
Briana N. Zimmerman
Law Clerk
Family has always been at the center of my story, though I never imagined it would lead me to becoming a family law attorney. Growing up as a child of divorce, I understood from an early age how challenging family transitions can be. At the same time, I developed a deep desire to help others — a desire that originally drew me toward medicine after experiencing my own health challenges as a child.
That commitment to helping others led me to Northeastern University in Boston, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Political Science. After graduation, I began my career in the biotechnology field as a research scientist, focusing on developing immunotherapies for cancer and rare diseases. While the work was rewarding and meaningful, I found myself missing a personal connection to those I wanted to help. I wanted not only to make an impact, but I also wanted to walk alongside the people whose lives I was helping shape.
That realization brought me to law school at the University of Tennessee’s Winston College of Law. Initially, I pursued patent law to blend my science background with the law. However, my path shifted when I joined the Domestic Violence Clinic. There, I discovered the profound impact of family law while advocating for domestic violence survivors, including helping appeal the denial of an order of protection to the Tennessee Court of Appeals. That experience confirmed my calling: to stand beside individuals and families during some of life’s most difficult moments.
Today, I bring that same dedication to my work at Modern Legal. I am committed to guiding clients with compassion, clarity, and strong advocacy as they navigate divorce, custody, and other family law matters. My goal is to ensure every client feels supported and empowered to move toward a more secure future for themselves and their families.