Are You an Outlaw? Meet Tracy Roberts

Who has redefined what it means to think outside the law (aka OUTLAW) and is helping each of us in the process?

Meet Tracy Roberts, the Director of Marketing & Communications at Bass, Berry & Sims. In her role, Tracy works to ensure all marketing and business development strategies and tactics align with the firm’s strategic goals. She is primarily responsible for leading the Marketing & Communications team, overseeing public relations and positioning strategies, and the overall brand of the firm. When not at work, Tracy and her husband, Chad, can be found working on home improvement projects, spending time in the great outdoors, or enjoying time with family.

We asked Tracy a few questions, and her answers can be found below. Enjoy getting to know this Outlaw!

Q: Where would you like to live?
A: Although I’m truly happy living where I currently live – just outside of Nashville in Franklin, TN – one day I’d love to live in the mountains of East Tennessee. I know…not super exciting, but this is just a beautiful part of the country and also MUCH closer to my mom and three sisters. Having grown up in Asheville, NC, I miss the mountains and look forward to getting back to them one day, to enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and all of the outdoor activities this part of the state has to offer.

Q: What got you into working in the legal industry?
A: Long story, short…I spent the majority of the first 15 years of my career working in marketing in the healthcare tech industry. Legal marketing really wasn’t on my radar at all until one day, Kerry Price, Chief Strategy Officer at Bass, Berry & Sims, and a long-time friend of mine (many of you may know her), reached out to me with an opportunity to come be her director of marketing. I explained, “but Kerry, I don’t have any experience in the legal industry.” She believed in me and was willing to take a chance on me. Making the move to Legal Marketing has been such a fun and interesting new challenge and I can’t thank Kerry enough for taking a chance on me. It’s hard to believe that was over 5 years ago. Time really does fly when you’re having fun!

Q: Who is your favorite musician or band?
A: My dad was a huge music buff, so I grew up listening to all kinds of music, and I inherited his love for music. That being said, this question is especially challenging because there are SO MANY incredible musicians/bands out there! But if I had to choose ONE, it would probably be Jeff Lynne’s Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). Although this band was out at the same time as popular artists, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, I don’t feel like ELO received the recognition it deserved. If you haven’t heard the music of ELO, do yourself a favor and check it out! I actually had the opportunity to see ELO live in concert in 2019 – something I NEVER dreamed I’d get to do, and it was the BEST concert I’ve ever experienced.

Q: What is your favorite virtue?
A: I’d have to go with Integrity. I think the reason speaks for itself.

Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement?
A: I don’t know if my answer to this question would be considered an “achievement,” but it’s certainly something that made me proud. First you should know, I’m a HUGE animal lover – owner of two dogs (Miles and Gibson) and two cats (Leo and Willis). Several years ago I rescued 7 pit bull mix puppies and cared for them and their mother for several months until they were ready be weaned and placed in their forever homes. I was able to work with a local rescue in town to find homes for all seven pups, and also was able to take care of getting the mom spayed to prevent this from happening again. This was such a rewarding experience that taught me a lot about perseverance, patience and the value of having great friends and colleagues by your side!