As the legal world constantly evolves, opportunities to stay current and deepen expertise in specific areas of practice are invaluable. For attorneys working in adoption law, one such opportunity was the 2025 Adoption Law School in the Smoky Mountains, led by the renowned Dawn Coppock. This seminar, held from April 2–4, 2025, in Sevierville, Tennessee, was not just another legal education event—it marked the final session of Dawn Coppock’s iconic Adoption Law School.
Attorney Jess Morgan was among those who attended this unique and highly anticipated seminar. Many have long recognized the profound impact that Dawn Coppock’s teachings have had on the practice of Tennessee adoption law. After all, Coppock is not just a recognized authority in the field—she’s the author of Coppock on Tennessee Adoption Law, the definitive guide for adoption law professionals in the state.
A Seminar with a Legacy
Dawn Coppock’s Adoption Law School is renowned for its thorough and engaging approach to teaching Tennessee adoption law from A to Z. The 2025 edition—her final one—focused on the full adoption process, from the first client call to the issuance of a new birth certificate. Over the course of three days, attendees were immersed in a curriculum that combined the technical intricacies of the law with practical, real-world insights. The seminar was designed to ensure that by the end, every attorney would leave competent, confident, and prepared to handle adoption cases in Tennessee.
With the 8th and final edition of Coppock on Tennessee Adoption Law serving as the seminar’s textbook, attendees had access to the latest legal updates, additional forms, and a more comprehensive discussion of adoption law topics than ever before. It was truly the best of both worlds: cutting-edge legal education paired with the historical knowledge and insight only Dawn herself could offer.
The atmosphere was one of collaboration and community. Attendees had the chance to meet with colleagues in the field, network with other adoption law professionals, and enjoy a laid-back gathering on Wednesday night. The seminar offered a unique opportunity for attendees to bond over their shared passion for family law, while also enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded professionals. For Jess Morgan, this sense of community was one of the most rewarding aspects of attending the seminar.
Why Jess Morgan Attended
For Jess, attending Dawn Coppock’s final Adoption Law School was both a professional and personal decision. Having worked in family law, Jess has encountered the complexities and challenges of Tennessee adoption law on numerous occasions. However, as a firm believer in lifelong learning, Jess knew the 2025 seminar would provide the final, comprehensive review needed to ensure that she remains at the top of her game in adoption law.
“Dawn has always had a way of making complex legal principles feel accessible and even fun,” Morgan said. “Her practical teaching style makes the seminar so much more than just a CLE event. It’s an experience—one that you leave feeling not only more competent but also more inspired.”
As an attorney dedicated to providing her clients with the best possible representation, Jess saw the seminar as an opportunity to refine her skills and deepen her understanding of adoption law in Tennessee. The chance to learn from the very person who wrote the definitive text on Tennessee adoption law was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
Attorney Jess Morgan was grateful for the chance to learn from one of the best in the business, and as the 2025 seminar concluded, she joined others in expressing their heartfelt thanks to Dawn for all the wisdom, humor, and practical insights she had shared throughout the years.
For Jess Morgan, that final spring weekend in the Smokies wasn’t just about continuing her professional journey—it was a reminder of why she became an adoption lawyer in the first place: to help families and to be part of the positive change that adoption can bring. Jess looks forward to using what she learned this weekend to better represent her clients.