About Wanda Graham
Wanda Graham Sobieski is a seasoned family law attorney based in Knoxville, Tennessee. With over four decades of legal experience, she has developed a specialization in complex divorce and child custody cases. In 1993, Ms. Sobieski founded Sobieski, Messer & Elledge, PLLC, a firm dedicated exclusively to family law matters. The firm is located at 612 Gay Street, 5th Floor, Knoxville, TN 37902, and has become a trusted resource for families navigating challenging legal situations. Before establishing her own practice, Ms. Sobieski made history as the first female partner at Baker Worthington Crossley Stansberry & Woolf, now known as Baker Donelson.
Her tenure there, which spanned several years, laid a solid foundation for her future endeavors in family law. The experience she gained during this time has been instrumental in shaping her approach to complex legal issues, particularly those involving sensitive family dynamics. Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Sobieski has been deeply involved in the Knoxville community. She founded the Woman Suffrage Coalition, which led efforts to memorialize East Tennessee's significant role in the women's suffrage movement. This initiative culminated in the creation of a statue in Market Square, honoring Tennessee women who played crucial roles in the passage of the 19th Amendment. Her commitment to community service reflects her belief in the importance of advocating for social justice and equality.
Ms. Sobieski has also held leadership positions in several professional organizations. She served as the president of the East Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women (ETLAW) in 1989 and 1990, and later as the president of the Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women (TLAW) in 1995. Her contributions to the legal community have been recognized with numerous awards, including the ETLAW Spirit of Justice Award in 2008, which highlights her dedication to advancing the rights of women in the legal profession. Academically, Ms. Sobieski earned her Bachelor of Arts from Wichita State University in 1969, followed by a Master of Arts from the University of Tennessee in 1974. She completed her Juris Doctor at the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1982, equipping her with the knowledge and skills necessary for her successful legal career.
Ms. Sobieski is married to University of Tennessee law professor John Sobieski. Together, they have three children—Daran, Alana, and Elise—and four grandchildren—Andrew, Bella, Lexi, and Chloe. Their family life reflects her values of education, community involvement, and commitment to justice.
