This Black History Month, Bass, Berry & Sims proudly celebrates the legacy of Black trailblazers in the legal profession. From breaking barriers to shaping the future of law and justice, Black legal professionals have left an indelible mark on the legal system—paving the way for generations to come.

That legacy continues through the work of our colleagues, including Washington, D.C. Member Denise Barnes and Nashville Senior Trainer Yabrinya Tisdale. This month, we are honored to share their stories, insights and experiences in our Q&A feature—highlighting the impact they have made in the legal field and at our firm.

Denise Barnes | Member | Washington, D.C.

What inspired you to pursue being a lawyer?

I became a lawyer to give a voice those who felt like their voices didn’t matter. By standing up for those who feel voiceless, lawyers can help address inequalities and promote fairness, ultimately contributing to a more just society. Now as a white-collar attorney, I genuinely believe that everyone is entitled to zealous representation and advocacy.

How long have you been interested in the legal profession?

There was certainly an inflection point in college. I attended the University of Michigan when certain affirmative action cases were being heard before the U.S. Supreme Court. During my freshman year, I became particularly interested in how the judiciary could impact your life and those around you in a way that lawmakers could not. Over time, my interest in the law only grew, but I remember that moment distinctly. In many ways, I saw that as a clarion call for me to become more involved in and understand how the law shapes our lives.

Which area of law do you practice?

I am a member in the Compliance & Government Investigations practice. I counsel clients in high stakes matters related to fraud allegations, including in healthcare, federal contract procurement, and securities and financial services. As a former trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), I have extensive experience handling issues related to compliance, white-collar and regulatory investigations, and complex commercial litigation. I represent businesses in public and non-public investigations, regulatory inquiries, and proceedings involving federal and state agencies. I frequently assist clients navigating government investigations related to allegations arising under the False Claims Act (FCA), Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), Stark Law, and Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act (FIRREA).

What did you do before law school?

I attended law school immediately after graduating from college.

How has your background shaped the way you approach your work and leadership?

My father was a police officer and my mother was an educator. They taught me the importance of hard work and being a person of integrity and engrained in me a strong sense of justice. As a young girl growing up in Detroit, I realized how laws and policies could impact an entire city, from the quality of its schools to the way in which certain communities were valued. The great Charles Hamilton Houston once said to his Howard University Law School students that “a lawyer is either a social engineer or a parasite on society.” As a Howard Law graduate, those words are central to how I approach the practice of law. Even as a white-collar lawyer in private practice, I believe that a lawyer can either actively use her legal skills to positively influence and shape society or exploit the system, acting like a parasite that benefits at the expense of others.

What does Black History Month mean to you personally and professionally?

Black History Month is a time for me to reflect on the profound impact that Black people have had on our world and America, in particular. Personally, as a Black American, Black History Month has always been a source of pride—I always learn something new that deepens my understanding of both the triumphs and struggles of Black people that have and continue to shape our society. Professionally, it serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life, encouraging me to contribute to a more equitable and just community.

How do you give back to the community, and why is it important to you?

I am deeply engaged in the youth group at my church, where I mentor a diverse group of youth and young adults. Representation matters, It is crucial for young people to see people in the legal profession who share similar backgrounds. Such representation instills the belief that there are no boundaries to what they can achieve or who they can be.

Are there any Black trailblazers in your industry who have inspired your career journey?

Thurgood Marshall, Charles Hamilton Houston, Ted Wells, Loretta Lynch and Eric Holder are some of the trailblazers who have inspired me.

What do you like to do when not practicing law?

I love spending time with my family. I am very involved with my church. I love strength training, interior design and baking (which obviously conflicts with my strength training goals).

Yabrinya Tisdale | Senior Trainer | Nashville

Can you share your professional journey and what brought you to Bass, Berry & Sims?

I started my professional legal career in 1994 and have worked in administrative, legal technology, consulting and travel training. I was recruited to the firm through a referral by someone in my legal professional network.

Do you have a favorite practice group to work with? If so, why?

In my training role, I have the luxury of working with all practice groups and departments. I am one of the first individuals a new colleague meets at the firm. My goal is to build a strong connection so they know I am here to help and answer any questions.

Where did you grow up? If it was somewhere outside of Nashville, what prompted you to move?

I am a proud native Nashvillian (unicorn). I was born and raised in North Nashville, attended Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet School and earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

How has your background shaped the way you approach your work and leadership?

Diversity and inclusion have always been vital to my professional success. I thrive in any environment where I work with a wide network of different individuals. I learn so much from people who are not like me. I am exposed to unique experiences which make me a better, more well-rounded person. We are not all the same. In fact, we are all very different and that diversity enriches our professional lives.

What does Black History Month mean to you personally and professionally?

My parents grew up in a segregated Nashville, went to segregated schools, drank from separate water fountains and entered through back doors. I am honored to celebrate and never forget the Civil Rights struggle that allows me to enjoy the life I live today. Professionally, I stand on the shoulders of giants who fought for the right for me to attend college, earn a degree and work in a place like Bass, Berry & Sims.

How do you give back to the community and why is it important to you?

I love to volunteer in the greater Nashville Community. My favorite organization is Hands on Nashville because there are so many opportunities to choose from and I can easily identify a cause I am passionate about.

GeekCause matches Nashville’s techies with community partners in need of their services. During the 2020 tornados, we created and maintained databases to ensure everyone received a tarp over the damaged roof, then delivered food and clothing to the same North Nashville neighborhood where I grew up. Through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree drive, I get to personally deliver gifts to families and see the joy on their faces. I served on the Mary Parrish Center Housing Hope Fundraising Committee to raise money for survivors of domestic violence. I host personal events at the Thistle Farms Café to support helping women survivors recover and heal from prostitution, trafficking and addiction.

Are there any Black trailblazers who have inspired you?
Fannie Lou Hamer – I watch the videos and hear her passion for women and voting rights and take enormous pride in my right to vote. She was extorted, threatened, harassed and assaulted while she was trying to register to vote. She later helped and encouraged thousands of African Americans in Mississippi to become registered to vote.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy yoga, sailing, skiing, fencing and Krav Maga.

What fact about you would surprise your colleagues?

I am passionate about and certified by the American Sailing Association in Keelboat Sailing. I have sailed Tampa Bay, San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, and attended the last three America’s Cup Regattas in San Francisco, California, Barcelona, Spain, and Bermuda. Sailing is not a sport I was exposed to going up in North Nashville. Next time you see me, ask me about my favorite sport!