Bass, Berry & Sims honors our LGBTQ+ teammates and the global LGBTQ+ community past and present, this month and always.

In honor of Pride Month 2024, we interviewed Pride Affinity Group member Bria Smith-Edwards. Bria joined the firm in September 2022 after graduating from Vanderbilt Law School.

Which area of law do you practice?

I work primarily in the area of public finance, but I also assist on commercial real estate and debt financing transactions.

What do you enjoy most about practicing law?

I enjoy practicing law because it offers me a continuous intellectual challenge. Each deal presents a unique set of facts and so no two days are exactly the same. I like that everything learned as you practice builds on itself so that mastery of one aspect opens the door to countless others, keeping the learning process dynamic and engaging.

What do you most enjoy about Pride Month?

What I enjoy most about Pride Month is the abundance of events and spaces where I can fully embrace and express my authentic self without fear of judgment or negative attention. Pride events provide a sense of community and acceptance, allowing me to celebrate who I am alongside others who share similar experiences and identities.

What do you like to do when not practicing law?

In recent years I’ve become a DIYer. The timing couldn’t be more perfect because my wife and I recently purchased our first house, which has provided ample opportunities to learn new skills. From painting walls to tackling tree removal, it seems there is always an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself.