Attorney Spotlight: Get to Know Alé Dalton

When did you join the firm?

I joined the firm in September of 2016. I began my career with the firm during my first summer in law school.

In which office are you located?

I am in the Nashville office and work in the Healthcare Practice Group.

Tell us a little about your practice.

I service any and all clients that operate in the healthcare space or that are healthcare adjacent. My work primarily centers on providing guidance during mergers and acquisitions (and other complex transaction structures). I also guide clients through any issues that arise from operating in a highly regulated industry.

Why did you want to become an attorney?

As a young immigrant, I was exposed to attorneys from an early age. I quickly appreciated what a great advocate brought to the table for their clients, particularly the feeling that someone who had a voice was in your corner. The thought that I could have that kind of voice for others was really powerful and inspired me from an early age to pursue the path to law school. 

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far in your career?

During my first year of practice, one of our healthcare partners told me to “own any matter that comes across my desk.” Having this perspective encompasses everything you need to do your job well: Asking questions, being mindful on how to best serve the client, zealously advocating for the best course of action for the client, etc.

What two or three accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?

Aside from the satisfaction that comes from securing the desired outcome for our clients, I am most proud of the recognitions I have received for my work in furthering diversity in the legal profession. These recognitions have provided me the opportunity to become involved with the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity, the Hispanic National Bar Association, and the Tennessee Bar Association’s Diversity Leadership Institute, as well as a scholarship for my legal education.

I am also very passionate about pro bono work, and it always brings me great satisfaction to know that I am helping close the “access to justice” gap. I have had the privilege of working with some incredible clients through my pro bono experiences, including as a summer associate at Bradley. It is always a great reminder of why I fell in love with the legal profession.

What do you feel passionate about?

I am passionate about increasing diversity in the legal profession, particularly for women of color. Latinas represent less than 2 percent of the total U.S. lawyer population and are the most statistically underrepresented attorney group in nearly every legal sector, particularly in private practice and even more so in the top 200 law firms in the country. My work with the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Latina Commission centers on remedying these numbers by addressing the issues through every stage, from pipeline to retention. While the numbers are improving, there is a lot of work to be done.

What community activities or outside organizations are you involved in?

I serve on the University of Tennessee Young Alumni Council. We are a 40 member group representing University of Tennessee alumni from the last decade. Our work centers on alumni engagement, advocating for the university, and supporting university recruitment efforts. I also serve on the Hispanic National Bar Association’s Latina Commission, which focuses on studying and remedying barriers to entry and advancement faced by Latina lawyers. I am active in the Junior League of Nashville, which allows me the opportunity to serve different causes in the city through our community partners.

My husband, Tanner, and I are also involved in our local community through our church, Cross Point, and our gym, CrossFit East Nashville.

What was your upbringing like?

I come from a family of hard-working immigrants. My parents sacrificed all of their comforts and uprooted their lives to provide me with opportunities that would have not otherwise been available to me. Their encouragement and sacrifices have seen me through every stage of my schooling and career. I am incredibly thankful to have their example of how to work hard, to use your work to serve others, and to love others well in everything you do.

What is on your bucket list?

Running the U.S. Canine Biathlon with my coonhound, Neyland. It is a varied-terrain obstacle course for canine and human teams. While I am sure she is ready to tackle it, the human half of our team needs a little more work on trail running. 

Those who know me know that I never pass up an opportunity to have a barbell in my hands. Not surprisingly, I would love the opportunity to compete in the USA Weightlifting American Open, a national Olympic weightlifting competition.