Longtime Nashville School of Law Professor and former Board Member Harris Abram Gilbert died on February 15, 2023, at the age of 91.  He taught both Agency and Property at NSL from 1963 to 1986 and served on the NSL Board of Trust from April 1993 to September 2005.

“Harris’s contributions are woven into the history of our School. He provided steady, insightful leadership during a period of great transition. By his words and actions, Harris provided a living example of civility and professionalism to more than four decades of our students.” said William C. Koch, Jr., NSL President and Dean.

Gilbert was born and raised in Nashville and a graduate of Yale University and the University of Chicago Law School.  After completing his education, he moved back to Nashville and served as Assistant District Attorney for Tennessee before entering private practice focusing on probate and estate planning, and business and real estate law.

He was managing partner of Gilbert and Milom where he co-led the firm’s transition to Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs.

Gilbert served as Board Member of the Nashville Bar Association and President of the Tennessee Bar Association. He created the Uniform Reciprocal Child Support Program for Davidson County and was a founder of Legal Services of Middle Tennessee.

Almost 20 years ago, the TBA created The Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award.  Each year it is awarded to a private sector attorney who has provided extensive legal services to the poor and has performed significant pro bono work.

Gilbert’s generosity was prevalent throughout the legal community and here at NSL In 2007, he created a scholarship in memory of his father, Judge Charles Gilbert, which remains available to students today.

Gilbert was a lifelong member of the Temple Congregation Ohabai Shalom in Nashville.

He was married to his wife, Dianne D. Gilbert, for 41 years before she passed in 2004.  He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and siblings.