Ortale Kelley proudly congratulates Zachary (“Zach”) A. Sterne on being officially sworn in as a member of the Tennessee Bar Association.

Zach joined Ortale Kelley’s litigation team after earning his J.D., magna cum laude, from Belmont University College of Law, where he served as Managing Editor of the Belmont Law Review and was recognized as “Most Valuable Editor.” His distinguished law school career included numerous advocacy awards, including Best Oral Advocate and Top Respondent Brief honors at the 2025 McGee Civil Rights Moot Court Competition, as well as multiple CALI Awards for Excellence in subjects such as Federal Courts, Constitutional Law, and National Security Law.

“We were thrilled to celebrate Zach Sterne today at the annual L.A.W. New Admittees’ Breakfast and then the Swearing in Ceremony before the Tennessee Supreme Court,” says Wendy Longmire, one of Ortale Kelley’s Managing Partners. “Zach’s litigation honors at Belmont School of Law have prepared him well for serving our clients in their litigation needs.”

At Ortale Kelley, Zach focuses his practice on federal litigation, civil rights, appellate advocacy, and government liability. His background in complex motion practice, appellate brief writing, and constitutional analysis provides high-value support for clients facing sophisticated legal matters.

Zach is a member of the Nashville Bar Association and the Federalist Society. When he’s not in the office, he enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and exploring Tennessee’s outdoors.