Willow Van Skyhawk was born and raised in St. Pete Beach, Florida, before moving to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Political Science and went on to earn her law degree from Lincoln Memorial University, Duncan School of Law, where she again graduated magna cum laude in 2024.
During law school, Willow received multiple CALI Excellence for the Future Awards and became a published legal author with her law review article Lethal Injections: Protocol Plagued with Secrecy and Flaws Ushering in the New Era of Botched Executions (2023).
Willow joined the Garza Law Firm in the summer of 2024, where she has worked on a wide range of criminal defense cases throughout Tennessee. She is also licensed to practice in federal court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, representing clients charged with federal crimes. Willow is certified in DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, which she uses to skillfully challenge DUI evidence and protect her clients’ rights. She is an active member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and a graduate of the Tennessee Criminal Defense College.
A proud UTK alum and lifelong Vols fan, Willow enjoys giving back to the university community by speaking to students about important legal topics. She presented to UTK Gamma Chis about the real-world consequences of DUIs, underage drinking, and public intoxication.
Outside the office, Willow enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing with her dog Leia, and traveling with her husband to explore new places.
Education
University of Tennessee, B.S., Political Science, 2022
Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law, J.D., 2024
Court Admissions
Tennessee State Courts, 2024
United States District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee, 2025
Professional Bar Associations & Memberships
Graduate of the Tennessee Criminal Defense College
Tennessee Bar Association
Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association
Knoxville Bar Association
American Bar Association
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
NHTSA’s Standardized Field Sobriety Test Course, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
