Judge Rachel L. Bell was elected to General Sessions Court Division VIII in 2012. Before becoming a Judge she was in private law practice with offices in both North and West Nashville.  Rachel is a third generation Nashvillian and proud product of Davidson County Public Schools.

Rachel was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes at the age of thirteen (13) and then decided to devote her life to assisting and inspiring others facing such medical challenges. Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital chose Rachel to serve as an Ambassador for hospitalized children due to her successful management of diabetes and positive spirit. After graduating from Hillsboro High School where she was a basketball player, Rachel received a basketball scholarship to Auburn University and participated on the SEC Championship team during the 1996-1997 season. Rachel finished her basketball collegiate career at the University of Memphis where she received her Bachelor of Science in Education.  After graduating from law school at Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Rachel brought her commitment to teamwork back to Nashville and opened her law firm.

Giving of time, talents and treasures Rachel has volunteered to participate in high school mock trial competitions, coached basketball for kids ages 7-9 and continues to mentor students in high school, college and graduate school. In addition, Rachel founded the Rachel L. Bell Foundation that allows high school juniors and seniors of Metro Nashville Public Schools to intern during their school breaks and apply for her college scholarship upon graduation. The Foundation also focuses on disease management for Type I diabetes and Graves disease (hyperthyroidism).

Rachel has been very committed to her community and it has afforded her the opportunity to serve on the following boards: Hands on Nashville, Davidson County Industrial Development Nashville Black Chamber of Commerce, Golfers Recognizing Opportunities for Women, Women in Numbers, Disciples Village, and Kaplan Career Institute. Rachel has worked tirelessly as an active participant in both the legal community and the community at large.

The Nashville Chamber of Commerce has recognized Rachel as one of Nashville’s Emerging Leaders (NELA) as a Finalist in Legal Services and the Nashville Business Journal has recognized her as an award recipient for 40 under 40.

Rachel is a member of the Nashville Bar Association, Napier Looby Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, Lawyers Association for Women, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Nashville City Club, CABLE, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction and New Covenant Christian Church Disciples of Christ.

Rachel is very involved in her community and enjoys working with and helping people. Along with working with people, Rachel's interest include playing golf, basketball, reading, karaoke, worshipping with family and church members, networking, watching broadway/off-broadway plays, and traveling.

.