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Biography

Representing both plaintiffs and defendants, Tonya’s business litigation practice is focused on complex commercial disputes, including a variety of contract disputes, securities fraud, construction, internal ownership disputes and enforcement of restrictive covenants. She also defends clients in insurance coverage disputes and bad faith claims.

In her employment practice, Tonya regularly defends employers in a variety of state and federal employment discrimination and other wrongful termination actions. She also provides advice and counsel to management regarding litigation-avoidance strategies and compliance with laws governing hiring, discipline, compensation, termination and other employment practices.

Tonya also maintains a general corporate practice working primarily with nonprofit organizations and veteran-owned small businesses. She focuses on advising and counseling these clients on the various regulatory and compliance issues affecting their qualifications and certifications. Her experience in corporate law includes consulting clients and preparing corporate documents and a variety of commercial contracts. She has also assisted with company acquisitions, prepared documents for company restructurings and for initial securities offerings, including private placement memoranda as well as assisted nonprofit companies with complete formation process.

Other Info About Tonya

Experience

Legal Work Highlights

Defended a claim of nuisance and trespass against an individual who claimed that our client’s operations, caused damages to his residence. Through discovery and pre-trial litigation, we were able to obtain a voluntary dismissal with prejudice from the Plaintiff.

Education

Law School

University of Dayton School of Law, J.D., 2007
UD Law Moot Court, 2005-2006
Rendigs National Products Liability Moot Court Competition, Individual “Best Oral Advocate”, Team Quarter Finalist
2005 Walter H Rice Moot Court Competition – Finalist
Volunteer Student Lawyer Project, 2005 – 2007
UDSL Student Ambassador, 2006 – 2007
Pro Bono Commitment to Community Award Recipient, 2007

Undergraduate School

University of North Alabama, B.A., 2004, Marketing
Marketing Department Top Graduate
Dean’s List
Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society
Delta Mu Delta Honors Society, Secretary 2003 – 2004
Collegiate Legislature Participant, 2002
Student Government Association Senator, 2002 – 2003
Honors-Leadership Symposium – UNA, 2002 – 2003

Clerkships

Tonya served as a clerk for the court(s) and judge(s) below:

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Hon. C. Lynwood Smith

Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office

Bar Memberships

Tonya is licensed to practice in the following state(s):

Tennessee, 2015

Kentucky, 2008

Ohio, 2007

Recognition

Local & National Recognition

Mentor of the Year, Frost Brown Todd, 2015

Emerging Leader Award, LEGACY of Northern Kentucky, Inc., 2011

Civic Activities

Civic & Charitable Organizations

American Heart Association
Go Red For Women Executive Leadership Team, June 2018 – Present
PULSE Board Member, June 2015 – June 2018
PULSE Community Impact Subcommittee Member, 2015 – 2017
Heart Walk Team Captain, June 2015 – Present

Williamson, Inc.
Ambassador, January 2019 – Present
Top Team for 2019 and 2020 ; Team Ambassador of the Month – December 2020

SOAR – Professional Development Program for High-Potential Women
Nashville Class of 2015, January 2015 – October 2015

The Citadel Group, Inc.
Pro Bono Legal Assistance, August 2013 – Present
Volunteer Advisor, August 2013 – Present

Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Annual Dinner Focus Group Member, Spring 2012
Pro Bono Legal Assistance, August 2012 – March 2013

LEGACY of Northern Kentucky, Inc.
Steering Committee Member, September 2008 – September 2012
Business Engagement Committee Co-Chair / Founding Member, September 2008 – September 2012
Next Generation Leader Awards Planning Committee Co-Chair / Member, January 2011 – August 2013

NAMI Northern Kentucky, Inc.
Board Member / Chair of Nominating Committee, April 2009 – January 2011
Pro Bono Legal Assistance, April 2009

HYPE – Harnessing Young Professional Energy – Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
Member of Talent Development Committee, March 2010 – September 2011

Firm Committees

Tonya serves or has served in the following leadership role(s) at Frost Brown Todd:

Women’s Initiative Committee, Member

Recruiting Committee, Member

 

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