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Perspectives from the Bench Program a Success

Posted by: Julia Wilburn on May 28, 2026

TBA's Litigation Section last week hosted Perspectives from the Bench, a discussion with Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeff Bivins and Nashville School of Law Dean William Koch, who served on the Supreme Court from 2007-2014. Moderated by section members Hunter Branstetter and Todd Presnell, the panel discussed each justice's path to the bench, paying particular attention to the fact that the path is not always linear. Bivins and Koch encouraged attendees to be open to new opportunities and to embrace stepping outside their comfort zones. The group also discussed the importance of mentors, the manner in which the justices interact, the importance of the Rule of Law in society and more.

From left: Litigation Section Chair Will Perry, Dean William Koch, Chief Justice Jeff Bivins, Hunter Branstetter, Todd Presnell

The panel discussing the Rule of Law

From left: Litigation Section Executive Council members Chair Will Perry, Hunter Branstetter, April Knox, Todd Presnell, Zac Greene