Tennessee Bar Journal

Posted by: TBA News on Apr 23, 2020

Journal Issue Date: May 2020

Journal Name: Vol. 56 No. 5

Most Tennessee lawyers are working remotely these days. We thought we’d check in and see how it’s going. These are some of the pictures members sent in. 

Paris lawyer William R. Neese sent in a picture of his desk and beautiful pen collection, writing, “One might conclude from the photograph that I am not a typist.” He says he “didn’t realize how difficult it was to stay organized without an assistant. You think I would have learned that after 48 years as a lawyer,” he writes. It’s been difficult, but he acknowleges that his “law partner and daughter undoubtedly has it a lot harder with two toddlers at home.”

The Hon. James C. McSween Jr. of Newport prepares to appear before Chancellor Telford E. Forgety Jr., on his Cocke County docket via Zoom (however, McSween still prefers his 1920s Remington typewriter for correspondence). McSween, a member of the UT Law Class of 1954, claims that his practice is busier than ever. Three children and two grandchildren are also members of the Tennessee Bar. His youngest son, Phil McSween, who sent the photo, says “my goal is to retire before he does.” 

Chattanooga lawyer Jenni Smith created her home office from taking over the game table in her family room. “My little dog thinks she is supposed to sit in my lap all day as well!”

DarKenya W. Waller, executive director of Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands, keeps her Tennessee Bar Journal handy in her home office.

When she’s not busy running the Odeneal Firm in Lawrenceburg, Stacie Odeneal, a child welfare law specialist, takes to the water for some rest and relaxation.