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"I will be returning to Kentucky to practice criminal defense. Thank you to my people! Could not have done this without y'all. As always, cats by 90."

Shelby Gevedon

Grassy Creek, KY

"Thank you to my family, friends, and cat! You all have made this journey possible. I am so grateful to those who have shaped me and given me opportunities to learn and grow. Post graduation, I will be starting a position at LaFevor and Slaughter in Knoxville, TN."

Shelby Mainord

Cookeville, TN

Soroush Sanaat

Knoxville, TN

"After graduation, I plan on practicing Corporate Law and Government Relations in Nashville, TN. The past three years at LMU have been an incredible experience. Thank you to all the faculty and staff for contributing to our success—a special thank you to Shanna Veach for always believing in me. To Bailey, who has been my friend since literally day one of law school, there were times I wasn't sure we'd make it, but here we are. I'm so thankful for your friendship. To Mom, Dad, and the rest of my friends and family, thank you for pushing me to be the best Sydney I can be. Lastly, David, thank you for putting up with me for the last three years of late-night studying and mental breakdowns. I don't know how I would have made it without you making me go to class and being a constant shoulder to lean on."

Sydney McKay

Sevierville, TN

Tatum Joerndt

Pontiac, IL

"Reflecting on this journey to become a lawyer, I am reminded of the words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg: "Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." To my amazing husband and daughter, your patience and understanding through the many steps of this journey have not gone unnoticed. You both have been my anchor through all the many waves of law school. To my parents, thank you for teaching me the value of hard work and that with the right attitude, elbow grease, and a will to succeed, anything is possible.

As I step into the legal profession, I am filled with hope and determination. My passion for prisoners' rights, civil rights, and criminal defense fuels my belief in a future where justice prevails and every voice is heard. Together, one step at a time, let us strive for a world where the law is a beacon of equality and fairness for all."

Tenaya Winkelman

Knoxville, TN

"I would like to begin by thanking my parents, Chad and Roberta Gutwein, for their never-ending support over the years. Without you, none of this would have been possible. My siblings, nieces, and nephew have been, and continue to be, a motivator while in school. God has given me the strength to make it this far, but my family has made it much easier.

I will be forever thankful for the new friends I have made while in Knoxville. Specifically, my B-List School Celebrity friend, @willjenkins_11. Without you all, life would be pretty boring.

Over my three years here, I have had the opportunity to work for Don Shelmon and the White County, IN Prosecutor’s Office. Thank you to Don Shelmon, Mark Delgado, and Stephen Grayson for helping prepare me for the practice of law. After passing the bar, I will be returning to Indiana to work in the Law Office of Donald W. Shelmon, a general practice firm.

Cheers to terrible coffee in the student kitchen and “Here is to Wagon Wheel after this.”

Tommy Gutwein

Rensselaer, IN

"After graduation I will be returning home to study for the July 2024 Kentucky Bar Exam. My goal is to one day practice family law and eventually return to a law school to teach legal courses. I want to send a huge thank you to my family, especially my parents Tim and Tab. They have encouraged and supported me though every single aspect of my life and always made me believe that I was capable of all of my dreams and goals. I would not be here without them and their support, so Dad and Mom, I love you and thank you. Also, I could not imagine a better place to have received my legal education than LMU, but more than that, I could not dream of better people to have surrounded myself with during this challenging and unique journey that is law school. The friends I have made here will remain with me throughout my life. You all have made me laugh endlessly, seen me cry way too many times, challenged me to be better, and loved me through it all. Special shoutout to Tatum, Emma, and "The Firm", I love yall and could not imagine this journey with anyone else!

Congratulations, everyone!"

Tyra Brown

Science Hill, KY

"After graduation, I will be moving back home to Centerville, TN where I will be studying for the July 2024 bar exam. I want to thank my family and friends for all of the support they've provided over the past three years. I also would like to give a special shoutout to Karen Briz for being such an amazing friend and classmate as we overcame so many obstacles together. Another well-deserved shout out belongs to The Firm, it was not as easy as ABC but we tried our best.

Congratulations, everyone!"

Victoria Cleaton

Centerville, TN

"As I stand on the threshold of a new chapter, I am excited for the future to come. To my parents, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for your unwavering love, support, and sacrifices. Marianne and Raymond Palfy, your guidance and encouragement have been the cornerstone of my journey. Your belief in me has fueled my determination, and I cannot thank you enough.

To my cherished family and friends, your constant presence and encouragement have been a source of strength throughout this journey. I am incredibly blessed to have you all by my side.

Aaron Schneider, your love and encouragement has been my rock. Your belief in my dreams has been a constant source of inspiration, and I am endlessly grateful for your presence in my life."

Victoria Palfy

Spring Hill, TN

"After my mom passed away in November of 2020, I just could not let her down."

Walter Harding, Jr.

Jonesville, VA

"First, I would like to acknowledge that nothing I have done or will do is because of my own attributes or ingenuity. I grew up with incredible parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In conjunction with countless other friends and supporters, these people have made everything I've ever done possible. I want to thank them for making me who I am, and God for setting it all up that way.

Next, I would like to thank my classmates and law school faculty. I tried to be the model of a low maintenance student, but I accidentally befriended an A-List school celebrity during 1L year (@tgutwein). You all have all given me much more grace than I deserve, and I really do appreciate it.

Finally, after graduation and passing that little thing called the Bar Exam, I will be joining the United States Army JAG Corps. I am sure that somewhere along that path I will look back and wish I could drink bad coffee while hanging out in the atrium one more time. I have had such a good time with all of you.

In the words of LeBron James (while lying about coming up with deluxe albums), "Thank y'all for coming on this ride with me."

William Jenkins

Rogersville, TN

Meet the Graduating Class of 2024

Below you will find the Graduating Class of 2024. To learn more about a graduate, please click "read more."

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