Protecting families. resolving disputes. securing futures.
About Attorney Princess
Princess M. Woodard is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Woodard Litigation & Mediation, PLLC, where she represents clients in family law matters, Social Security Disability appeals, and Personal Injury claims throughout Tennessee.
Known for her strategic approach, courtroom advocacy, and commitment to client service, Princess has built a reputation for helping individuals navigate complex legal issues during some of the most challenging transitions of their lives. She understands that successful representation is not measured solely by what occurs in the courtroom. It is measured by protecting her clients' interests, preserving opportunities, minimizing unnecessary conflict, and positioning families for long-term success. Whether advocating in contested litigation, negotiating settlements, or guiding clients through mediation, Princess is committed to helping clients make informed decisions that protect their futures.
Her practice focuses on divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, dependency and neglect matters, post-divorce litigation, contempt proceedings, Social Security Disability appeals, and injury claims (car accidents, slip & fails, medical malpractice, wrongful death, nursing home abuse/neglect, & more).
Princess has successfully represented clients in trial and appellate courts, and her work has contributed to published appellate decisions that continue to serve as guidance within Tennessee family law.
Princess intentionally maintains a practice that allows her to provide the level of attention, responsiveness, and strategic guidance her clients deserve. She recognized that no two families, businesses, or cases are alike. Every representation begins with understanding each client's goals, concerns, and priorities before developing a tailored legal strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Clients choose Princess not only for her legal experience, but for her ability to guide them through difficult decisions with discretion, professionalism, and confidence.
Princess is a compassioned and servant leader in the following organizations:
- Region VI Director (TN, KY, OH, MI) for the National Bar Association (2023-2025)
- Family Law Section Chair for the National Bar Association (since 2022)
- Member At Large and Support Fund Chair for the American Bar Association's Family Law Section
- Alimony Chair and Child Support Chair for the American Bar Association's Family Law Section (former)
- Diversity Committee Co-Chair for the American Bar Association's Family Law Section
- 2026 President for the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association
- Co-Chair for the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the Memphis Bar Association (former)
- Board of Governors' Chair for Memphis Delta Preparatory Charter School
- Board Member for BLDG Memphis
- Alumni Barrister Member of the ADR Inns of Court
- Alumni Associate Member of the American Inns of Court
- Financial Member; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Phi Lambda Omega Graduate Chapter
Education
Honors Diploma, Hamilton High School (Memphis, Tenn)
Bachelors of Science, Christian Brothers University (Memphis, Tenn)
Juris Doctor, University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
Bar Admissions
State of Tennessee
Court Admissions
United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
Attorney Woodard studied abroad and holds certifications in intercultural mediation and international arbitration from Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany.
HONORS & PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITIONS
Attorney Woodard has received the following professional honors and recognitions:
- Recognized as a 2026 Leading Family Law, Matrimonial & Divorce Lawyer in Memphis by Doyle's Guide.
- Inducted as a 2026 Fellow to Memphis Bar Association
- Named 2025 40 Under 40 by Memphis Business Journal
- 2025 Recipient of the American Bar Association Family Law Section's Allen Gray Palmer Excellence in Service and Commitment Award
- Recognized as a Family Law Rising Star by Super Lawyers (only 2.5% of lawyers are selected for inclusion) since 2023
- Named One to Watch in Family Law by Best Lawyers in America (less than 5% of lawyers are selected for inclusion) since 2023
- 2024 Recipient of the A.A. Latting Award for Community Service
- American Bar Foundation Fellow (inducted in 2024)
- 2024 Nation's Best Advocates: Top 40 Under 40 by the National Bar Association
- 2023 and 2024 Top 40 Under 40 by National Black Lawyers
- 2023 Outstanding Solo/Small Firm Lawyer by the National Bar Association's Women Lawyers Division
- 2023 Honoree for Memphis's Influential 20
- 2023 Inductee into Hamilton High School's (Memphis, Tenn.) Hall of Fame
- 2021-2023 American Bar Association Family Law Fellow
- 2021 Best of the Bar by the Memphis Business Journal
- 2018-2019 Outstanding Associate of the Year by the Leo Bearman Sr. Inn of the American Inns of Court
- Named an Attorney for Justice by the Tennessee Supreme Court since 2019
NOTABLE CASES & COURT OF APPEALS victories
Attorney Woodard was the prevailing attorney in the following cases before the Tennessee Court of Appeals:
Nelvis v. Baptist, __ S.W.3d __, 2019 Tenn. App. LEXIS 524 (Tenn. Ct. App. Oct. 29, 2019), this case is published legal authority and is used by attorneys in support of their legal arguments in custody and visitation disputes.
Artry v. Artry, No. W2020-00224-COA-R3-CV (Tenn. Ct. App. Sep. 22, 2022)
D. X. v. I.X, No. W2021-01155-COA-R3-CV (Tenn. Ct. App. Apr. 6, 2023)
In the NEWS
Memphis Business Journal's "Best of the Bar" Alumni Spotlight; June 2023
Memphis Voyager Magazine's Interview; "Local Stories: Inspiring Conversations"; April 2022
Fox13 News' Interview; "Black Girl Magic: The Power of Black Women at the Polls"; Nov. 2020 https://bit.ly/37iXbH4