Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law (LMU Law) is honored to announce that United States Magistrate Judge Cynthia Richardson Wyrick of the United States District Court in Greeneville, Tennessee, will be the commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2024.
Judge Wyrick brings a wealth of legal experience and a distinguished career to the podium, making her an exceptional choice to inspire and motivate the next generation of legal professionals. Her commitment to public service and dedication to the legal community exemplify the values upheld by LMU Law.
Judge Wyrick’s journey in law began with a strong foundation in education. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with a major in Political Science and a minor in Business. She later received her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.
She began her legal career as a judicial clerk for retired Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Gary R. Wade, then with the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Honorable Houston M. Goddard of the Tennessee Court of Appeals.
Prior to her appointment as Magistrate Judge in 2019, Judge Wyrick served as a hearing officer for the Tennessee Department of Human Resources Board of Appeal and as City Attorney for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, while also practicing law in Sevierville, Tennessee as a shareholder at Ogle, Wyrick & Associates, P.C. Her diverse legal background includes civil litigation, municipal law, mediation, and extensive involvement in professional organizations such as the American Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA), and the Federal Bar Association. Judge Wyrick is a Past President of the TBA, which is the largest professional organization in the state of Tennessee.
Judge Wyrick’s commitment to community service is equally commendable, with involvement in organizations such as the Second Look Commission, the Tennessee Justice Center, the Cherish the Child Foundation, and her church's personnel committee and vision task force. Her dedication to service extends beyond her legal career, embodying the principles of leadership and philanthropy.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Judge Wyrick has received numerous awards and honors, including the University of Tennessee Accomplished Alumni Award, the ABA Small Firm Practitioner of Merit Award, being named as a Super Lawyer for the Mid-South, being named Top Attorney by CityView Magazine, and many more.
The commencement ceremony for the 96 graduates in the LMU Duncan School of Law Class of 2024 will take place on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium beginning at 4:00 p.m.
The Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law is located in Knoxville’s Historic Old City Hall Building. LMU Law is an integral part of LMU’s values-based learning community and is dedicated to preparing the next generation of lawyers to provide sound legal service in the often-underserved region of Appalachia and beyond.
