I have been a trial lawyer in Tennessee for thirteen years and opened my first law firm in 2010. I’ve represented thousands of clients through my former service with the Nashville Public Defender’s office. Prior to that, I practiced entertainment law on music row in Nashville. Over the years, I have found that my true passions in the law are criminal defense and helping entrepreneurs.
During law school, driven by a desire to change the world, I gained experience at the DC Office of the Corporation Counsel, the Service Members Legal Defense Network, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Minority AIDS Council.
I’ve taught courses in Criminal Law & Procedure, Contract Law, Evidence and have spoken often in my community on a variety of legal topics. In 2013, I won dismissals in four separate murder cases and was awarded the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Attorney’s “Massey-Mcgee Trial Advocacy Award” but it was not until 2015 that I truly found my way.
After several years of doing all the right things and having all of the right successes, a health scare hit my household that led me and my wife to reevaluate our goals and day-to-day. Suddenly, our lives became uncertain and “living in the now” took on real meaning, beyond a catchy slogan. We needed to make a change. We sold our home and everything we owned. We bought a Land Cruiser, and set out for a 2.5 year journey through North and Central America.
During that time we visited and camped in 13 countries from Canada to Panama. Our trip changed my perspective and provided me with direction and community in a way I had not previously known. We are all connected. No matter our country of origin or background, we all, essentially, want and need the same things. We found kindness every single place we went.
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Whether we were lost in Mexico City or broken down on the side of a mountain in Guatemala, help always arrived. The internet provided us with guidance and friendship and an awareness of how small the world can be. No matter where we were, I witnessed entrepreneurship, art and creation as revolutionary acts and means of attaining personal freedom.
As a result, I now own On The Map Legal™, a virtual law firm designed to simplify and demystify the labyrinth of small business ownership, social marketing and creative enterprise for you, no matter where you are or where you're going.
Family Life
I am married to an incredible woman named Karin. She is my balancing and stabilizing force. Together, we are location-independent but base ourselves primarily in Nashville, Tennessee. Wherever she is, I am home.
We have a rescue-dog named Kona who provides us with endless entertainment.
In my free time, I travel, I read, I exercise and I eat. I eat a lot.
Credentials
BS, Psychology, Ball State University, Indiana (2000)
Minors in Political Science, Communications, Religious Studies, Women’s Studies and Criminology.
JD, David A. Clarke School of Law, University of the District of Columbia
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (TACDl)
Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women (TLAW)
DUI Defense Lawyers Association
National Forensic League (National Speech and Debate Association)
Girl Attorney, LLC
American Society of Legal Advocates
Recognition
Massey-Mcgee Trial Advocacy Award | Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Attorney
9.8 Avvo Rating for Criminal Defense Attorneys
American Society of Legal Advocates Best 40 Under 40
Out and About Nashville (Magazine) Faves and Raves Nominee for Best Attorney 2013-2018
Out and About Nashville (Magazine) Faves and Raves Winner Best Attorney - 2019
Branding + Marketing
“Sunny walked me through the legal ins and outs of branding and marketing my real estate business. Sunny has never shied away from showing me tough love and providing honest answers. In a competitive market, a trustworthy, strong legal coach is imperative.”
— Lauren Thetford, Realtor, Village Real Estate
Business + Entrepreneurship
“Honesty. Transparency. Integrity. Partnership. With Sunny Eaton I got this and more. I'm always treated first class and like I am family. Excited about the future and a long and fruitful partnership!.”
— Dane, Social Media Influencer and Client
Excellence + Results
“I recently met Ms. Eaton at a criminal defense conference. IMPRESSIVE. She is a fighter- strong, determined to get the best results for her clients. If I were in trouble, I would hire her to represent me..”
— Claiborne Ferguson, Attorney