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P RO F I L E S
Jason Turner J.D. ’04: Blending a Love of Music with the Law
B Y M O L LY K A E L I N
After leaving his hometown of Polo, Illinois, to
attend Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee,
Jason Turner J.D. ’04 knew he wanted to work in
the Nashville music scene. While working on his
bachelor’s degree, Turner pursued his passion at a record label.
He filled many different roles, most notably as a studio pianist.
Working in the music industry made Turner realize he wanted to
reemerge into the industry in a different capacity. Turner chose
the law.
He decided on Stetson University College of Law because of the
school’s consistent ranking, award-winning trial advocacy
program, and small class size. Turner mentioned that being so
close to the beach didn’t hurt either.
Regardless of where he is, the beach, the studio, or at Stetson
Law, diving right in is Turner’s style. During his Stetson career,
he was a member of the Trial Team and Dispute Resolution
boards. Turner said that the advocacy boards, “both unequivocally
helped once I got into the real world, especially when it
came to preparation.” He is paying it back to Stetson as a new
member of the Board of Overseers.
His favorite memory at Stetson Law was winning a Trial Team
competition in 2003. He also treasures the lifelong relationships
with his mentors, professors Kelly Feeley and Rebecca Morgan.
Turner graduated from Stetson Law in 2004. His training at
Young Tangela Barrie spent her summer days nestled
Judge Tangela Barrie J.D. ’97: Strong Woman, Strong Community
B Y M O L LY K A E L I N
under a library table in her small hometown of Thomasville,
Georgia, engrossed in Nancy Drew mystery
novels. As the daughter of the first African American
newspaper owner in the area, her love for reading started at an
early age and has continued into adulthood. Her father was
extremely involved in the community and was committed to
creating equality within it. Barrie realized at an early age that
“fighting for the underdog” was her calling in life. The judgeship
is Barrie’s natural role.
During her law school career at Stetson, Barrie recalls her favorite
Stetson memory was everything about the Trial Team, from the
traveling to the case studies to the lifelong friendships. She met
her husband, Dr. Mahmoud Barrie, at Stetson. She was also
involved in the Black Law Students Association. Today, she has
come back to Stetson as a member of the Board of Overseers.
Barrie’s first job out of law school was as a law clerk for Judge
Mary Scriven, who taught at Stetson. She became a prosecutor in
DeKalb County, Georgia. Barrie surprised herself by becoming a
prosecutor. She had always seen herself as working for the defense,
Stetson and his love for the music
industry culminated into a partnership
at Nashville’s prestigious entertainment
law firm, Keller Turner Andrews
& Ghanem, in 2011.
“The majority of my satisfaction
Jason Turner
comes from helping my clients achieve their goals,” Turner said.
“Whether it be an artist who has their first hit or an executive.”
Turner’s approach to his practice is to always be forward thinking
and aware of where the industry is heading. Regarding the future
of his profession, Turner points to streaming music.
Turner’s commitment to excellence is illustrated by his generosity
in establishing the LeRoy Y. Hooks Elder Law Scholarship at
Stetson. The scholarship was established as a tribute to Turner’s
grandfather.
“Thankfully, Stetson trained me to be the lawyer I am today so
that I can pay it forward,” said Turner. A member of the U.S.
Supreme Court Bar, Turner was also listed as one of Billboard
Magazine’s “30 under 30” in 2007, the only attorney to make the
list that year. When he is not working with clients, Turner enjoys
attending concerts and relaxing on the couch with J.D., his
miniature schnauzer. If you are asking yourself if J.D. stands for
Juris Doctorate, the answer is yes! We are excited to see what is
next for this young attorney.
the underdog. When Barrie settled
into her new position, she realized
that she could make more change
as a prosecutor than she had ever
imagined.
After a successful career as a
prosecutor, Barrie was appointed
for a judgeship and was chief judge.
Today, Judge Barrie is responsible for
an $8-million budget and presides
over the drug, military and veterans
Judge Tangela Barrie
court. Even with her long list of accomplishments and a busy
schedule, Barrie continues to give back to her community. She is
heavily involved in the Georgia Association of Black Lawyers and
Georgia Association of Women Lawyers. Her favorite way to give
back is by educating children through mock trials. She has tailored
classic stories such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears to teach children
about the judicial system.
When she is not on the bench, Barrie enjoys reading and spending
time with her three boys, ages 15, 13 and seven.