The University of Tennessee Winston College of Law will welcome Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sarah K. Campbell (’04), an accomplished jurist and UT alumna, as the keynote speaker for the college’s Spring 2026 commencement ceremony.
Justice Campbell joined the Tennessee Supreme Court in February 2022, following her appointment by Governor Bill Lee and confirmation by the Tennessee General Assembly.
Prior to joining the Court, Campbell served in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office as associate solicitor general and special assistant to the attorney general. She previously practiced as an associate at Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington, D.C.
Earlier in her career, Campbell served as a law clerk to Judge William H. Pryor Jr. of the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit and to Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr. of the US Supreme Court.
Campbell built her academic foundation at the University of Tennessee, graduating summa cum laude in 2004. During her time at UT, she served as student body president and received the Torchbearer Award, the university’s highest undergraduate honor recognizing extraordinary leadership and service.
She went on to earn her JD from Duke University School of Law, graduating magna cum laude and Order of the Coif in 2009, along with a Master of Public Policy from Duke that same year.
In the legal community, Campbell is a member of the Harry Phillips American Inn of Court, American Law Institute, Federalist Society, and the Tennessee Bar Association.
“We are honored to welcome Justice Campbell back to Rocky Top for this milestone event in our graduating students’ law school journey,” said Lonnie T. Brown Jr., Dean, Elvin E. Overton Distinguished Professor of Law, and Haslam Family Professor. “I know that she will deliver a wise and inspiring message to the Class of 2026.”
The Winston College of Law commencement ceremony will take place May 14 at 10 a.m. at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center.