Tennessee Attorneys Head North for a One-of-a-Kind Urban Bourbon CLE - Articles

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Tennessee Attorneys Head North for a One-of-a-Kind Urban Bourbon CLE

Posted by: Azya Thornton on Apr 18, 2025

TBA CLE hit the road to Louisville, Kentucky, April 4-5 for an unforgettable weekend of continuing legal education, hosted in collaboration with the Louisville Bar Association and inspired by the city’s famed Urban Bourbon Trail. The event kicked off that Friday afternoon with Louisville attorney and bourbon historian Brian Haara, who delivered an eye-opening presentation on the surprising ways bourbon law helped shape American commercial law. Haara, an attorney at Fultz Maddox Dickens, is the author of "Bourbon Justice."

Davidson County Chancellor Anne Martin followed with an insider’s perspective on Tennessee’s Business Courts, offering valuable insights from the bench. That evening, attendees enjoyed a specially curated four-course dinner featuring local Kentucky flavors at the acclaimed Proof on Main.

Saturday’s sessions began with a dynamic ethics program led by TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr., Court of Appeals Judge Neal McBrayer and Martin. Using scenes from popular films, the trio guided participants through a thoughtful discussion of legal ethics highlighting both the “reel” and real-life challenges attorneys face in practice. The weekend wrapped up with bourbon tastings and tours along the Urban Bourbon Trail, where participants chose from renowned distilleries including Angel’s Envy, Rabbit Hole, Old Forester and Peerless Distilling Co. Want to join the next destination CLE? Visit TBA's website to stay in the loop.

From left: TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr., Davidson County Chancellor Anne Martin, Louisville attorney and speaker Brian Haara

Urban Bourbon CLE attendees gather for dinner at Proof on Main

Urban Bourbon CLE attendees gather for dinner during the program

Urban Bourbon CLE attendees hear from program speakers at the Louisville Bar Association