In her current role as Associate General Counsel, LaTonnsya Burney uses her diverse legal background to deliver comprehensive legal counsel across a spectrum of university operations with a primary focus on matters involving Athletics and the Vanderbilt University Police Department. Drawing from her experience in litigation, contract negotiation, student affairs, nonprofit operations and regulatory compliance, she adeptly navigates complex legal issues to provide strategic legal guidance and support to her clients. LaTonnsya advises several campus committees and working groups to assist with developing policies, ensuring compliance with laws, regulations and governing body rules. In the Office of the General Counsel, LaTonnsya serves as a member of both the People and Transaction teams where she fosters intentional collaboration across campus. LaTonnsya’s expertise has been instrumental in developing innovative policies to address emerging legal challenges, navigating complex contractual matters, and developing strategic partnerships to advance the University’s objectives.
LaTonnsya received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communication Studies from Western Kentucky University where she served on the Student Government Association and as a mentor in the university Step Up program, supporting students identified with academic challenges. She received her Juris Doctor from Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law where she served as Graduate Assistant for the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, was an active member of the Black Law Students Association, participated on the BLSA intercollegiate Mock Trial Team, received a Best Oral Advocate award in the campus Moot Court Competition, and the CALI Award for Excellence in Elder Law Clinic.
Prior to joining the Office of the General Counsel, LaTonnsya worked at Tennessee State University where during her tenure served in two separate roles; Assistant General Counsel/ Director of Contracts in the Office of the General Counsel and the Assistant Dean of Student Conduct and Judicial Affairs. Before practicing in higher education, LaTonnsya served Assistant General Counsel for the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. LaTonnsya also has nonprofit experience through service as Manager of the Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts program with the Arts and Business Council of Greater Nashville and as a Contract Attorney for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee.
LaTonnsya is an active member of the bar, with an emphasis on mentorship and access to and within the legal profession. She is a member of the Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers, where she’s served as the Law Student Committee Chair, The Nashville Bar Association, where she’s served as a Steering Committee Member for the Nashville Bar Foundation for Leadership Fellows, The Sports Lawyers Association where she serves as a member of the Content Committee and the National Association for College and University Attorneys. LaTonnsya is admitted to practice law in Tennessee.
In her free time, LaTonnsya enjoys travelling, attending concerts and sporting events. Her favorite place on campus is Memorial Gym.
Assistant Contact: Crystal Nguyen-Fuss, crystal.nguyen-fuss@vanderbilt.edu, 615-343-7032