Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) has recognized six outstanding graduates from the Duncan School of Law (LMU-DSOL) as part of its 40 Under Forty program, which celebrates young alumni who demonstrate strong leadership, career success and meaningful contributions to their communities.
The LMU 40 Under Forty program recognizes alumni under the age of 40 who are making an impact in their professions and communities. Honorees are selected based on professional achievement, leadership ability, service and the positive influence they bring to their organizations and industries. The recognition also reflects each recipient’s continued connection to LMU and their reputation as leaders in their field.
The program highlights the real-world impact of an LMU education while strengthening alumni engagement and connection across the university community. By sharing their success, LMU aims to inspire current students and encourage young alumni to stay involved and invested in the University’s future.
“LMU’s 40 Under Forty program is a powerful reminder of what our alumni go on to do after they leave our campus,” said Dr. Frank Woodward, Vice President for University Advancement. “These individuals are building meaningful careers, leading with integrity, and making a real difference in the lives of others. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is the connection they continue to have with LMU and the role they play in inspiring the next generation of students.”
Honorees from LMU-DSOL represent a range of industries and leadership roles, demonstrating the breadth and strength of LMU’s academic programs. Their work reflects a commitment to excellence, service and continued growth after graduation.
The following LMU-DSOL alumni have been named to LMU’s 40 Under Forty class of 2026. Their accomplishments highlight the lasting impact of an LMU education, as each continues to lead, innovate and give back in ways that strengthen their professions, communities and the University they call home. Their continued success and connection to LMU reflect a strong and engaged alumni community that supports future generations of students.
Jacob Baggett, J.D. ‘15
Jacob Baggett is an accomplished lawyer and state-level lobbyist for the State of Tennessee, where he counsels clients on political and legislative matters in the state, authors legislative instruments, and works closely with members of the General Assembly to support their passage. Jacob leads fundraising and sponsor engagement efforts, guides the student executive council, and oversees the planning and execution of the annual student general assembly for the TISL Foundation. Recognized by his peers for his expertise and leadership, he serves on the board of the Tennessee Lobbyist Association and contributes to his alma mater as a member of the DSOL Alumni Association board.
Oscar Butler, J.D. ‘19
Oscar A. Butler is a dedicated attorney handling primarily DUI and Criminal Defense cases, but also Civil Litigation Matters. Currently, the Owner of Butler Law, LLC, Oscar, practices in General Sessions Courts, Circuit Courts, and Criminal Courts throughout East Tennessee. Butler’s experience began in the 6th Judicial District as an Assistant District Attorney for the State of Tennessee, before transitioning to the private defense bar. In addition to his legal work, he is an active member in the Knoxville/Knox County community, Knoxville Bar Association, National Bar Association, Hamilton Burnett Inn of Court, and currently serves as Vice President (President Elect) on the LMU-DSOL Alumni Association.
David Gratz, J.D. ‘14
David Gratz is an experienced legal professional with more than a decade of experience in criminal justice and private practice. He is the owner of Gratz Law Firm, PLLC, where he focuses on criminal law, estate planning, litigation, and general civil litigation, with extensive jury and bench trial experience. Gratz served more than five years as a Special Agent with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, providing key testimony in high-profile cases, including the Megan Boswell murder trial. During that time, he also worked as a Legal Instructor, training law enforcement on the 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments, with an emphasis on search and seizure, interviews, and interrogations. His investigative work included violent crimes, missing persons, and complex white-collar cases. He also served five years as an Assistant District Attorney in Hamblen County. Gratz remains committed to his alma mater through service on the LMU-DSOL Alumni Association Board. He lives in East Tennessee with his wife and two children and enjoys farm life and collecting antique John Deere tractors.
Jordan Newport, J.D. ‘19
Jordan T. Newport is a versatile attorney whose practice encompasses business law and litigation, including banking and commercial transactions, business formation, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and a range of civil litigation matters. He is actively engaged in the Knoxville legal community, serving as Co-Chair of the Knoxville Bar Association Barristers Athletics Committee and routinely mentoring young attorneys in his firm and beyond as they begin their careers. Newport maintains strong ties to LMU-DSOL, where he regularly participates in panels, supports alumni initiatives, and has counseled the University on various sports law-related matters. Expanding his impact at LMU beyond traditional legal practice, he is the owner of Splitter Strong, Inc., a Name, Image, and Likeness collective dedicated to supporting LMU student-athletes.
Kayla Swiney, B.A. ‘13, J.D. ‘17
Kayla Swiney is the Director of Bar Success at LMU-DSOL, where she oversees bar preparation initiatives and supports students and graduates through the bar exam and admissions process. A lawyer with experience in private practice and as an appellate law clerk for judges on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Swiney joined LMU-DSOL as a full-time faculty member in the summer of 2023. She provides faculty training on bar prep and academic success, including preparing students for the NextGen Uniform Bar Exam being developed by the National Conference of Bar Examiners. During her time on the academic and bar success team, she contributed to a 21% increase in the school’s first-time bar passage rate over two years, and now leads the Bar Studies Program, helping aspiring attorneys successfully enter the legal profession. In addition to her law degree, Swiney also earned her Bachelor of Arts in Art from the LMU-Paul V. Hamilton School of Arts, History, and Social Sciences.
Courtney Walker, J.D. ‘18
Courtney Walker is a legal entrepreneur and founder of Court Approved, PLLC, a legal education and consulting firm that supports founders in private-pay medicine, including aesthetics, wellness, hormone therapy, and regenerative medicine practices. Through her work, she has scaled accessible legal solutions for healthcare entrepreneurs, assisting more than 350 businesses in 2025. Walker is particularly passionate about empowering underserved founders, including women, parents, and first-generation entrepreneurs, by making legal knowledge more accessible and actionable. She is a founding member of the MedSpa Board and serves as the Tennessee State Chapter Chair for the American MedSpa Association, where she contributes to industry standards, education, and policy discussions. In addition, she is committed to mentorship, regularly guiding LMU law students in career development, ethical practice, and navigating the legal profession.
LMU is proud to recognize these alumni whose achievements continue to strengthen their communities and elevate the University’s legacy. Their ongoing connection to LMU reflects a shared commitment to opportunity, service and student success. The University looks forward to celebrating their continued impact and engaging them in shaping the future of LMU.
To learn more about the LMU 40 Under Forty program and view the full list of honorees, visit https://www.lmunet.edu/giving/40-under-forty-honorees
Lincoln Memorial University is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The main campus is in Harrogate, Tennessee. For more information about the undergraduate and graduate programs available at LMU, contact the Office of Admissions at 423-869-6280 or email at admissions@lmunet.edu.
