MEMBER CENTER
The Tennessee Bar Association is dedicated to fostering legal education, maintaining the honor, dignity and well-being of the members of the legal profession, enhancing the performance of the legal profession, cultivating professional ethics and fellowship among its members, and promoting responsible relationships between the legal profession and the public.
Membership in the TBA is open to students currently enrolled in a Tennessee law school or students at out-of-state schools who intend to practice in Tennessee. Law student membership includes access to programs and services designed to help prepare for the acclimatization and familiarization of the practice of law.
PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES FOR LAW STUDENTS
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Balancing the Scales: Voices of First-Gen Lawyers
Members of the TBA YLD board sat down to share their journey to the legal profession on a panel designed to provide advice and insight to first-generation law students and young lawyers. What does it mean to be a first-generation lawyer? What did they wish they knew? What are the pitfalls to avoid? Check out their unique, yet relatable stories here.
Beyond The Bar Exam: Resources & Opportunities for Those Who Do Not Pass
The TBA YLD is committed to helping those who were not successful on their bar exam. We recommend you read this resource guide to receive encouragement and information on what to do next. Click here to listen to the TBA YLD War Stories podcast - Retaking the Bar.
Beyond The Bar Exam: Career Choices for Those Who Do Not Want to Be Licensed Attorneys
There are numerous alternative career paths available for individuals with a legal background. Here is an overview of various career options that can leverage your legal knowledge and skills, allowing you to explore fulfilling and rewarding professional opportunities outside of traditional legal practice.
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Rural Judicial Fellowship (RJF)
The Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (TBA YLD) proudly launched the Rural Judicial Fellowship (RJF) in the summer of 2025. This program is designed to address the critical shortage of attorneys in rural Tennessee counties while providing law students with a meaningful and enriching clerkship experience. This initiative aims to give rising 2L, 3L and 4L law students an opportunity to spend 6 weeks of the summer as a judicial law clerk in a legal community in rural Tennessee. This program provides a $1,000 stipend and the opportunity to work directly with judges, gaining practical legal experience and fostering connections in underserved areas. Click here for more information on the 2026 program. Participating 2026 judges will be announced in the coming months. Click here for the 2026 application.
RJF Class of 2025
Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI)
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:
- Develop skills to succeed as a law student and attorney;
- Empower students to contribute more to the legal community;
- Provide opportunities for law students to network with the YLD board consisting of young lawyers and judges from across the state;
- Build relationships among students from all six Tennessee law schools and
- Promote an environment in which people with differing beliefs, experiences, viewpoints, and interests can interact with one another and seek to understand the perspectives of others and treat all individuals with respect.
DLI Class of 2026
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS FOR LAW STUDENTS
Legal Education
Free programming and education courses that help law students learn about practice areas and the fundamentals of the practice of law. Access TBA's Law Student YouTube Channel offering free legal education programs.
Legal Publications and Communication
Free access to the online Tennessee Bar Journal, daily news from TBA Today, multiple shows from the TBA Podcast Network and TBA social media. Follow us.
Programs for Law Students
The Tennessee Bar Association welcomes law student involvement and has a number of special programs to help law students enhance their education, get real-life experience in the legal profession and network with established attorneys.
Savings
Member discounts on office supplies from Office Depot, saving on hotel and car rentals, and discounts on entertainment and social events such as movie tickets, music and event shows, theme and water parks, and sporting events.
Resources for Solo Practice
Resources, tools, guides and best practices for law students who plan to launch a solo practice after law school.
Career Development
Access to Career Center and to TBA's 33 Sections. Joblink has many career resources and job data information for job seekers. TBA Sections are specialized groups that focus on a particular practice area and offer resources and activities.
Young Lawyers Division
Monthly updates from the TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) on events and information for lawyers in their first 10 years of practice and law students. The YLD provides social networking events to help law students build their network and produces the annual Diversity Leadership Institute a six-month leadership and diversity program for law students and Rural Judicial Fellowship program.
Health Insurance for Law Students
A fully insured Cigna health plan features five coverage options designed to meet your unique needs. The plan requires no medical underwriting or health questions. Enrollment opens on the 1st of each month, with coverage beginning on the 1st of the following month after premium payment. More about the plan: Solo Insurance Plan.
New Attorney and Membership Guide
As you prepare for life after law school -- start with this New Attorney Guide. This resource introduces the legal community in Tennessee, offers tips, covers important deadlines and shows you how to maximize your membership.
Health and Wellness
Access to wellness programing for law students which include a special wellness podcast and educational programs.
Article Writing and Publishing
Build your professional profile by publishing in any of the TBA publications, including Section Connect newsletters. You can also submit a piece for Voices of the YLD which appears in the Law Student Newsletter and Young Lawyers Division Newsletter. Or submit an article to the Tennessee Bar Journal for review. You can also enter TBA writing contests, including those sponsored by the Environmental Law Section and the Administrative Law Section.
USEFUL LINKS, WEB RESOURCES
State Agencies
Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts
Tennessee Board of Law Examiners
Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility
Tennessee Law Schools
Belmont University College of Law
Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law
University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
University of Tennessee Winston College of Law
Vanderbilt University Law School
United States Department of Justice
RECENT NEWS
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