Celebrating our bar association's diverse membership and highlighting the accomplishments and contributions of KBA members.

Tarwater Confirmed as Tennessee Supreme Court Justice

Attorney Dwight E. Tarwater was officially confirmed by the General Assembly as the newest justice on the Tennessee Supreme Court. Justice-designate Tarwater was nominated by Governor Bill Lee in January after a lengthy application process that included a public hearing. He will take the bench on September 1, 2023, following the retirement of current Justice Sharon G. Lee.

“Dwight is one of the state’s most distinguished and well-known litigators. He has consistently demonstrated a mastery of court rules and precedents while upholding the highest standards,” Chief Justice Roger A. Page said. “The entire Court is thrilled to welcome him to the bench as a colleague. He has a deep understanding of complex litigation as well as a unique perspective on the other two branches of government in our state. I am sure he will serve the citizens of Tennessee well.”

Justice-designate Tarwater served as general counsel to former Governor Bill Haslam from 2014 to 2019, a position he accepted after decades of work as a trial and appellate attorney in Knoxville.

The job of general counsel to the governor is broad and all encompassing. From reviewing every legal document the governor signs to analyzing proposed legislation, the position handles a multitude of legal, political and governmental issues. Justice-designate Tarwater proposed reform measures in criminal justice, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and drug treatment as well as advised the Governor on criminal law issues involving defendants, such as extraditions, sentencing, and clemency requests, including those in capital cases.

“My life was greatly enriched during my service as Counsel to the Governor,” Justice-designate Tarwater said. “Suffice to say that my experience in government was rewarding, interesting and rounded out my career in a full and complete way. It also brought within my heart a great appreciation of the value of public service.”

Justice-designate Tarwater was born and raised in Knoxville.  He earned a B.A. in political science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was named a Torchbearer, the University’s highest honor, recognizing excellence in academics, leadership and service. He earned his law degree from his alma mater.

After working as a judicial law clerk for Judge Houston M. Goddard of the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section in Knoxville, Justice-designate Tarwater joined the law firm Egerton, McAfee, Armistead and Davis and four short years later was named a partner.  Three years later, his name was on the door at Paine Tarwater Bickers LLP.  He was invested in the Knoxville legal community, serving in almost every leadership position possible at the Knoxville Bar Association.

Justice-designate Tarwater developed a national reputation in handling complex litigation cases. He has managed hundreds of complex cases at the trial and appellate levels in both federal and state courts and has developed a particular talent for legal discovery, expert testimony, and jury trials. As a result, he has handled cases in all three Grand Divisions of Tennessee and more than 20 states.

In 2006, Justice-designate Tarwater was inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, which is comprised of the best trial lawyers in the United States and Canada. He has repeatedly been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America, which is compiled through a peer review survey of thousands of lawyers.

Recognizing the impact even modest legal guidance can have on an individual person, Justice-designate Tarwater has consistently accepted cases pro bono from Legal Aid of East Tennessee as well as accepted other cases at reduced fees.

“Many of the clients that I vividly remember were those that I accepted on a pro bono or reduced fee basis: the drug addicted Vietnam vet that I defended in a paternity case; the lawyer whose sentence was reversed just days before his release date and who died of cancer shortly thereafter; the homeless man who lived in a dog house; the single mother trying to keep her car on the road,” Justice-designate Tarwater said. “For me, it was their case; for them, it was their life. No matter who I represented, the rule of law was paramount. It exists so that the freedoms of Tennesseans are protected and their duties adjudicated fairly.”

Justice-designate Tarwater served on the board of directors of LAET, the Volunteer Legal Assistance Program and the Pro Bono Project.

 “As lawyers we are servants of the law and we owe to it our obedience, respect, honor, and hard work. We serve the law, and as such, we serve the people. I consider a position on the Supreme Court as the ultimate service, not only to the profession, but also to the people of Tennessee. I will serve with integrity, humility, and diligence,” Justice-designate Tarwater said.

Justice-designate Tarwater has three children and five grandchildren. He resides in Knoxville and his office will be at the Knoxville Supreme Court Building.  His term will begin September 1, 2023, and he will be on the August 2024 general election ballot as an appellate “retain/do not retain” candidate. If retained, his term will end August 31, 2030.

Former Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III to Join Knoxville Law Firm Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis, P.C.

Former Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III  joined Knoxville law firm Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis, P.C. as a Principal on March 1, 2023. General Slatery gained national recognition through his service as the top legal officer for the State, a position he held from October 2014 through August 2022 on appointment by the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Among his many accomplishments, General Slatery co-led the multistate investigation of three opioid distributors and one opioid manufacturer which resulted in the second-largest civil settlement in U.S. history. As Attorney General, Slatery managed the law practice and operations of an office with over 350 positions, an approximate $56 million budget, 16 divisions by subject matter expertise, and several thousands of cases filed by and against the State and state officials.

Slatery previously served as Counsel to Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam for Haslam's first term in office. Before serving as Counsel to Governor Haslam, General Slatery was in private practice as a Shareholder at Egerton, McAfee where he managed a book of business including large closely held organizations, bond issuing authorities, financial institutions, and governmental entities.

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The KBA Archives Committee is pleased to share the interview of  Bob Pryor as the latest addition to the collection of KBA Legal History Videos. Robbie Pryor interviewed his father and the two discussed stories and memories of the local bar over the past fifty +years. The video is available on YouTube and is available from a link on the Legal History Videos page on the KBA website.

Bob Pryor is a music enthusiast, story teller, entertainer, teacher and author on top of being one of East Tennessee's top trial attorneys. Bob graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1969, and founded his firm, Pryor, Priest, and Harber in 1981. He is a graduate of The University of Tennessee (B.S.) and The University of Tennessee College of Law (J.D., 1969). He is a member of the Knoxville, Tennessee, and American Bar Associations; the American Association of Justice; the Tennessee Association for Justice; American Board of Trial Advocates (Advocate); Hamilton Burnett American Inn of Court (Master of the Bench Emeritus); and the Society of Law and Medicine. In 2006, Bob received the Knoxville Bar Association's highest award, the Governors Award.

The KBA Archives Committee is pleased to share the interview of  Timothy A. Priest as the latest addition to the collection of KBA Legal History Videos. Adam Priest interviewed his father Tim Priest and the two discussed stories and memories of the local bar over the past forty-six years. The video is available on YouTube and is available from a link on the Legal History Videos page on the KBA website.

Tim Priest is a native of Huntingdon, Tennessee, and a graduate of The University of Tennessee (B.S., Cum Laude, 1972) and The University College of Law (J.D., Valedictorian, 1975). He was admitted to the Bar in 1976 and began practicing with Banks, Campbell & Owens. In January, 1982, he began practicing with Frank Flynn and Bob Pryor and the firm was known as Pryor, Flynn and Priest. He retired after 40 years with the firm now known as Pryor, Priest & Harber at the end of 2022.  

Tim served as the football color analyst for the University of Tennessee's Vol Radio Network from 1999 to 2021, working alongside play-by-play commentator Bob Kesling. Priest played for Tennessee from 1968 to 1970, and holds the school's career interceptions record, with 18. 

Mayor Indya Kincannon and Police Chief Paul Noel announced today the appointment of Brooklyn Sawyers Belk to the position of Deputy Chief of Professional Standards. During the press conference, Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon noted that this "is a big investment for our city and one that will help with our continued focus on equitability and transparency." Knoxville Police Chief Paul remarked that the role is designed to uphold the agency's culture and make sure members adhere to its values. Brooklyn will begin her new position on Monday, February 20.

Brooklyn has served many roles in her career, including visiting law professor at the UT College of Law, in-house counsel, and law firm partner and chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Weinberg Wheeler Hudgins Gunn & Dial. Brooklyn also served as a federal prosecutor for the U.S. Department of Justice from 2009 to 2018, including in East and Middle Tennessee. Brooklyn is active in the Knoxville Bar Association as a frequent lecturer and author, and has served in a leadership capacity on many committees.  

The Tennessee Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments met yesterday to consider five applicants for an upcoming vacancy on the Tennessee Supreme Court. After holding a public hearing and conducting public interviews, the council selected the following three applicants: Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge Kristi M. Davis, Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Tom Greenholtz and Knoxville lawyer Dwight E. Tarwater. Once the governor makes his selection, the confirmation process will begin before the General Assembly. The vacancy will be created when Justice Sharon G. Lee retires on Aug. 31. 

The Tennessee Bar Association announces that 33 attorneys from across the state have been selected for its 2023 Leadership Law program. The three chosen from Knoxville are Holly Fuller, Legal Aid of East Tennessee; LaKenya Middlebrook, City of Knoxville and Allison Starnes-Anglea, LMU Duncan School of Law. Now in its twentieth year, Leadership Law is designed to equip Tennessee lawyers with the vision, knowledge and skills necessary to serve as leaders in their profession and local communities. The class will meet for its first session in January and spend the next six months learning about leadership in the legal profession, issues in the courts, policymaking in state government and the importance of community service.

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon G. Lee has notified Governor Bill Lee that she will retire on August 31, 2023.

“Serving in the Tennessee Judiciary for the past 19 years has been the greatest honor of my professional life,” Justice Lee said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Tennesseans and have done my best to fulfill my judicial oath by upholding the state and federal Constitutions and administering justice faithfully and impartially.”

At the time of her retirement, Justice Lee will have served 15 years on the Supreme Court and 4 years on the Court of Appeals.  

Justice Lee is currently the longest-serving member of the Supreme Court and the only justice from East Tennessee. She was appointed to the Tennessee Supreme Court in 2008 and retained by the voters in 2010, 2014, and 2022. Read the press release.

The KBA Archives Committee is pleased to share the interview of  Hon. Mary Beth Leibowitz as the latest addition to the collection of KBA Legal History Videos. Josh Hedrick interviewed Judge Leibowitz and the two discussed stories and memories of the local bar over the past forty years. The video is available on YouTube and is available from a link on the Legal History Videos page on the KBA website.

Judge Leibowitz served for more than twenty-five years as the third division criminal court judge and was recognized by the KBA with a Judicial Excellence Award in 2020. Judge Leibowitz attended the College of William and Mary as an undergraduate and received her law degree from the University of Dayton.  She began her practice in Knoxville in 1978.  She estimates that there were only ten (10) other female attorneys practicing in Knoxville at that time.  She was appointed to the Criminal Court bench in 1989 and served until 2014.  She holds the record for time on the bench in Criminal Court in Knox County, and was only the fifth female in Tennessee to serve on the trial bench. 

The KBA Archives Committee is pleased to share the interviews of Hon. Curtis L. Collier and David Black as the latest additions to the collection of KBA Legal History Videos.

John Winemiller interviewed Judge Curtis Collier, who is a Senior United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee, about his distinguished legal career and his guiding principles . The video is available on YouTube and is available from a link on the Legal History Videos page on the KBA website.

David Draper interviewed David Black, who  spent more than thirty years with the firm of Kizer & Black in Maryville. The video is available on YouTube and is available from a link on the Legal History Videos page on the KBA website.

The KBA Archives Committee initiated the legal video history project in 2012 which preserves the experiences of senior members of the KBA for both the public and future generations of Knoxville lawyers. The oral history interviews include lawyers and judges and their war stories and insights on the practice of law, including some of Knoxville's most famous court cases. It is important not to forget the contributions of those who built the local bar and sharing milestones and stories of great lawyers and judges provide new lawyers with historical perspective and inspiration. Funding for the Legal History project is provided by the Knoxville Bar Foundation.