Nashville, Tenn. - The Tennessee Supreme Court has named nine members to the new Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission (OACC). Created under Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 56. The Commission and its Executive Director are tasked with ensuring effective legal representation by appointed private counsel for individuals who cannot afford an attorney in criminal defense and child welfare cases.
“The Court appreciates the members’ willingness to serve at this early stage,” said Chief Justice Jeff Bivins. “Assisting in establishing the Appointed Counsel Commission will require significant time and commitment.”
The Commission is composed of six practicing attorneys and three judges, representing Tennessee's Eastern, Middle, and Western Grand Divisions: Loretta Cravens (Attorney, Knoxville), Joshua Hedrick (Attorney, Knoxville), Judge Lisa Rice (Criminal Court Judge, 1st Judicial District), Emily Wright (Attorney, Livingston), David Grimmett (Attorney, Franklin), Judge Jim Todd (Criminal Court Judge, 20th Judicial District), Mark Messler (Attorney, Memphis), Lowe Finney (Attorney, Martin), and Magistrate Judge Terre Fratesi (Shelby County Juvenile Court, retired).
“We are grateful for this group of legal professionals who care deeply about improving indigent representation and are committed to serving in this new capacity,” said Justice Mary Wagner, the Court’s liaison to the Commission.
Joe Byrd, Executive Director of the Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission, added, “I am grateful for the opportunity to work with these dedicated Commission members and thank the Court for selecting such quality individuals.”
You can learn more about the OACC here.
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