Law Student.”
BOARD & FACULTY NOTES
In September, Marlene Eskind Moses ’80 was selected for Chambers High Net Worth 2025
in the category of Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth in Tennessee. Chambers High Net Worth ranks the leading lawyers and law firms for international private wealth. These lawyers understand the complex needs of HNW individuals and provide specialist advice and legal services.
NSL Professor of Appellate Practice Donald Capparella was honored with the John C.
Tune Public Service Award at Nashville Bar Association’s Annual Banquet. The John C. Tune award is the highest honor given by the Nashville Bar Association, given to the Nashville Bar Association member who has shown the highest degree of dedication, not only to their work as a lawyer, but to the betterment of the community.
At the 2025 Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association Annual Convention, Capparella received the President’s Award for his work on Binns v. Trader Joe’s East, Inc. in the Tennessee Supreme Court.
Barbara Moss received the Martha Craig Daughtrey Award from the Lawyer’s Association for Women in 2022.
The Tennessee Bar Association named NSL Professor of Contracts Eric Osborne and several other Nashville attorneys recipients of the Harris A. Gilbert Pro Bono Attorneys of the
Year Award. The award is being given to the group for their diligent legal work representing families from the Nashville Covenant School. This award is named after the late Harris A. Gilbert who was a Nashville attorney, past president of the Tennessee Bar Association, and a former NSL Board Member.
NSL Professor of Civil Procedures and Remedies Clark Spoden has successfully achieved recertification as a civil trial senior specialist advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA). Board Certification is the highest, most stringent, and most reliable honor an attorney can achieve. He has also been reappointed by
the Tennessee Supreme Court as Reporter for the Tennessee Advisory Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure. Spoden is a Partner at Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin PLLC (GSRM Law) in Nashville.
