NSL Welcomes the Class of 2026

Atotal of 110 new students filled the auditorium at Nashville School of Law in July 2022, for new student orientation. Murfreesboro high school history teacher Nancy Baxley was one of them. Teaching for more than two decades, she knows firstday jitters are normal. However, it has been awhile since she was the new student.

“I had a bit of anxiety and thought, I am not sure if I can do all this. Then I talked myself down and thought, it is only four classes, two days a week; four classes, two days a week,” said Baxley.

While she continues to teach high school during the day, she will attend evening classes at NSL.

“It was encouraging to see other folks my age at orientation. I am still unsure about what I am going to do with my law degree, but I am excited for the possibilities,” said Baxley.

The two-day orientation at NSL was filled with lectures, panel discussions and informative sessions that gave students an idea of what they can expect during their four years of law school.

“Our orientation program is designed to welcome our new students and to emphasize the significance of their decision to earn a law degree. They are beginning the process of transforming themselves into legal professionals who will serve their clients and communities and advance the Rule of Law,” said Dean William C. Koch.

The students heard from NSL faculty members Chuck Shonholtz, Professor of Advanced

Legal Studies; Dr. Thorunn McCoy, NSL Writing Professional; and David Hudson Jr., former Professor of Bar Exam Workshop. The instructors not only offered advice on how to succeed in law school, but they also started teaching some of the curriculum with PowerPoint presentations included, enticing students to request a copy.

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sarah Campbell administered the Oath of Professionalism, a requirement of all new NSL students.

“When attorneys join the Tennessee Bar, they take an oath to conduct themselves with honesty, fairness, integrity, and civility. Nashville School of Law serves its students well by asking them to take a similar oath as incoming 1Ls. Students who practice professionalism during their legal training will no doubt be better prepared to, as the oath puts it, “embrace the responsibilities” that accompany the privilege of joining our noble profession,” Campbell said.

Another panel, comprised of current NSL students, led by 4L student Mitzi Dorris, provided helpful suggestions like creating outlines, recording lectures, and joining a study group.

“I enjoyed the student panel. No one else in my family has been to law school,” said Jasmine Patton, a Nashville law office manager. “So, to hear from current students about what they’ve experienced was very valuable. I spent my evening looking up different devices and things they talked about that we will need for class,” she said.

Patton, who is a Tennessee State University graduate, was the first student to show up for this year’s orientation and was eager to begin her first year at NSL.

“When I left orientation, I thought, this is where I need to be,” she said. “The organizational skills and time management a student needs made me think, I can absolutely do this.”

From a young age, Jeri “Keneath” Galyon was always enthusiastic and curious. She spent a good amount of time at her dad’s law firm, so her introduction to statutes and amendments came early in life.

Galyon and Associates, in Sevierville, Tennessee, just 30 miles south of Knoxville, was founded in 1969 by her dad, Jerry Kenneth Galyon.

Jerry Galyon started out as a family law attorney, and within a few years he ended up becoming a criminal defense lawyer. After he passed away in 2011, Galyon and Associates eventually closed its doors, but the family still owns the building.

Sharing her dad’s initials, Keneath Galyon has many of his personalized office items like a notebook, pen case and business card holder with the letters “JKG.” She also still has the firm’s sign, “Galyon and Associates,” which welcomed clients at the front door.

When Galyon received her Bachelor of Arts degree from East Tennessee State University