MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN NSL Alumni and Students: Working for All Tennesseans NSL on the Hill

The people of Tennessee have entrusted their peace and prosperity to those who serve in the three branches of Tennessee’s government – the Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch, and the Judicial Branch. Our state constitution, once described by Thomas Jefferson as the “least imperfect and most republican of the state constitutions,” defines the role of each branch and admonishes each branch to respect the powers and prerogatives of the other branches.

All legislative power in Tennessee is vested in the General Assembly. Tennesseans elect the members of the General Assembly and expect them to act as the eyes, the ears, and the voice of the people. We expect our legislators to represent their constituents, to deliberate and enact legislation that advances the common good, to adopt a state budget and appropriate funds, and to oversee the operation of state government. Even though the legislative process can become messy and rancorous, we expect our legislators to carry out their responsibilities with a proper level of compromise and consensus, always keeping in mind that their actions affect all Tennesseans.

Pursuing the common good is a daunting task in today’s fast-moving and multifaceted world. Today’s legislators receive support from competent, professional staff members and other government officials. Their ability to make informed and well-considered decisions is also enhanced by the advocacy of skilled professionals representing the interests of individuals and organizations.

Graduates of the Nashville School of Law have played significant roles in the legislative process for more than a century. This issue of The Torch celebrates our current graduates and students who are playing important roles in the legislative process. One of our graduates is a state senator. Four are members of the House of Representatives. Many more of our graduates and students staff individual legislators or committees. Still, other graduates and students advocate on behalf of persons, organizations, or causes. Each of these persons, in their own unique way, is using her or his NSL legal education to protect and promote the interests of Tennesseans. My hat is off to them.

Graduates of the Nashville School of Law have played pivotal roles on Capitol Hill for more than 100 years.

Banks Turner, who cast the deciding vote to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment, graduated from our school in 1928. James H. “Mr. Jim” Cummings, a 1922 graduate, attended our school while working in the State Comptroller’s Office. He went on to serve in the General Assembly for 40 years, including four years as Speaker of the House of Representatives. He also served as Tennessee’s Secretary of State for four years.

Albert Gore Sr. graduated from our school in 1936 and then served as Commissioner of the Department of Labor before embarking on his distinguished career in the Congress and the United States Senate. In 1967, Bess Blake, a 1940 graduate, was the Tennessee Department of Public Welfare Deputy Commissioner.

In more recent times, Harlan Mathews attended our school while serving as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Finance and Administration. He earned his law degree in 1962, and he was elected State Treasurer in 1974. Mathews also served for six years as Deputy to Governor Ned McWherter before being appointed to serve in the United States Senate. Ed Murray, a 1965 graduate, served in the House of Representatives for 20 years, including four years as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The NSL alumnus with the longest career in our General Assembly was Tennessee State Sen. Joe M. Haynes from the 20th district. Haynes, who graduated in 1965, served 28 years in public service, from 1984 to 2012.

Author’s Note - Due to the volume of people affiliated with NSL who work with our state legislators, we may have unintentionally omitted a few names, for that we apologize.