Today we’d like to introduce you to Donna Tees.
Hi Donna , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am originally from Plymouth, Massachusetts. I started out my legal career 12 years ago when I enlisted into the Army as a Military Police Officer. Of course, I was on the law enforcement side of the legal field back then. I served for 4 years where I met my wonderful Husband. I was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, MO for a few years and Fort Drum, NY for only a little while. Although I really enjoyed my time as a Military Police Officer, I felt that there was another calling for me. I wanted to help people, just in a different way. It sounds cheesy, but my Father, who passed away in 2016, would always joke with me that I was great at arguing and I should “go argue for a living,” So, in 2017 I got out of the Army, moved to Clarksville, Tennessee, where my Husband was stationed at the time, and I decided that I was going to go to Law School. At this point, we had two young boys, so law school full time was not an option. I ended up enrolling at the Nashville School of Law where I would go to class 2-3 nights per week for 4 years. Also, during that time, I was employed as a paralegal/office manager for a local attorney in town who has been practicing for over 40 years – Bob Anderson. He taught me just about everything I know, and I have the utmost respect for him. Upon graduating law school and passing the bar exam, I decided it was time to start my own business as a self-employed family law attorney. Since then, I have helped countless families, whether it is divorce, custody or adoption cases. I assist these individuals during what is often times the most difficult part of their lives. Getting people a fair shake of what they are entitled to, protecting children and helping families thrive is my goal. I have worked with so many wonderful clients and colleagues since I started this journey. While this job is not easy, and is often times very stressful, I try to lead my practice with compassion, empathy, and understanding, while still being a zealous advocate for my clients. This job is personal for me and if I can make a difference in my client’s lives, then I am doing something right. I practice in the following counties: Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner, Wilson, Montgomery, Dickson, Maury and Marshall. My office is located in Green Hills, Nashville.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Working full time while in law school was a challenge. I can recall long nights studying and lots of anxiety. By the end of law school, my Husband and I had three children under eight years old, so I was juggling family life, work and school at night, which I know is not uncommon for many people. But, it was challenging.
I can also recall starting my own law firm. There was much fear involved in that endeavor as you never know if you’re going to “make it.” Of course, it would have been much easier to work for an established firm and find my footing. But I felt that I had enough experience under the mentorship of Mr. Anderson over a number of years, and that I was knowledgeable enough to start this journey on my own. Within the first year of practice, I hit the ground running, went to as many networking events as I could, told everyone who would listen what I do and how I could potentially help, and the rest is history.
As you know, we’re big fans of Law Office of Donna M. Tees. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My Law Office focuses primarily on family law cases. The majority of my practice includes cases including, but not limited to, custody, divorce, termination of parental rights and adoptions. I believe my practice is probably known best for the custody and divorce work that I do. I do my best to advocate for my clients during arguably the worst time of their lives. I believe that my practice offers compassion, understanding as well as zealous advocacy. While I never guarantee the outcome of a case to any client, I pride myself on being very candid with my clients and inform them of the pros and cons of their particular case. These cases are extremely fact intensive and personal. I believe what sets my firm apart from others is my communication with my clients. Attorney involvement with their clients during this process is crucial. I do my best to get back to my clients as soon as reasonably possible, which is important to them. A majority of the clients that I have represented over the years have been satisfied with my response time, the fact that I am open and honest with them about potential outcomes, and do not “sell” them on anything that I know I cannot achieve for them.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My not so little family, is my happy place. My Husband and I have four children, ages 10, 9, 6 and 1. Spending time with them is the best part of my day. We are a very busy family. All three older children are involved in three different sports/extracurricular activities. So, we are always on the go. I also enjoy spending time on the lake with my Husband and the kids, and traveling/vacations, making memories with all of them. Time is something you don’t get back, so we try to make the most of it together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.donnateeslaw.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16K6A2mmAm/?mibextid=wwXlfr
