More Than A Lawyer Stories
Our #MoreThanALawyer campaign highlights all the ways Alabama’s attorneys impact lives within and outside of their profession. Alabama’s lawyers are parents, service members, volunteers, mentors, coaches, musicians and committed advocates. In all of these roles, they make a difference in their community. Each Friday, we share a #MoreThanALawyer story on the Alabama State Bar’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Scroll down to see a collection of all the stories! 
Do you know an Alabama lawyer with a great story to share? Click the Nominate button above to submit a nomination! Entries must include the nominee’s name, contact information and a short description of why you feel this person should be featured on our #MoreThanALawyer campaign!
Amber James - Sept. 6, 2019
Today's #MoreThanALawyer feature is from Attorney Amber James of New Beginnings Family Law, P.C. in Huntsville. Her story is a good reminder that with the demands of being a parent and a lawyer, we should always extend grace to ourselves and be willing to accept help from others!
"One of my greatest joys is being a parent. I went back to law school when the tall young man in this photo was almost two years old. I worked during the day and went to law school at night. While I was in law school, his dad and I divorced. Then, I was a single parent of a toddler, worked during the day, and went to law school at night. My son Nick and I graduated within about a week of each other. Nick graduated from Pre-K at St. Paul¹s Lutheran Church, and I graduated 9th in my class from Birmingham School of Law. I forgot to mention that I also remarried and had a baby girl during my last semesters in law school. Ultimately, I took the bar exam and hung my shingle.
When Nick was in third grade, he was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder. Originally, we were told all the things he would not be able to do. We were told he would probably have to be home-schooled and most likely would never go to college or be able to live independently. We never let Nick feel sorry for himself or label himself as disabled. Nick was and remains differently-abled. Nick flourished in theatre, performed in the marching band at James Clemens High School, received AP college credit for English Literature, and was accepted to Belmont University where he is currently studying Religion and Biblical Languages in order to prepare to become a pastor. Being a parent and a lawyer has not always been easy. It's hard to find a balance between what is expected of you as a trial lawyer and what your family needs from you, but God blessed us with helping hands and an amazing team. That's my #MoreThanALawyer story."
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Jerome Thompson - Oct. 18, 2019
Today’s #MoreThanALawyer feature is from Attorney Jerome Thompson of Thompson and Associates, Attorneys at Law in Moulton. He served as the International Director of Lions Clubs International from 2015-2017. Here is his story:
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"Upon graduating from The University of Alabama School of Law, I returned to Lawrence County, Alabama, where my family roots ran deep. In fact, my great-grandmother, who was traveling, what is now known as the “Trail of Tears” met my great-grandfather, married and raised a family. Returning home was important to me. The opportunity to help my fellow citizens not only by providing quality legal services, but also, by improving the quality of life for everyone weighed heavy upon my mind.
Shortly after opening my one-man law firm, I was approached by civic-minded community leaders, who provided me an opportunity to serve others through LIONS Clubs International. Over the past 30 years, through my membership with the Moulton Lions Club, I have had the opportunity to impact the lives of others. Countless individuals have been provided eye exams and eyeglasses. Hundreds of Diabetic Children have had the opportunity to attend Camp Seal Harris. Literacy has improved through our support of the Lawrence County Public Library Summer Reading Program.
Having been recognized as a leader among the Lions of Alabama, I had the opportunity to serve on the International Board of Directors, 2015-17. Most recently, I have led a team of Lions who promotes expanding service through engaging more volunteers and expanding leadership opportunities in the United States. In this role, I have the opportunity to train and inspire Lion leaders to do more. “Where there is a need, there is a Lion” is more than a slogan. It is a way of life.
While the legal profession is most worthy, our highest calling is to improve the lives of those around us.
Lawyers have a duty to give back to the community through engaging in service organizations."
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Bob Methvin, Jr. - Aug. 30, 2019
Every day, lives are changed when our most vulnerable citizens gain access to the legal system. For today’s #MoreThanALawyer story, we highlight Alabama’s attorneys who tap into their skill set and donate their services and time. In this photo, Bob Methvin, Alabama State Bar President-Elect, is helping a client at the Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham Program. As a former member of the Board, Bob is committed to its mission of providing free legal representation to those in need.
Arthur Acosta - Sept. 27, 2019
Today's #MoreThanALawyer feature is from Attorney Arthur Acosta in Wetumpka.
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“My wife, Dawn, and I have been foster/adoptive parents for almost nine years through Alabama DHR. We have been foster parents to over 20 children. I live in and practice civil law in Wetumpka. This picture is of me, my wife, two adult daughters, and four adopted children. We share in hopes of inspiring other families to do the same. It is partly the reason why I went back to law school at 43 years old. We wanted to be an advocate for these little ones. I remember during my 2nd year in law school studying for finals, and we had 13 kids in the home. Looking back I don't see how we did it! That is my #MoreThanALawyer story.”
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Ashley Marshall - Oct. 4, 2019
Today's #MoreThanALawyer feature is from Attorney Ashley Cranford Marshall of Cranford Marshall Legal, LLC in Enterprise! Here is her story:
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"In addition to being an attorney, I am also the spouse of an Active Duty Air Force pilot. I not only practice law, but I also advocate to make the lives of military families better. I am part of an organization called the Military Spouse JD Network, who supports attorneys who happen to be military spouses.
I have also served as President of the Barksdale Officers’ Spouses’ Club-- a 125 person organization who raises money for charities that support military families, including giving scholarships to military dependents for college. I have also formed a network of military spouse organizations all across the world so that we can communicate and share ideas on ways to support military families. My husband, some close friends, and I started an organization to send care packages to troops stationed in obscure areas who often don’t receive much support.
Although being an attorney and a military spouse has not been the easiest of journeys, the combination has made my life better. Not only do I get to advocate for my clients, I also get to support our country by making the lives of active duty soldiers and their families better."
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Jacy Carpenter - Sept. 13, 2019
Today, we feature Associate Attorney Jacy Carpenter with the Law Offices of Gregory Varner.
"For the last seven years, I've worked as an enlisted paralegal for the Air National Guard. Outside of drill weekends and annual tours, I enjoy working the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, which connects National Guard/Reserve members and their families with local community resources before, during and after deployments. I was awarded The Air Force Achievement Medal earlier this year, and on Aug. 15, I earned the Distinguished Graduate Award from The Air Force Judge Advocate General's School, after graduating in the top 10% of my class from the 8-week Paralegal Craftsman Course."
Cliff Mendheim - Aug. 23, 2019
Today, our #MoreThanALawyer story features Attorney and ASB Bar Commissioner Cliff Mendheim of Prim & Mendheim LLC in Dothan (pictured top left). He coaches his daughter’s softball team, the Dixie Softball Ponytails All-Star Team, which went on to win the Dixie Softball World Series in Hopkins County, Texas earlier this summer!
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#LawyersRenderService #LawyersGiveBack
Tremele Perry - Sept. 20, 2019
This Friday, our #MoreThanALawyer story features Birmingham attorney Tremele Perry of Perry Law.
“I was born in Montgomery and graduated from Sidney Lanier High School, but my family relocated for a portion of my childhood to the Black Belt region of Alabama, an area containing some of the most impoverished counties in the United States. To this day, I credit my development of character to the unique experience of growing up in the small town of Yantley, Alabama. Although the town had no cell phone signal and the nearest grocery store or source of entertainment meant crossing the state line into Mississippi – its residents had a sense of community and pride.
Now that I am a lawyer, I created the Perry Law Scholarship for high school seniors at Sidney Lanier High and Choctaw County High to help with college, and I frequently participate in speaking engagements to share my experiences with youth in both the inner-city and rural communities throughout Alabama. I wholehearted believe in pouring back into the community. We should not only commit to improving the lives of those in need of our professional services, but also improving the lives of our youth in neighboring communities through awareness.
My most important job, however is husband and dad. While only one of my sons is pictured here, my wife and I have two awesome young boys. I enjoy coaching my son’s t-ball team as well as a community flag football team.”
Nikki Tinker - Oct. 11, 2019
Today’s #MoreThanALawyer feature is from Nikki Tinker, Senior Contracts Analyst for Alabama Power and Gadsden Municipal Court Judge. Judge Tinker recently held a mock trial for 200 middle school students in Gadsden in an effort to teach them more about court proceedings and the legal profession. Here is her story:
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"I wanted to simulate a typical court proceeding that would allow students to gain a basic understanding of the judicial system. I coordinated the program with the Gadsden City School system and worked with three middle schools in the area. One school served as the prosecutor’s office, another school represented the Defendant, and the third school served as the jury. Students were placed in the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, bailiffs, court clerks, stenographer, witnesses and jurors in a courtroom setting. They were required to have opening and closing arguments, present exhibits and cross examine witnesses.
The goal was not only to give them an inside look at some of the careers in law, but to also to make them aware of the fact that there are female and minority judges, and that they can become lawyers and judges also, if they work for it.
In addition, I wanted them not to be intimidated by the process, but to think about its purpose. For example, a shoplifting case results in criminal penalties that can remain on your record forever.
After their 35-minute deliberation, the jurors made their decision, without the influence of any adults. The jury ruled in the prosecution’s favor and they were awarded $500 and a pizza party.
I think the students came away with a better understanding of our court system, and I hope to graduate this project on to a larger scale, perhaps even a state-wide competition!”
Read a news article about the mock trial here: [https://bit.ly/35gEFcD]
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Aaron Chastain - Oct. 25, 2019
Today’s #MoreThanALawyer feature is from Attorney Aaron Chastain, a partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP and Secretary of the Alabama State Bar's Young Lawyers' Section. Here is his story:
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"My wife Kathryn and I had talked about being foster parents for years, even back when we were dating. We knew there was a huge need for foster parents, and we felt called to serve in that capacity. In the process, we were able to meet so many amazing people who made large sacrifices to care for children who were often going through some of the toughest experiences imaginable.
The experience of being a foster parent has its ups and downs, but I’m happy to say that it led to one of the greatest joys in our lives. Our oldest son was our very first foster placement; three years later, we adopted him, and now we can’t imagine life without him.
I have a constant reminder that I’m “more than a lawyer” – it’s my kids at home, biological, adopted, or in foster care, that call me “Dad,” “Daddy,” or “Mr. Aaron.” They don’t care much at all about what I’m doing at the office (or on my phone at other times); they just want my attention and love. That’s an enormous privilege and blessing, and I’m so glad I’m in a position to have it."
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William "Billy" Young
Don Davis
Jason Isbell Feb. 7, 2020
Today's #MoreThanALawyer story is Jason Isbell with the Alabama Bankers Association, Inc. Here is his story:
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Like many in our profession, Montgomery attorney Jason Isbell is proud to support local charities. But in Jason’s case, he’s been linked to one of the organizations he works with his entire life. Literally!
Agape of Central Alabama is a Christian foster care and adoption agency that helps vulnerable and orphaned children find permanency in safe, nurturing families. Since 1978, Agape has helped more than 2,000 children through foster care, and more than 250 children through the permanency of an adoptive family. One of those children, as you might have guessed, was Jason: his parents adopted him through Agape in September of 1980, less than three months after his birth.
So, it was no surprise that many years later, Jason excitedly accepted a seat on Agape’s board of directors, where he currently serves as chairman. Jason has also been an integral part of Agape’s largest annual fundraising event, “Connecting Hearts,” having served as the event’s emcee and chief fundraiser since it began in 2015. Over the years, “Connecting Hearts” has featured interviews with and presentations from Michael Oher of “The Blind Side” fame, Sean “Sean of the South” Dietrich, and former Auburn University Athletic Director (and foster parent) Jay Jacobs.
This year’s event will begin at 6:00 p.m. on February 25 at The Warehouse in Alley Station in downtown Montgomery. The highlight of the evening will be a performance from Christian artist Ginny Owens. Ginny became a household name as the Gospel Music Association’s New Artist of the Year in 2000. Growing in notoriety as both a singer and songwriter, winning 3 Dove awards and multiple ASCAP Awards along the way, Owens has sold over a million records over the course of her career. A top performer on the Christian radio charts with hits like “If You Want Me To,” “Free," and “I Wanna Be Moved,” Owens has released 11 full albums and 3 EPs, and her music has also impacted mainstream audiences at Lilith Fair, the Sundance Film Festival, and the White House.
Need more info on “Connecting Hearts?” Check out the event website, www.connectinghearts.org!
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What is our #MoreThanALawyer campaign all about? It's how we highlight all the ways Alabama’s attorneys impact lives outside of their profession. Alabama's lawyers are parents, volunteers, mentors, coaches, musicians and committed advocates. In all of these roles, they make a difference in their community. Share your story or nominate a fellow attorney here: https://www.alabar.org/more-than-a-lawyer-stories/
Edgar Black Jan. 31, 2020
Today's #MoreThanALawyer story is attorney Edgar Black of Black & Hughston, P.C. in Muscle Shoals. Here is his story:
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Edgar was a board member for Shoals Habitat for Humanity for six years, serving the last two years as Board President. His desire to give back to the organization started in high school when he volunteered on a local build with his church. Several years later, when he was asked by a colleague to join the board, it was an easy “yes!” He is pictured here in the white shirt helping break ground on a home for a local family in need.
As an attorney on the board, he provided pro bono services to assist the Executive Director in developing post-build policies which helped ensure the non-profit was protected and could continue to grow and change lives.
“I’m very proud of the work we did with Shoals Habitat to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope,” said Edgar.
Edgar is also a husband and dad to two young daughters.
“I have helped friends coach youth basketball teams, and I look forward to being able to support my little girls, whether that’s through sports teams, dance or whatever they choose!”
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What is our #MoreThanALawyer campaign all about? It's how we highlight all the ways Alabama’s attorneys impact lives outside of their profession. Alabama's lawyers are parents, volunteers, mentors, coaches, musicians and committed advocates. In all of these roles, they make a difference in their community. Share your story or nominate a fellow attorney here: https://www.alabar.org/more-than-a-lawyer-stories/
Bobby Poole Jan. 24, 2020
Today's #MoreThanALawyer story is attorney Bobby Poole, a partner at Whittelsey, Whittelsey, Poole & Corley in Opelika. He was nominated by fellow attorney Stephanie Pollard. Here is his story:
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"Bobby is a partner at his law firm, a husband and is the father to two children. He coaches youth sports teams (currently his son’s basketball team) and he is a statistician for the Auburn University Men’s Basketball Team, meaning there are days he goes straight from the courtroom to putting on tennis shoes and throwing a whistle around his neck and coaching U10 kids and then putting on his SEC vest and keeping stats at the Auburn Arena. On top of all that, his wife, Tammy, has been battling leiomyosarcoma for several years and he travels to and from Houston with her for her scans and treatments at MD Anderson. He is the first person I think of when I think of someone who is more than just a lawyer!"
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What is our #MoreThanALawyer campaign all about? It's how we highlight all the ways Alabama’s attorneys impact lives outside of their profession. Alabama's lawyers are parents, volunteers, mentors, coaches, musicians and committed advocates. In all of these roles, they make a difference in their community. Share your story or nominate a fellow attorney here: https://www.alabar.org/more-than-a-lawyer-stories/
Kelly Butler Jan. 17, 2020
Today's #MoreThanALawyer story is from Deputy Attorney General Kelly Butler. Here is her story:
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"This picture shows a family of three growing into a family of five through the beauty of foster adoption. It also shows the happy smiles that followed a year and a half of tears born from struggle and confusion and pain in every one of us. While I don’t crave attention for my family or for me, I am passionate about bringing attention to foster care and to the need for more foster families in Alabama who are willing to get in the midst of the mess with these precious children and see them through it to the other side. Too often, those of us in demanding professions like the law assume that we can’t possibly have the time or energy to handle the additional responsibilities that come with fostering. As a 23-year veteran attorney, I can tell you that those making that assumption are absolutely correct…and they are also absolutely wrong. These last two years balancing foster care (and adoption) and work and kids and marriage and church and community have been the very hardest, yet most fulfilling, years of my life. I have found that this lawyer mentality and experience serves our foster children quite well because they need somebody involved in their daily lives who will advocate for them alongside their social workers and CASA volunteers and GAL. Foster parents know the most about the kids in the system, but most of the time they are the least-heard members of it, often because they don’t know what questions to ask or to whom they should be directed. If there is one thing all lawyers are pretty good at doing, it’s asking questions and demanding answers, even when the “proper” thing to do is sit down and shut up.
Foster kids need that tenacity in their corner. They need to have at their disposal the kind of attitude and spirit and perseverance that got every lawyer through law school and past the Bar and into practice. They need someone willing to ask hard questions and keep asking them until an answer is given or until change comes or both. They need us. And while it will take your time and your energy and your love and your patience, I guarantee that the joy of being part of something so much bigger than yourself will replenish it all ten-fold." #morethanalawyer #fostertoadopt #keepsayingyes #becomingabutler
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What is our #MoreThanALawyer campaign all about? It's how we highlight all the ways Alabama’s attorneys impact lives outside of their profession. Alabama's lawyers are parents, volunteers, mentors, coaches, musicians and committed advocates. In all of these roles, they make a difference in their community. Share your story or nominate a fellow attorney here: https://www.alabar.org/more-than-a-lawyer-stories/
Christy Crow Wadsworth Aug. 16, 2019
Each member of the Alabama State Bar is #MoreThanALawyer. They're moms, dads, volunteer coaches, committed community advocates and so much more! Today, we highlight our Madam President Christy Crow Wadsworth and her dedication to supporting athletes in Bullock County. She currently serves as a sponsor for the Bullock County High School Boosters and hosts the Football Coaches Sports Show! More stories to come! 🙌
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#LawyersRenderService
Julian McPhillips Dec. 20, 2019
Today’s #MoreThanALawyer story is Montgomery attorney Julian McPhillips of McPhillips Shinbaum LLP. Here is his story:
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Julian McPhillips he and his wife, Leslie, feel strongly about giving of their time and contributions to local schools and community arts organizations.
"In 1986, my wife and I also bought and saved the house in Montgomery where F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald lived, and we helped turn it into a world-class museum, attracting people to Montgomery from all over the United States.
Also, since 1985, I have give an annual scholarship, the David Dixon McPhillips Scholarship for Good Citizenship and Academic Excellence, to the most deserving LAMP Magnet School senior here in Montgomery."
As a former wrestler he helped start several wrestling teams at local high schools in Montgomery and served as a volunteer coach with many of those teams, including Sidney Lanier, Jeff Davis, Robert E. Lee and Carver High Schools.
"Over the years, we have supported churches, charities, and many worthwhile causes in Montgomery and especially in the African American community."
Thank you Mr. McPhillips for sharing your story!
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Our #MoreThanALawyer campaign is a weekly feature on social media. You can find these stories on our website as well at: https://www.alabar.org/more-than-a-lawyer-stories/
Alabama's lawyers are parents, non-profit volunteers, mentors, coaches and committed advocates. In all of these roles, they make a difference in their community.
James Tarbox Jan. 10, 2020
Today's #MoreThanALawyer feature is attorney James Tarbox of Marsh & Cotter, LLP in Enterprise! Here is his story submitted by fellow attorney Sam Bone:
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"James has been an active member of the Enterprise Rotary Club since 2014. For the past three years, he's served as the Programs Chairman, and the club Vice President for the past two years.
James is also a long-time volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, serving the local Boy Scouts on the Council Executive Board that's headquartered in Dothan. He also has helped coordinate the Scouts' local fundraising activities in Coffee County for the past several years. More locally, he is a Troop Committee Member for the local Scout troop that meets at just up the street from his law office.
In addition, he's served as the local bar president of the Coffee County Bar Association for two years.
I think James exemplifies what it means to be “more than a lawyer” and would be a very worthy nomination for the series."
Thanks to Sam Bone for nominating James for our series! We love sharing the stories of lawyers giving back.
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What is our #MoreThanALawyer campaign all about? It's how we highlight all the ways Alabama’s attorneys impact lives outside of their profession. Alabama's lawyers are parents, volunteers, mentors, coaches, musicians and committed advocates. In all of these roles, they make a difference in their community. Share your story or nominate a fellow attorney here: https://www.alabar.org/more-than-a-lawyer-stories/
Sam Bone - Feb. 28, 2020
Today's #MoreThanALawyer story features Sam Bone with Dani V. Bone and Sam D. Bone, Attorneys at Law. He was nominated by fellow attorney James Tarbox. Here is his story:
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“Sam practices in Gadsden with his dad, Dani Bone. He is a dedicated supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Etowah County and currently serves as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors. I have seen the amount of hours he puts in each week and know how dedicated he is to the organization and the children it serves. Sam recently received the “Hero Award” from the Club recognizing his commitment to the nonprofit, and the year before that, he was named Board Member of the Year. I think he is a great representative for the #MoreThanALawyer series.”
We love seeing young lawyers make it a priority to back to their community! Thanks for being #MoreThanALawyer!
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What is our #MoreThanALawyer campaign all about? It's how we highlight all the ways Alabama’s attorneys impact lives outside of their profession. Alabama's lawyers are parents, volunteers, mentors, coaches, musicians and committed advocates. In all of these roles, they make a difference in their community. Share your story or nominate a fellow attorney here: https://www.alabar.org/more-than-a-lawyer-stories/
Tanisia Moore - Fe. 21, 2020
Today’s #MoreThanALawyer story comes from Gardendale-based attorney Tanisia ‘Tee’ Moore with Moore and Young Legal Solutions.
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Tee Moore and her husband adopted their youngest child last year. Through that experience, she realized a need for stronger support system for families before, during and after the adoption process. Tee created a nonprofit called “Not Your Average Adoption,” to help fill the emotional and educational gaps. One of the first things she’s planning is a workshop for families that adopt a child of another race to help them feel empowered to raise their children. This first workshop will take place in Homewood in April.
Tee said, “It is my mission to provide a platform for creative learning with the sole purpose to build strong adoptive communities."
Tee is also the author of a novel called "After the Storm," and she recently presented her personal story of finding balance in being a mother, lawyer and entrepreneur at Alabama A&M University’s Inaugural TEDx Event.
"It was an amazing experience," she added.
[Thank you Tanisia 'Tee' Moore for sharing your story with us!]
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What is our #MoreThanALawyer campaign all about? It's how we highlight all the ways Alabama’s attorneys impact lives outside of their profession. Alabama's lawyers are parents, volunteers, mentors, coaches, musicians and committed advocates. In all of these roles, they make a difference in their community. Share your story or nominate a fellow attorney here: https://www.alabar.org/more-than-a-lawyer-stories/