Law Alumna Victoria Gentry Honored as Nashville Bar Journal Contributor of the Year

Gentry shares journey from law school to leading women-owned and operated firm, earning recognition for her dedication to legal community

Belmont Law alumna Victoria Gentry (’15) recently accepted the Nashville Bar Journal’s Contributor of the Year award. The award recognizes an individual for their frequent contributions to the publication and high involvement with the National Bar Association.  

“I am passionate about educating employers and multinational companies about how work visas can help them fill roles and retain critical talent,” she said. “The best and brightest of other countries want to come here, and they want to be able to work hard for American companies.” 

As the owner and managing attorney of The Immigration Group since 2019, she has carved a niche in business immigration law by leading a firm committed to providing dynamic, responsive and accessible representation for clients around the world. 

A Belmont Beginning 

When Gentry and her husband, Jesse — both aspiring lawyers — were applying for law schools, they were attracted to Tennessee’s high demand for lawyers and Music City’s overall appeal. “We visited Nashville and just loved it,” she recalled. “We knew we wanted to make Nashville home.” 

After touring Belmont and getting a glimpse of the campus culture and academics, the Gentrys knew that Belmont was the right fit. “We were both very impressed with the undergraduate program and knew that they were going to carry that level of integrity and academic excellence over to the law school as well,” she said. 

Graduating as part of Belmont Law’s second-ever class, Gentry experienced firsthand the high standards the institution upheld. 

“Belmont did a good job of conveying that practicing law is a privilege,” she said. “It's not just getting a degree, being a member of this profession truly is a privilege.” 

Gentry credits Belmont Law with instilling the seriousness of the legal profession in its students and placing a healthy burden of responsibility and appreciation for the immense trust that clients give to lawyers.  

“Immigration is one of the most important decisions of your life,” Gentry commented. “That’s a tremendous amount of trust they're giving me, and I want to make sure that I'm upholding the standard of excellence that Belmont emphasized.” 

The lessons from Belmont Law professors like Lynn Ridgeway Zehrt, who taught ethics, continue to guide Gentry’s daily practice as a dual representative for companies and employees who immigrate to work in the United States, 

A Personal Passion for Immigration Law 

Growing up in a bilingual household with a stepfather from El Salvador, Victoria witnessed the complexities of immigration firsthand. This fueled her passion for immigration law and helping families navigate their challenges. “I love connecting the best and brightest from other countries with companies that need their talent,” she said. Her bilingual abilities and strong faith further motivate her to support individuals and businesses alike. 

Gentry’s path to owning The Immigration Group began serendipitously — while babysitting during law school, she connected with Dan White, the firm’s founder, who mentored her for years before selling her the practice. Now, as the head of the firm, Gentry represents a new wave of leadership in the legal field. 

“Women are the majority in law schools, but not as often in leadership roles,” she noted. However, she sees positive changes. “This is the best time to be a woman-owned business. Mentors like Dan and others in Nashville have been incredibly supportive. I’ve also noticed companies intentionally seeking out women-owned firms for their diverse perspectives and relationship-focused approach.” 

Giving Back Through NBJ 

Gentry’s commitment to mentorship extends beyond her firm. As the Chair of the Nashville Bar Association’s Immigration Committee, she mentors young attorneys and students while fostering camaraderie in the legal community.  

Receiving the NBJ Contributor of the Year Award is a milestone that reflects her hard work and dedication to her field. “It’s a culmination of everything — moving to Nashville, going to Belmont and striving for excellence. It’s wonderful to feel seen by the community you love.” 

Gentry’s contributions to the NBJ include impactful articles like “H-1B Visa Employers’ Answer During the Great Resignation,” which educates businesses on leveraging immigration to address labor shortages. 

Whether mentoring young professionals, advocating for diverse hiring practices or contributing to the NBJ, Gentry is shaping a legacy of integrity and inclusivity. “I'm passionate about what the Nashville Bar Association does — connecting lawyers and pointing them to a high standard in the profession,” she said. “Contributing to the journal is a way to say, ‘I agree. Keep going.’ Even if it’s a small part, I want to keep the train going and continue to pull the lawyers in and show them that we're not alone.”