Zachary A. Sterne

Zachary (“Zach”) A. Sterne is an Associate Attorney at Ortale Kelley, where his practice focuses on federal litigation, civil rights, appellate advocacy, complex tort litigation, and government liability. His background in complex motion practice, appellate brief writing, and legal research allows him to provide high-value analysis and representation to both individual and institutional clients.

Zach brings a strong combination of academic excellence and courtroom experience to his role. A magna cum laude graduate of Belmont University College of Law, he served as Managing Editor of the Belmont Law Review and was recognized as its “Most Valuable Editor.” During law school, he also distinguished himself as Chief Brief Writer and Swing Advocate for the championship team at the 2025 McGee Civil Rights Moot Court Competition, where he earned both the Best Oral Advocate and Top Respondent Brief Awards.

His legal training includes work with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office in the Civil Division, where he assisted in defending the State in complex litigation; with the Honorable Magistrate Judge Jeffery S. Frensley of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, where he gained experience in federal motion practice and habeas corpus petitions; and with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee, contributing to legal research and responsive brief drafting.

Zach’s academic record reflects deep engagement with constitutional, administrative, and federal law. He received CALI Awards for Excellence – recognizing the highest achievement in a course – in Contracts, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Business Associations, Federal Courts, Separation of Powers, and National Security Law. He was also awarded the Graduate Student Scholarship Award by Belmont University.

Prior to law school, Zach earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Government & Politics and Economics (magna cum laude, with departmental honors in Economics) and a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.

His representative work includes assisting in matters involving municipal defense, legal and medical malpractice, and constitutional challenges. Zach’s strongest skills are in brief and motion writing and oral advocacy – skills that have earned him recognition at both the academic and professional levels.

A member of the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Associations and the Federalist Society, Zach values transparency and honesty in his practice. Outside of the office, he enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, kayaking, and duck hunting.

Zach is admitted to practice in Tennessee, with admission to federal courts forthcoming.