Nashville attorney K. Cody Allison (‘99), who leads Cody Allison & Associates, PLLC is making a name for himself in the field of law, but has another passion that lives on the sidelines of an NFL football game.
Before attending law school, Cody attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville (‘94), where he majored in Communications. While at UT, he became the sports director at the university’s radio station and a member of the Vol Radio Network.
Through his connections with the Vol Radio Network and the local radio station WIVK-AM, Cody was offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to work with the Tennessee Titans. He began as a spotter for play-by-play man Joe McConnell, and while he was very excited about the opportunity, juggling the new job and law school was going to be a challenge. He would have to drive to Nashville every week for the game, and sometimes travel with the team. At the time, Cody was a 3L at MC Law, which was six hours away. He gave high praise to the late Professor Jeffrey Jackson and his other Professors for allowing his lectures to be recorded. “I would leave Jackson to head to Nashville and I would listen to the lectures. After the games, we would fly back on the charter plane to Nashville. I would then have to drive back home to Jackson for Monday morning class by 8 AM. On my way back to Jackson, I would listen to the recorded lectures”.
Cody speaks often about his years with the Titans because he credits football for helping him be successful in his law career. In the broadcasting world, thinking on your feet, being prepared for the unexpected, and going with the flow are crucial skills. Being hyper aware of your surroundings and keeping a thick skin are traits that Cody developed through his broadcasting experience that he then used to be successful in the courtroom.
“One of the interviews that helped me out greatly was with Javon Kearse…I had to be prepared for the unexpected. During the on-field interview, Chad Ochocinco Johnson grabbed the microphone out of my hands and began to interview Javon. This was a live interview and I had no idea what was going to be said. Luckily, the questions were appropriate for television,” Cody explained.
Cody was there for two of the most memorable moments in the Titans history. In 2000, the Titans played the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card game, when with only 16 seconds left, the Bills kicked a field goal to go ahead 16-15, and it looked like the Titans’ season was over. But on the ensuing kickoff, Lorenzo Neal pitched the ball to tight end Frank Wycheck, who threw an overhand lateral across the field to a wide-open Kevin Dyson, who ran 75 yards for the touchdown that became known as “The Music City Miracle.” Just a few weeks later, The Titans played the St. Louis Rams for the Super Bowl. The Titans found themselves down 23-16 with six seconds left and the ball on the Rams 11-yard line. On their final play, quarterback Steve McNair passed the ball to Dyson, who was tackled at the 1-yard line and stretched the ball toward the end zone. He came up inches short. Cody recalled, “There were only four official sideline reporters, including Lesley Visser and Lynn Swann. And there I was, a nobody … probably 20 feet from Dyson.”
Over time, Cody’s law practice grew and needed more of his time. His time with the Tennessee Titans had become too much. After 16 years, he had to focus on his law firm and the clients that needed him the most. Cody still talks football any chance he gets, even in the courtroom when things get contentious. Throughout his 25-year legal career, Cody has successfully represented numerous individuals in matters involving long-term disability claims (ERISA and non-ERISA claims), life insurance claims (ERISA and non-ERISA), serious injury, and general litigation matters. He is admitted to every state and federal court in Tennessee and Kentucky, as well as federal courts in multiple states.
Cody has been named to Thomson Reuters Super Lawyers list for the past three years. The Super Lawyers designation is based on a patented selection process and reserved for the top 5% of Attorneys. Not only has he been named to Thomson Reuters, Cody also recently made the Martindale-Hubbell AV list with an AV Preeminent rating. For more than 130 years, Martindale-Hubbell has been evaluating attorneys for their strong legal ability and high ethical standards through a Peer Review Rating system.
"I'm incredibly humbled to be awarded with this designation again. It means a lot to be recognized by the selection committee at Thomson Reuters and my peers. Most of all, I believe this means we are working hard to serve our clients with the best possible representation", Cody stated about his accomplishments.
The years of broadcasting experience that Cody brings to the courtroom have helped shape the attorney that he is today. This is reflected in how his peers view him and the accolades that come with year after year.
