Teaching interests: Elder Law Clinic, Trial Advocacy.

Education: B.A., University of Memphis, Philosophy (magna cum laude), 1974; J.D. Vanderbilt, 1980.

Experience: 1993 – present, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law/University of Memphis Legal Clinic; 1990-93, Staff Attorney, Housing Opportunities Corp.; 1985-87, District Legal Counsel, Florida Dept. of Health and Rehabilitative Services; 1980-84, Staff Attorney, Legal Services of Middle Tennessee.

Admitted: Tennessee and Florida.

Achievements/Publications: Donna S. Harkness is currently Professor of Clinical Law and Director, Elder Law Clinic.  She was associate professor of clinical law 2004-2009 and the Director of the Elder Law Clinic since 1996.  She is a National Elder Law Foundation certified elder law attorney and a Tennessee certified elder law specialist.  She is the author of one book, ELDER LAW ESSENTIALS (Knowles, 2008), which provides a basic overview of the substantive law, ethical issues and practice concerns that confront attorneys serving elderly clients.  Professor Harkness’ publications have appeared in the ELDER LAW JOURNAL, MARQUETTE ELDER’S ADVISOR, and the BROOKLYN JOURNAL OF LAW AND POLICY.    She authored four elder law case files for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy (NITA) involving various issues, including a will contest, elder abuse, predatory lending and wrongful death in a long term case institution.   She was also the recipient of a Borchard Foundation Law and Aging research grant to study predatory lending.  Finally, she has authored a number of expert commentaries for LEXIS/NEXIS.      

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Email:  dharknss@memphis.edu