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Top 10 Black Attorneys in Memphis, Tennessee (TN): A MUST READ

Seth ScottBy No Comments5 Mins Read
black attorneys in memphis

Memphis, Tennessee, is known for its vibrant culture, historical significance in the civil rights movement, and its dynamic legal community. Among the many professionals shaping the legal landscape of the city, Black attorneys have played and continue to play a pivotal role. These distinguished legal minds are not only breaking barriers within the legal profession but also championing causes that uplift their communities. This article highlights the top Black attorneys in Memphis, Tennessee, celebrating their achievements, contributions, and the legacy they are building.

1. Judge Bernice B. Donald

Judge Bernice B. Donald is a trailblazer in the judiciary and one of the most respected figures in the Memphis legal community. Born in DeSoto County, Mississippi, she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. She became the first African American woman to serve as a judge in the Western District of Tennessee. Appointed by President Barack Obama in 2011, she served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit until her retirement in 2023. Following her judicial career, she joined Burch, Porter & Johnson PLLC, where she continues to influence the legal profession (source).

2. D’Army Bailey

D’Army Bailey was a lawyer, civil rights activist, judge, and founder of the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination. He graduated from Yale Law School and later served as a circuit court judge in Tennessee. His legal career and activism left a lasting impact not just in Memphis but nationwide. Bailey’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of attorneys committed to justice and civil rights (source).

3. Judge Andre Mathis

Andre Mathis, a Memphis native and University of Memphis graduate, made history in 2022 when President Joe Biden appointed him to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He is the first Black man from Tennessee to serve on this prestigious court. Before his appointment, he practiced at Glankler Brown and Butler Snow LLP, where he gained recognition for his work in litigation and compliance (source).

4. Attorney Nakeshia Walls McMoore

Specializing in family law and domestic violence cases, Nakeshia Walls McMoore is a Rule 31 Supreme Court Mediator in Tennessee. Her work emphasizes dignity, empathy, and child welfare. McMoore is a respected member of the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, and Memphis Bar Association. She is known for advocating on behalf of families and vulnerable individuals in the legal system (source).

5. Attorney Tannera George Gibson

Tannera George Gibson is a partner at Burch, Porter & Johnson, a prestigious law firm in Memphis. Her legal practice includes employment law, healthcare liability, and commercial litigation. Gibson holds a Computer Science degree and a J.D. from the University of Memphis. Her technical background and legal expertise make her one of the most versatile attorneys in the region (source).

6. Henry E. Reaves III – Reaves Law Firm, PLLC

Founded by Henry E. Reaves III, Reaves Law Firm specializes in personal injury law and is a Black-owned firm with a strong community presence. The firm’s motto, “Let Us Be Your Voice,” speaks to its commitment to clients seeking justice. Reaves is also deeply involved in local community initiatives, reinforcing his dedication beyond the courtroom (source).

7. The Wharton Law Firm

Founded in 1980, The Wharton Law Firm is one of the oldest Black-owned law firms in Memphis. It was established by Dr. William L. Wharton Jr., who emphasized bridging the gap between legal problems and community solutions. The firm practices across several legal areas, including civil rights, personal injury, and family law (source).

8. Josiah T. Settle (Historical Figure)

Josiah T. Settle was a prominent Black attorney in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A former Assistant Attorney-General for Shelby County, he was a leading figure in fighting segregation and promoting economic empowerment. Settle helped found the Solvent Bank and Trust Company, one of the earliest Black-owned financial institutions in the South (source).

9. Rita Geier

Rita Geier, born in Memphis, was the lead plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit against the State of Tennessee aimed at desegregating higher education. Her career includes work with the Department of Justice and the Social Security Administration. Geier has been a pioneer in civil rights and education reform, influencing public policy and civil liberties nationwide (source).

10. Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers (TABL)

While not an individual attorney, the Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers plays a key role in advocating for Black legal professionals in Memphis and across the state. It offers mentorship, legal resources, and advocacy tools to ensure the success and representation of Black attorneys in all areas of law (source).

Conclusion

The top Black attorneys in Memphis, Tennessee, represent a legacy of excellence, perseverance, and service. From federal judges and civil rights pioneers to community advocates and legal entrepreneurs, these professionals have significantly shaped the legal and social fabric of Memphis. Their work not only delivers justice in courtrooms but also uplifts entire communities. As more young African Americans pursue careers in law, the trail blazed by these outstanding individuals will serve as both a roadmap and a source of inspiration.

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I’m Seth Scott, a seasoned attorney with years of courtroom experience and a deep understanding of the legal system. I founded this site Spyafricatv.com to bridge the gap between everyday people and the legal professionals they depend on.

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