Suzanne Gregory Keith, Esq., has established a distinguished career in the legal field, specializing in litigation and administration. Since 2000, she has served as the executive director of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association (TTLA). The TTLA is a professional organization that advocates for the rights of Tennessee citizens and ensures that all Tennesseans have access to justice and the right to a trial by jury. In this role, Ms. Keith oversees the legal work and services of the association and manages various aspects of the association’s operations, ensuring that it continues to serve its members effectively.
Prior to this role, Ms. Keith served as deputy state court administrator for the Tennessee Supreme Court from 1984 to 2000, where she played a crucial role in the administration of state court operations. Concurrently, she was also the deputy administrative director for the Administrative Office of the Courts. Ms. Keith’s professional experience also includes work with a printing company and a publishing company. Outside of her primary positions, she dedicates her time to active memberships in several industry-related organizations, including The National Bar Association, The National Association of Trial Lawyer Executives, and the Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women. Additionally, she serves as chair of the nominating commission committee for the National Association of State Judicial Educators, a non-profit organization that strives to improve the justice system through judicial branch education.
Ms. Keith enjoys dedicating her spare time to multiple civic organizations. She serves as president of the Natley Group and volunteers at St. Patrick’s Shelter for the Homeless and St. Thomas Hospital. Additionally, she holds the position of treasurer for the Tennessee Judicial Conference Foundation, an organization that provides scholarships to law students and recognizes judges for their service. Ms. Keith’s contributions extend to her authorship, having written “Proceeding Judge” and edited “The Court Clerk Manual,” reflecting her commitment to sharing knowledge within her field.
Ms. Keith’s strong educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in music from Western Kentucky University, followed by a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Nashville School of Law in 1981. In light of her academic accomplishments, she earned recognition as an Outstanding Alumni by the Nashville School of Law in 2007. Despite facing challenges early on, such as not passing the bar exam on her first attempt due to personal circumstances, she persevered with the support of her family and mentors.
In her personal life, Ms. Keith is a devoted wife and mother to three children. She emphasizes that her family has been a significant source of inspiration and motivation throughout her life, attributing much of her success to their unwavering support and encouragement. Additionally, she was deeply influenced by her high school band director, who championed women’s potential at a time when opportunities were limited. Her friend Sue Cane also played a pivotal role, hiring her to the Supreme Court and encouraging her growth. Additionally, Ms. Keith’s father imparted words of guidance that have stayed with her throughout her professional journey: “You can do anything a boy can do.” This message has stood the test of time and underlies her belief in the importance of encouragement for young women seeking to break barriers.