The National Bar Association is holding its 101st Annual Convention with the theme “The Rhythm of Excellence: The Power of Promise, The Energy of Now” in Nashville Saturday, July 25 through Friday, July 31 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center. For seven days, judges, lawyers, scholars, and advocates from across the country will gather to learn, collaborate, and continue the work of strengthening their profession and our communities. Attendees can expect substantive CLEs, timely policy conversations, and memorable cultural experiences that reflect both the NBA’s legacy and Nashville’s unique energy.
Ashley Loreall Upkins, Founder of Upkins Law, PLLC and Juris Industries, a native of Nashville, earned her undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University, and was a graduate of the inaugural class of the Belmont University College of Law, with a certification in Health Law. Upkins Law, PLLC, located in the heart of Nashville, seeks to make the law easier and more “digestible” for its clients, no matter the practice area, delivering high quality work and favorable outcomes resulting in high client satisfaction. Ashley, the 83rd President of the NBA, the first woman from Tennessee to hold this historic role, proudly welcomes the 101 st NBA convention to her hometown.
This year’s convention sets the tone for the future of the Association. In Nashville the NBA will plan how they will move forward with purpose and build the next chapter of Black legal excellence together.
As they gather in Nashville, America’s Music City and home to some of our nation’s most influential Black musical traditions, they step into the NBA’s next century with a theme that reflects both who they are and where they are going.
The Rhythm of Excellence speaks to the steady, intentional, and historic beat of the National Bar Association. For more than a century, NBA members have shaped the legal landscape with courage, brilliance, and determination. That rhythm continues today: strong, grounded, and unmistakably theirs.
The Power of Promise is a reminder that the NBA’s future is bright because of the work they commit to right now: pipeline programs, advocacy, leadership development, partnerships, and collective investment in the next generation of Black lawyers and judges.
The Energy of Now recognizes the urgency of this moment in America. The challenges facing our communities demand their expertise AND action. It also demands their influence and unified resolve, calling the NBA to step forward strategically and together while doing so boldly.
The purpose of the National Bar Association is to advance the science of jurisprudence, uphold the honor of the legal profession, promote social intercourse among members of the bar, and protect the civil and political rights of all citizens. Members look forward to meeting in Nashville to continue the work, lift their voices, and move in a rhythm that will carry the Association and our communities forward, together.
For more details about the activities during the NBA 101st Annual Convention, including Saturday’s Uncle Nearest Distillery Tour, Sunday’s Opening Plenary / Public Meeting, Tuesday’s President’s Ball: Bridgerton – Themed aboard the legendary General Jackson Showboat, and other Breakfasts, Luncheons, Forums, Receptions, Galas, Banquets and Workshops, and more, check out this link: https://events.nationalbar.org/nashville/
