Nashville Bar Association Names New Executive Director

The Nashville Bar Association, based in the city of Nashville, announced the appointment of Jeanne Bigham Heaton as its new executive director. Heaton will be stepping in after the departure of former executive director Abby Sparks, who left the position in December 2023 and has since joined the Tennessee Department of Human Resources as a talent management business partner.

Heaton’s Background and Role

Heaton brings extensive experience from her previous roles, most notably her term as the director of continuing legal education for the Illinois State Bar Association, where she worked for more than 17 years. She has also worked in environmental law in Illinois, and held multiple positions, including president, president elect, secretary, treasurer and director, for the international Association for Continuing Legal Education.

Heaton, who will commence her new role on May 20, holds a J.D degree from Indiana University and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. Alongside these qualifications, she has certification as a professionally recognized speaker, trainer and coach.

Commenting on Heaton’s appointment, NBA President Bahar Azhdari expressed excitement, stating, “Jeanne brings a wealth of CLE, bar association, and people management experience and knowledge, and she is excited to get to know Nashville and its legal community.”

Executive Director Search Committee

The executive director search committee, led by Erin Palmer Polly in cooperation with NBA’s board of directors, was responsible for the recruitment of the new executive director.

Legal Movement in Nashville

Besides Heaton’s appointment, there were other major announcements from Nashville’s legal community. Mary Smith, President of the American Bar Association (ABA), recently visited Nashville. Her visit included a reception held at the office of Baker Donelson for an opportunity to connect with legal leaders from the area.

Ogletree Deakins adds New Counsel

The Nashville office of Ogletree Deakins, one of the nation’s largest labor and employment firms that specialize in legal matters for management, has enlisted Tracey Kinslow as a new counsel. Kinslow, who brings experience from his role as the managing partner at Kinslow Law Group in areas of small business development, labor and employment, and cybersecurity law, will now focus on employment law.

Lewis Thomason Moves for Growth

Lastly, the Tennessee-based law firm Lewis Thomason is expanding, with the announcement of a move for its Knoxville office. The firm, which is one of the largest in Knoxville with 40 attorneys and 46 staff members, will now operate from a larger location at 900 Gay Street. The move is designed to provide room for expansion and to accommodate the growing demand for their legal services.