This Black History Month, Bass, Berry & Sims proudly honors the enduring contributions of Black leaders whose excellence, resilience and advocacy have shaped the legal profession and expanded access to justice for generations.

That legacy continues through the work of our colleagues, including corporate associate Justin Hay and accounts payable specialist Tina Smith. 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.

Justin Hay | Associate | Nashville

Can you share a bit about your role at the firm and the type of work you enjoy most?

I am an associate in the corporate group. My practice mainly consists of work to support public companies with respect to corporate governance issues, compliance and capital markets transactions. I enjoy my entire practice, but I particularly enjoy working on high-paced capital markets transactions.

What inspired you to pursue a career in law, and who or what influenced your journey?

I took a business law course as an undergrad and really enjoyed the fact that I could combine my interest in business with the law. My business law professor took me under his wing when I showed an interest in this area of the law. This mentorship heavily influenced my journey to go to law school and seek out my current practice.

What has been most meaningful to you about your experience at the firm so far?

Aside from the people, I have really enjoyed working on some of the firm’s most complex transactions.

What advice would you give to Black law students or early-career attorneys navigating the profession today?

Find a willing mentor. Navigating a legal career can be challenging, but maintaining a relationship with a willing mentor can help junior lawyers with their understanding of the practice of law and provide a resource for any questions.

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

To me, Black History Month is a time to intentionally deepen my understanding of the courage, contributions and lessons offered by civil rights leaders of the past and present.

Tina Smith | Accounts Payable Specialist | Nashville

Tell us about your role at the firm and how your work contributes to the overall success of the team.

The role of Accounts Payable Specialist is a very integral part of the Accounting department. It involves the responsibility of ensuring vendor accounts, employee expense accounts, client refund accounts, and client trust accounts are kept current as well as overseeing the monthly reconciliation of the firm’s credit card account. These are a few examples of my role while also willingly offering ongoing support and assistance internally and externally as needed.

Being entrusted with such vital responsibilities and giving daily diligence to all that’s required to achieve them in a timely matter is my contribution to the team.

What do you enjoy most about working at the firm?

What I enjoy most about working for Bass, Berry & Sims is the collaboration that is firm wide. No one has to feel like they’re alone because you can literally reach out to anyone for help. It’s the “no employee left behind” mentality.

What advice would you offer to someone starting their career or growing within a law firm environment?

My advice would be “Embrace yourself to experience something you’ve never experienced before” but in a good way. As one with prior Accounting & Finance experience, I can say law firm Accounting is quite (favorably) different particularly working alongside attorneys on a day-to-day basis.

What does Black History Month represent to you, and how do you like to see it recognized in the workplace?

Black History to me represents a time of reflection, inclusion, recognition and value to people of color. It highlights the past and the present successes for African Americans. The fact that we have an Inclusion department that annually highlights different cultures displays a sense of unity.

What’s one thing that brings you joy outside of work?

Outside of work, I have a passion for jail and prison ministry as a volunteer; something I’ve been involved with for numerous years now working with those who are currently incarcerated as well as those returning to society. This is of great joy to me!