TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Apr 2, 2026

The Tennessee Supreme Court has named nine members — three judges and six practicing attorneys — to the new Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission (OACC). Created under Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 56, the commission and its Executive Director Joe Byrd 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.” New members named are 1st Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Lisa Rice, 20th Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Jim Todd, retired Shelby County Juvenile Court Magistrate Judge Terre Fratesi, and attorneys Loretta Cravens and Joshua Hedrick of Knoxville, Lowe Finney of Martin, David Grimmett of Franklin, Mark Messler of Memphis, and Emily Wright of Livington. Read more in a press release from the Administrative Office of the Courts.