"Perspectives From the Bench 2026" is a Continuing Legal Education (CLE) event organized by the Tennessee Bar Association's Litigation Practice Section. Scheduled for May 21, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, this program features an afternoon conversation with Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Bivins and Nashville School of Law Dean William Koch. The discussion, moderated by attorneys Hunter Branstetter and Todd Presnell, will delve into the justices' paths to the bench, the significance of mentorship, their interactions on the bench, and the role of the Rule of Law in society. The event will be held at the TBA's new office and CLE space.
The CLE session is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM Central Time, followed by a networking reception from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with colleagues and the justices during the reception. Registration is required for the CLE session, while the reception is free and open to the legal community. Space for the CLE session is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
The event is priced at $75 for TBA members, $125 for non-members, and $55 for section members. TBA members who are judges, lawmakers, and law students can attend the CLE session at no charge, though additional fees may apply for meals or special materials. The program offers 1.5 general CLE credits.
This event is particularly beneficial for legal professionals interested in appellate practice, litigation, and understanding the perspectives of Tennessee's judiciary. Attendees will gain insights into the justices' experiences and the judicial process, enhancing their professional development and understanding of the legal system.
Speakers(5)
Chief Justice Jeffrey Bivins
Chief Justice at Tennessee Supreme Court
Justice Jeff Bivins was sworn in as a member of the Tennessee Supreme Court in July 2014. He was appointed to this position by Governor Bill Haslam. Prior to assuming that position, he was a judge on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.
Hunter Branstetter
Attorney at Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison
Hunter Branstetter is an attorney at Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison in Nashville, specializing in complex commercial litigation and appellate practice.
Todd Presnell
Partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Todd Presnell is a partner in Bradley’s Nashville office where he maintains an active trial practice, serves in discovery-counsel roles, and leads and advises on internal corporate investigations.
Will Perry
Partner at Butler Snow LLP
Will Perry is a Partner with Butler Snow LLP. A member of Butler Snow’s Commercial and Appellate Litigation Practice Groups, he has represented businesses and governmental entities in various complex litigation matters.
William Koch Jr
President and Dean at Nashville School of Law
Bill Koch is currently the President and Dean of the Nashville School of Law. Before joining NSL in 2014, he served on the Tennessee Supreme Court and the Tennessee Court of Appeals.
Event Details
- Date
- May 21, 2026
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Nashville, United States
- TBA Office
- Pricing
- $75 - $125
- Audience
- Legal professionals interested in appellate practice, litigation, and Tennessee's judiciary
- CLE Credits
- 1.5 general CLE credits
- Attendees
- Limited capacity; early registration encouraged