Publisher's Synopsis
Leadbetter's book offers behind-the-scenes information in a, here-to-fore, unpublished history from the Office of Associate General Counsel for the University of Tennessee. All events discussed come from his personal knowledge and years of meticious notetaking covering a period from 1967 to the present. The book, over 600 pages in length, takes readers through the years of his life that Leadbetter lived to the fullest. Beginning with his role as a student leader of conservative orientation during the tumultuous years of the late 1960s and early '70s, the book moves to Leadbetter's surprising hire by the University as its first law clerk in the Office of General Counsel, only days after completion of litigation brought against the University by Leadbetter to obtain in-state classification. His subsequent unexpected hire as the University's first in-house trial attorney, shortly after graduation from the College of Law and prior to passing the Tennessee bar exam, describes what can only be called a blessed career. A wide range of investigations, administrative proceedings and federal and state lawsuits throughout Tennessee are recounted. Leadbetter discusses and documents University-related developments and litigation in major areas of the law for which he had primary responsibility. Civil Rights litigation and compliance efforts, student and employee disciplinary proceedings, investigations of the University's Intercollegiate Athletics Program initiated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, surprising facts about the death of Elvis Presley and problems at the Body Farm are addressed in depth. Other items discussed in detail are efforts made by the University to carry out its legal and ethical responsibilities. Also, described are numerous instances where those efforts failed or were never made. Fraud and corruption, illegal drug transactions and other criminal or illegal activities by students, staff and administrators are explored. Even well publicized University scandals are revisited in order to document the truth. Leadbetter makes clear there is an Orange glow to most of the history provided, with credit due to many with whom he worked. Tribute is paid, in one account after another, of laudable conduct by members of the University community. "Big Orange" has a positive ring.
