Rodney J. Hatley

Born in Millington, Tennessee to Carmon W. ("Warren") Hatley, a naval officer, and Lorraine Elizabeth (nee Kapustka) Hatley, a housewife. Attended Christian Brothers High School from 1975 to 1979. Graduated from Rhodes College (formerly Southwestern at Memphis) in 1983 with a B.A. in Political Science. Received his law degree (J.D.) from the University of Memphis (formerly Memphis State University) Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 1986. While in law school, served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable James M. Tharpe, Division III, and the Honorable James E. Swearengen, Division IV, of the Circuit Court of Tennessee for the 30th Judicial District at Memphis from 1985 to 1986. Member of the University of Memphis Law Review, in which he was also published (Case Comment, "Torts--Abolition of the Fireman's Rule In Oregon and What It May Mean For Tennessee--Christensen v. Murphy", 206 Or. 610, 678 P. 2d 1210 (1984), 15 U. Mem. L. Rev. 312 (1985). Admitted to the State Bar of Tennessee in April 1987. Entered the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate's Corps in 1988, serving from 1988 to 1995. Awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with gold star in lieu of second award) and the National Defense Service Medal. Served as criminal defense counsel and legal assistance attorney at Naval Legal Service Office, Naval Station Treasure Island, San Francisco, California, and Officer In Charge, Naval Legal Service Office Detachment, Naval Air Station Moffett Field, Mountain View, California. Served as Staff Judge Advocate and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, Ridgecrest, California. Admitted to the State Bar of California in June 1992. Separated from the Navy in September 1995. Attended the University of San Diego School of Law Graduation Taxation Program from 1995 to 1996, receiving a Master's (LL.M.) in Taxation. Entered private practice in August 1996.