The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Law is proud to celebrate the class of 2025. Below are a few of the stories from this incredible group of graduates.
Savannah Hall
Juris Doctor
Memphis, Tennessee
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, BS in Business Administration
What are your plans after graduation?
I am excited to stay in Knoxville and work for Baker Donelson as a transactional attorney.
Share a special memory from your time as a student at Tennessee Law.
One of my favorite memories is our yearly tradition of attending a Knoxville Smokies baseball game with professors Michelle Kwon and Don Leatherman through the Novak Auction. It is so special to share memories with classmates and professors outside of the classroom.
What does being a graduate of Tennessee Law mean to you?
I am honored to be a graduate of the College of Law and be in the amazing company of my peers. I cannot think of a better community that supports and uplifts its students, and I look forward to the opportunity to give back as an alum. As a Tennessee Law graduate, I am confident and prepared to begin my legal career and make an impact as a servant leader.
Involvement and Accomplishments
Law Women (president), Sports and Entertainment Law Society, Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law, Tennessee Law Scholar, Business Transactions Concentration, East Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women’s Susan B. Anthony Award, National Association of Women Lawyers Award
Selena Hawker
Juris Doctor
Charlottesville, Virginia
University of Virginia, BA Psychology
What are your plans after graduation?
I will return to Virginia this summer and begin working as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney with the City of Norfolk in June.
Share a special memory from your time as a student at Tennessee Law.
I have enjoyed working at the desk at the Joel A Katz Law Library. My favorite thing about the job has been catching up with people throughout the day and getting to work with my friends.
What does being a graduate of Tennessee Law mean to you?
Being a graduate of the College of Law means that I will have a long-standing community. This has been my home away from home.
Involvement and Accomplishments
Law Women (Public Interest Scholarship), Black Law Students Association (Frank Ennix Award for Excellence), Tennessee Journal of Race, Gender, and Social Justice (Executive Editor)
Corey Lee
Juris Doctor
Memphis, Tennessee
California Lutheran University, BS Finance
What are your plans after graduation?
I am ecstatic to say that I will begin my legal career at Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman, PLLC this fall.
Share a special memory from your time as a student at Tennessee Law.
One of my most memorable experiences from law school was meeting my girlfriend at the Damali Booker Job Fair in Nashville. Although neither of us left the event with a job offer, it marked the beginning of our relationship.
What does being a graduate of Tennessee Law mean to you?
Being a Law Vol means being part of a committed network that upholds a deep sense of public service, using the law and every available resource to make a positive and lasting impact on the community.
Involvement and Accomplishments
Student Bar Association (president), Black Law Students Association, Volunteer of Distinction Award
Danny Mendoza
Juris Doctor
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
University of Alabama at Birmingham, BS Biology
George Washington University, MA Education and Human Development
University of Florida, EdS Curriculum and Instruction
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m excited to share that I’ve accepted a two-year fellowship at Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law, where I’ll be teaching legal research to first-year students and developing an upper-level elective course. The fellowship includes full funding for my Master’s in Library Science, supporting my goal of becoming a law librarian and assistant professor of law. This summer, I’ll intern with the Library of Congress in their Creative Digital Publications group, researching a topic of my choice. I also plan to sit for both the New York State Bar and the Patent Bar.
Share a special memory from your time as a student at Tennessee Law.
One of my favorite law school memories was in Contracts II with Professor Brad Areheart during my 1L year, when my friend Grant Peterson surprised me with a Buc-ee’s onesie for my birthday. Professor Areheart joked about wanting one too—so we got him one, and all three of us wore them to class. The moment stood out, not just for the fun, but for Professor Areheart’s willingness to embrace the silliness. It was a powerful reminder that even in a demanding profession, there’s always space for connection, humanity, and enjoying the experience.
What does being a graduate of Tennessee Law mean to you?
Being a graduate of Tennessee Law means a commitment to professionalism and civility, being an ambassador for the institution that helped shape us, and a profound sense of accomplishment. Being a lawyer means leading by example by living ethically, acting with integrity, and honoring the trust placed in us to make a meaningful impact in our communities. Law school is more than a stepping stone. It’s where we built lasting relationships, laid a foundation for service, and gained a responsibility to give back as reflections of our alma mater. This has been a challenging but rewarding journey that’s equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences—through academics, leadership, and service—to succeed in the legal profession and give back with purpose.
Involvement and Accomplishments
Legal Aid of East Tennessee Pro Bono Law Student of the Year, College of Law Legal Clinic, UT Pro Bono, LexisNexis and Kaplan student representative, Knoxville Bar Association, Knoxville Latino Bar Association, Foundation for Advancement of Diversity of IP Law Scholar, American Intellectual Property Law Association, American Bar Association Section of Intellectual Property Law, Jan Jancin Award nomination, Joel A. Katz Law Library faculty research assistant, moot court, Order of Barristers, Promise in Transactional Law Award, Tennessee Bar Association’s Diversity Leadership Institute (Young Lawyers Division)
Joshua Rojas
Juris Doctor
Tampa, Florida
Hillsborough Community College, AA Political Science
University of South Florida, BA Political Science
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to take a few weeks to relax and celebrate my classmates and my accomplishments. During this time, my wife and I will also be settling into our new home in Nashville; it’s a new city for us so we’re looking forward to exploring and sightseeing throughout the summer. Shortly thereafter, I will begin preparing for the Tennessee Bar Exam. This fall, I will join the wonderful people at Adams and Reese LLP as an associate in the Corporate Transactions Group.
Share a special memory from your time as a student at Tennessee Law.
While I made countless meaningful memories during my time at the College of Law, one of my fondest was with my close friends Terence and Richard. At the start of our second year, we took a trip deep into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to unwind and go tubing down the river. We had a day filled with great music, good conversation amongst nature. That evening, we had a small bonfire to reflect on how far we had come and to celebrate all we had accomplished so far. That day is definitely a memory I will cherish forever.
What does being a graduate of Tennessee Law mean to you?
Graduating from the College of Law is one of my proudest accomplishments. The education I received, in legal knowledge and practical skills, has been exceptional, and the personal growth I experienced along the way has been transformative. I leave not only prepared for a legal career, but also deeply shaped by the community and challenges that defined my time here. I am proud to be a Vol and incredibly fortunate to have spent the past three years in Knoxville where I built lasting connections and made memories I’ll always cherish. Whether it’s for game days or reunions with friends, I know I’ll be back.
Involvement and Accomplishments
Tennessee Law Review (published author), Law Women, Dean’s List (all semesters), first place at The Closer Transactional Law Competition at Baylor University (2025), Law School Artwork Task Force Committee, College of Law Legal Clinic (Transactions)
Taylor Roswall
Juris Doctor
Bristol, Tennessee
University of California, Los Angeles, BS Biology
University of Maryland, MS Environmental Science and Technology
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I will join Bass, Berry & Sims PLC as an Associate in Nashville, Tennessee.
Share a special memory from your time as a student at Tennessee Law.
This past April, two classmates and I competed in the L. Edward Bryant, Jr. National Health Law Transactional Competition in Chicago. We spent countless hours preparing a memo and board presentation for a complex, hypothetical healthcare transaction—drawing on knowledge from multiple courses we’ve taken at the College of Law. The experience gave us a realistic glimpse into the kind of work we’ll be doing in practice. Taking first place for Tennessee Law was the perfect way to cap off an incredible three years.
What does being a graduate of Tennessee Law mean to you?
Graduating from the College of Law as a Tennessee native fills me with immense pride. I’m deeply grateful for both my legal education and the incredible community of colleagues and professors I encountered along the way. Over the past three years, the college’s distinctive curriculum and opportunities have equipped me for a successful career in transactional law—or wherever my path may lead. I’m especially thankful to the professors who challenged me, mentored me, answered my many questions, and helped me discover new passions. I look forward to carrying the UT spirit forward and supporting future graduates along their journeys.
Involvement and Accomplishments
Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law (2023-2024 staff editor and 2024-2025 managing editor), Health Law Society (2023-2024 Treasurer and 2024-2025 Vice President), Law Women (2023-2025 mentor), Moot Court Board (2024 and 2025), Tennessee Law Scholars and Research Assistants Scholarship, Dean’s List with Highest Honors (fall 2022, 2023, 2024 & Spring 2023, 2024), 13 CALI Awards, 2024 Knoxville Auxiliary to the Tennessee Bar Association Award, 2025 Brock Shipe Klenk Promise in Property Law Award, 2025 Volunteer of Distinction Award, MAC Cup II ABA M&A Competition Best Mark-Up Award, 2025 L. Edward Bryant, Jr. National Health Law Transactional Competition Champion, 2025 Order of the Barristers
Trinity Sandifer
Juris Doctor
Snellville, Georgia
Georgia Southern University, BA Political Science
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be joining the Nashville law firm of Ortale Kelley where I worked during my 2L summer. I am joining the team as an associate attorney
Share a special memory from your time as a student at Tennessee Law?
The overwhelming support and sponsorship of the administration, specifically the Bettye B. Lewis Career Center, has opened the door to all of my opportunities in law school.
What does being a graduate of Tennessee Law mean to you?
I have always wanted to go to law school since I was a little girl. The College of Law will always hold a place in my heart for not only believing in me but also investing in me on a personal level, so I could thrive as a law student.
Involvement and Accomplishments
Black Law Students Association (president and R.B. Campbell Student Leadership Award), James R. & Nell Cunningham Legal Research Award, Hamilton Burnett Inns of Court Student Member, Tennessee Law Review (executive board digital editor), Student Bar Association (1L – 3L representative), Online Law Review Publication, American Bar Association Judicial Clerkship Program, Diversity Leadership Institute Tennessee Bar Association (Young Lawyers Division)
Kailyn Stone
Juris Doctor
Evansville, Indiana Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, BA Political Science and Spanish
What are your plans after graduation?
During the 2025-2026 term, I will clerk for the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan with the Eastern District of Tennessee. In 2026-2027, I will clerk for the Honorable Andre B. Mathis with the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Share a special memory from your time as a student at Tennessee Law.
One of my favorite memories is competing in the Advocates’ Prize Moot Court Competition with my friend, Reagan Stanfill. I learned practical skills that will follow me through my career, and we had a blast preparing for the competition.
What does being a graduate of Tennessee Law mean to you?
Being a graduate of the College of Law means being part of a community that has shaped me in many ways. It means walking away with a degree and a network of people who have supported me, including professors who challenged and believed in me and classmates who became lifelong friends. I am proud to be a graduate of the College of Law and look forward to the journey ahead. Go Vols!
Involvement and Accomplishments
Tennessee Law Review (editor-in-chief), Law Women, Phi Alpha Delta Society of Scholars Mock Trial Team, Class Gift Committee, Academic Standards Committee, Volunteer of Distinction Award, Tennessee Law Review Micki Fox Award for Extraordinary Service, Jerry V. Smith Evidence Award, Advocates’ Prize Moot Court Competition Best Brief Award, CALI Awards in Constitutional Law, College of Law Legal Clinic (Advocacy Clinic), Advanced Appellate Advocacy, Contracts I, Legal Process I, Legal Process II
Max Williams
Juris Doctor
Knoxville, Tennessee
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, BA Theatre and Music, BS Math
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be taking the Bar Exam in California, and will be practicing in San Diego. Next February I will be sitting for the Bar Exam in New York. My primary areas of interest are Corporate Law, Intellectual Property, and Entertainment Law. In the future I am interested in pursuing my PhD in Mathematics.
Share a special memory from your time as a student at Tennessee Law.
As a student at the College of Law two things stood out as my favorite best memories. First and foremost, my work with the College of Law Legal Clinic. I will never forget the first time I got to argue for a client in front of a real judge. Second is competing all over the country with our moot court program.
What does being a graduate of Tennessee Law mean to you?
My mom had a stroke after I graduated with my BA, and staying home to help care for her derailed my plans. Years later when I got my BS, my mom passed away, and once again my plans were derailed. My dad asked me to take the LSAT as a birthday gift. This graduation is the most special, because it is the culmination of everything I worked for and offers a better future to my son. It means everything.
Involvement and Accomplishments
College of Law Legal Clinic (Public Interest Law Clerk, Order of the Barristers, Battle of the Bluegrass Mock Trial Team, National Trial Team, Patent Law Moot Court, Trademark Moot Court, Animal Legal Defense, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Advocacy and Dispute Resolution Concentration, Business Transactions Concentration, Phi Alpha Delta Society of Scholars
Elizabeth “Beth” K. Crawford
Master of Legal Studies
Kingsport, Tennessee and Chattanooga, Tennessee
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, BA Communications, MS Psychology
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, EdD Educational Leadership
What are your plans after graduation?
I will continue to work as a professor at UT Chattanooga in the Doctoral Programs for Leadership. I am excited to incorporate my learning from the law program into the coursework I teach, where appropriate.
Share a special memory from your time as a student at Tennessee Law.
I have truly enjoyed all of my time working on the MLS degree. The faculty have all been very good to work with and I have learned so much about the law and how it functions in our everyday lives.
What does being a graduate of Tennessee Law mean to you?
Earning my masters degree in law fulfills a lifelong dream of going to law school. At this point in my career, the JD would have been very difficult, and I was so excited when I heard that the College of Law would be offering the masters degree online.
Involvement and Accomplishments
UT Chattanooga Faculty Senate (president), UT Chattanooga 2025 Macebearer, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society