As part of our 20th anniversary Volunteer Spotlight series, we’re continuing to celebrate the dedicated professionals who help strengthen Nashville’s creative community through the Arts & Business Council.
Our volunteers are essential partners in our work. From providing pro bono legal and professional through Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) to serving as mentors for artists through Periscope: Artist Entrepreneur Training, our volunteers offer practical guidance, trusted perspective, and hands-on support at key moments in creative careers. Opportunities to volunteer with ABC span disciplines and professional backgrounds.
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Bryan Davidson, an attorney whose background spans law, policy, and the music industry. With experience as both a legal professional and a working musician, Bryan brings a uniquely valuable perspective to supporting Nashville’s creative ecosystem.
Bryan Davidson is an associate attorney at Johnson, Evans, & Headrick, P.C., with a practice that includes corporate transactions, intellectual property, and complex civil litigation. Bryan previously served as Policy Director for the ACLU of Tennessee, where he led the organization’s statewide legislative advocacy program. He earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School and a B.B.A. in Music Business from Belmont University. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Bryan spent several years as a professional musician, including stints as a touring singer and guitar player.
Outside the office, he enjoys cycling, hiking, gardening, and live music.
We asked Bryan a few questions reflecting on his time spent volunteering with ABC, which he began just last year:
What inspired you to volunteer with ABC?
As a former independent musician with limited financial resources and knowledge of the ins and outs of copyright law, reviewing contracts for my band was always a stressful experience. Now that I am a practicing entertainment attorney, it’s very satisfying for me to be able to volunteer with ABC to provide exactly the kind of legal advice I wished I had access to back when I was a professional musician.
What has been your favorite “volunteer moment”?
I helped a client negotiate her first book deal, and was able to secure a larger advance and more favorable terms for my client. Seeing how excited my client was when she signed the deal to have her first book published was a sweet moment that I was proud to play a small part in.
Any advice for new volunteers?
Don’t be afraid to take on cases outside your area of expertise! I’ve found that every client I’ve worked with is very grateful for my time and assistance, and I’ve really enjoyed the novelty of digging into new topics and areas of law in order to help a client in need.
Thank you, Bryan!
We are grateful for Bryan’s long-standing commitment to the creative community, and for the expertise, generosity, and care he brings to our work at ABC.
Interested in joining Bryan by contributing your skills or experience to support the creative community? We invite you to explore volunteer opportunities with ABC.