Leadership and Law Academy Held in Chattanooga - Articles

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Posted by: Laura Labenberg on Mar 23, 2026

The TBA Young Lawyers Division, in collaboration with law firms and businesses in Chattanooga, held the 2026 Chattanooga Leadership and Law Academy, which introduces high school students to the practice of law. The program featured courtroom observation and discussion with General Sessions Court Judges Tori Smith and Christie Sell, and panel discussions with civil law attorneys, criminal law attorneys, and those in law-adjacent careers. Federal Magistrate Judge Mike Dumitru gave the keynote address. Mary Frances DeVoe, TBA YLD district representative and John Jolley, TBA YLD Mock Trial Committee chair, also participated in the event. TBA YLD Board member Ariel Anthony helped start this program 10 years ago and continues to serve as the chair.

Judge Christie Sell speaks with the students

From left: Mike Jones, Brittany Faith, Katie Reed, Harolda Bryson and Kisha Cheeks

Ariel Anthony (center) and the academy students