The TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) gathered last week at the TBA's 2026 Annual Convention in Knoxville. On Friday, the traditional gavel pass and toast were held in conjunction with the Tennessee Bar Foundation as Memphis attorney Jennifer Sneed-Perry took office as YLD president. Others taking office were President-elect Darius Walker Jr. of Nashville, Vice President Judge Zachary Walden of Jacksboro, Secretary Patrick Morrison of Nashville and Treasurer Ashley Tipton of Nashville. The group also held its Annual Meeting. The 2026-2027 Board met on Saturday for a wellness walk to the Tennessee River, and held committee planning sessions and its first board meeting where Bronte Ward and Renee Austin were elected as district representatives.

On Friday evening, both the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 boards met for dinner at the Sunsphere. They were joined by the YLD Fellows for the induction of new fellows, members of the Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI) Class of 2026 for their graduation and the Rural Judicial Fellows (RJF) Class of 2026.

During the evening, outgoing president Judge Alex McVeagh presented a number of awards. The President's Award was given to Nashville attorney Patrick Morrison for his outstanding leadership as chair of the Membership Committee and for his dedicated efforts in serving as Health and Wellness coordinator. The Public Service Award was presented to Nashville attorney Alix Rogers. Six board members were recognized with Star of the Quarter Awards for quarters 3 and 4: Ginny Blake, Julie Chapman, Alexandra Jones, Levi Mauldin, Bridget Pyman and Claire Tuley. President's certificates of appreciation were presented to Ariel Anthony, Mary Frances DeVoe, Amanda Howard, John Jolley, Billy Leslie, Jennifer Safstrom, Chicoya Smith, Jennifer Sneed-Perry, Quinton Thompson and Ashley Tipton. Judge McVeagh received the Disco Gavel for bringing people together during the convention and creating an atmosphere of friendship and fellowship that helped make the event a success.

TBA YLD Past Presidents

Back Row (left to right): Judge Alex McVeagh, Quinton Thompson, David McDowell and Terica Smith
Front Row (left to right): William Haltom Jr., Judge David Veile, Tasha Blakney, Jennifer Sneed-Perry, Billy Leslie and Sean Aiello

Left: Judge Alex McVeagh
Right: Judge Alex McVeagh passes the TBA YLD gavel to Jennifer Sneed-Perry

Left: Jennifer Sneed-Perry and Judge Alex McVeagh
Right: Judge Alex McVeagh, Alix Rogers and Jennifer Sneed-Perry

Left: Billy Leslie and Judge Alex McVeagh
Right: Judge Alex McVeagh and Quinton Thompson

Left: Levi Mauldin and Judge Alex McVeagh
Right: Claire Tuley and Judge Alex McVeagh

Left: Alexandra Jones and Judge Alex McVeagh
Right: Judge Alex McVeagh, John Jolley and Jennifer Sneed-Perry

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Left: Judge Alex McVeagh and Jennifer Sneed-Perry with the disco gavel
Right: Patrick Morrison with Ozzie and the President's Award

Members of the TBA YLD, DLI Class of 2026 and TBA staff at the wellness walk

Meeting of the 2026-2027 TBA YLD Board