DLI

DLI Class of 2026

The Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division's DLI program is a six-month leadership, professional development and networking program for all Tennessee law students in their second, third or fourth years of study. The program is designed to:

  • Cultivate the analytical, professional and interpersonal skills necessary to navigate the practice of law;
  • Equip students with the leadership skills and judgment to drive meaningful impact in the legal community;
  • Provide networking opportunities and professional connections with the lawyers and judges serving on the YLD board;
  • Promote collaboration among the six Tennessee law schools to expand perspectives, build lasting statewide professional networks and enhance career opportunities; and
  • Foster civility in the legal profession by requiring law students to engage thoughtfully and professionally across diverse perspectives, experiences and environments.

Class size is limited to a total of up to 8 students selected from across the state. 

 

Apply here for the DLI Class of 2027
 

Program Description and Requirements

The DLI begins with an opening retreat in January. At the retreat, participants get to know fellow class members, are introduced to concepts to be explored throughout the program, and have the opportunity to network with TBA Young Leaders Division Leadership and volunteer at Mock Trial 101 with high schools students. Class members also meet in March during the Tennessee State High School Mock Trial Competition in Nashville for their mandatory service project. The DLI program concludes at the TBA convention in June. At the convention, class members will participate in programming, attend their graduation ceremony and have the opportunity to network with members of both the TBA and TBA YLD leadership. Attendance is required for all three in-person events.
 
During the six-month leadership program, participants will be required to attend all three in-person events, complete community service activities as a group (Mock Trial 101 and the Tennessee State High School Mock Trial Competition) and attend two continuing legal education (CLE) seminars (online or in-person). All TBA CLE seminars are free to law students. Additional remote sessions may be offered. In addition, class members will be invited to attend public service projects, educational seminars and membership events planned by the TBA YLD. Participants are also encouraged to get involved in activities sponsored by their local bar associations.
 
There are no costs to participate in the DLI program.  Participants will receive a travel stipend for the three in-person events and be provided double room hotel accommodations and meals.


Eligibility

  • Applicants must be enrolled in a Tennessee law school, and must be in their second, third or fourth year of study.


Application Process

Applicants must complete an online application. Applicants must attend a mandatory Zoom meeting on November 4 at 5:30 p.m. CST. Click here for the application.

Submission Process

The deadline for applying is 5 p.m. CDT November 1.

The mandatory information meeting is 5:30 p.m. CST November 4 on Zoom.

The Selection Committee will notify participants of its decisions by the middle of November.
 

Key Program Dates

November Student applications due by 5 p.m. CDT November 1
November Meeting for all applicants November 4 at 5:30 p.m. CST (on Zoom)
January Opening Session, Jackson  January 22-23 (mandatory)
March Mock Trial Competition, Nashville  March 19-20 (mandatory)
May CLE requirements must be completed by May 30
June TBA Convention and graduation, Memphis, June 24-25 (mandatory)

 

 

 

 

 

Questions?

If you have questions about the DLI Program, its requirements or the application, please contact TBA staff member Laura Labenberg or DLI Coordinators John Murphy or Kami Vallejo.

Group Menu

Contact Us

Questions or comments about this program? Feel free to contact:

Laura Labenberg
TBA Staff Contact
llabenberg@tnbar.org
615-277-3217
 
Questions or comments about other law school services? Visit the TBA's law student resource page.