TONYA J. AUSTIN
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Tonya artfully maneuvers the often complex and conflicting world of land use, entitlements/assessment and real estate development matters. With more than 15 years of experience in board rooms, court houses and the halls of local government, she counsels and guides clients to help them reach their goals. Read more and get to know her.
MEET
Tonya Austin
Tonya J. Austin brings more than 15 years of experience to the table when representing a large and diverse client base by helping them to achieve sophisticated business goals. She focuses her practice on counseling clients through real estate development and zoning issues, and aiding clients in resolving complex business and real estate disputes. She is practical, focused and brings a sense of calm and order to the often complex and conflicting world of land use, entitlements/assessment and real estate development matters.
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About Tonya
Tonya's background includes business and real estate transactional work, labor and employment counseling and dispute resolution, representing clients before zoning boards, and handling complex business and real estate disputes in litigation, arbitration and mediation. Her clients include real estate developers, golf-course owners, investor groups, churches, and other non-profit organizations, individual property owners, and a variety of very successful business organizations.
After law school, Tonya practiced in large nationally-recognized law firms such as Greenebaum, Doll & McDonald (now Dentons Bingham Greenebaum) and, most recently, as a partner with Frost Brown Todd LLC—an AmLaw 200 Firm. She is admitted to practice law in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio. She also is admitted to practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and numerous Federal District Courts throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, and Ohio.
In 2022, Tonya and her longtime law partner, Josh Denton, made the decision to depart the world of “Big Law” to form Denton Austin PLC. They did so to further devote their practice to the types of services most meaningful to both their clients and them, within a boutique setting. Their goal is to continue to provide the highest level of personalized legal services available to their many longstanding clients, colleagues, and friends.
Tonya is also active in civic and charitable organizations, serving on the Executive Leadership Team for Go Red for Women and as an Ambassador for Williamson, Inc. Before moving to Nashville, Tonya volunteered with the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; held several leadership positions in LEGACY of Northern Kentucky, Inc., the premiere YP organization for northern Kentucky; and served on the board for NAMI Northern Kentucky, Inc. Tonya is also a graduate of Leadership Brentwood, Class of 2022.
Tonya has been married to her law school sweetheart, John Austin, since 2007. They live in Brentwood with their two sons.
Education, Memberships, & More
Law School
University of Dayton School of Law, J.D., 2007
- UD Law Moot Court, 2005-2006
- Rendigs National Products Liability Moot Court Competition, Individual “Best Oral Advocate”, Team Quarter Finalist
- 2005 Walter H Rice Moot Court Competition – Finalist
- Volunteer Student Lawyer Project, 2005 – 2007
- UDSL Student Ambassador, 2006 – 2007
- Pro Bono Commitment to Community Award Recipient, 2007
Undergraduate School
University of North Alabama, B.A., 2004, Marketing
- Marketing Department Top Graduate
- Dean’s List
- Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society
- Delta Mu Delta Honors Society, Secretary 2003 – 2004
- Collegiate Legislature Participant, 2002
- Student Government Association Senator, 2002 – 2003
- Honors-Leadership Symposium – UNA, 2002 – 2003
Tonya served as a clerk for the court(s) and judge(s) below:
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Hon. C. Lynwood Smith
Lauderdale County District Attorney’s Office
Tonya is licensed to practice in the following state(s):
- Tennessee, 2015
- Kentucky, 2008
- Ohio, 2007
American Heart Association
Go Red For Women Executive Leadership Team, June 2018 – Present
PULSE Board Member, June 2015 – June 2018
PULSE Community Impact Subcommittee Member, 2015 – 2017
Heart Walk Team Captain, June 2015 – Present
Williamson, Inc.
Ambassador, January 2019 – Present
Top Team for 2019 and 2020 ; Team Ambassador of the Month – December 2020
SOAR – Professional Development Program for High-Potential Women
Nashville Class of 2015, January 2015 – October 2015
The Citadel Group, Inc.
Pro Bono Legal Assistance, August 2013 – Present
Volunteer Advisor, August 2013 – Present
Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
Annual Dinner Focus Group Member, Spring 2012
Pro Bono Legal Assistance, August 2012 – March 2013
LEGACY of Northern Kentucky, Inc.
Steering Committee Member, September 2008 – September 2012
Business Engagement Committee Co-Chair / Founding Member, September 2008 – September 2012
Next Generation Leader Awards Planning Committee Co-Chair / Member, January 2011 – August 2013
NAMI Northern Kentucky, Inc.
Board Member / Chair of Nominating Committee, April 2009 – January 2011
Pro Bono Legal Assistance, April 2009
HYPE – Harnessing Young Professional Energy – Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
Member of Talent Development Committee, March 2010 – September 2011