The Trial Court Vacancy Commission will consider seven applicants when it meets on Aug. 8 in Murfreesboro to select nominees for the Circuit Court vacancy in the 16th Judicial District, which covers Cannon and Rutherford counties.
This new judicial position was created by the state legislature earlier this year and convenes Sept. 1.
The applicants are:
R. Michelle Blaylock-Howser of Christiana
Howser is a partner in Wilson, Howser, Oliver & Turner where she practices mostly family law. She has been licensed to practice law since 2007.
Adam T. Dodd of Murfreesboro
Dodd is Rutherford County Juvenile Court magistrate where he hears cases like child neglect, delinquency, truancy and surrender of parental rights. He has been licensed to practice law since 1999.
Lisa Ann Eischeid of Murfreesboro
Eischeid was elected in 2016 to serve as one of Rutherford County's General Sessions judges where she hears misdemeanor cases. She has practiced law since 1992.
Trevor H. Lynch of Murfreesboro
Lynch is an assistant attorney general for the 16th Judicial District where he prosecutes criminal cases in juvenile and general sessions court in Cannon County and circuit court in Rutherford County. He has been licensed since 2001.
Matthew Thomas Moffitt of Murfreesboro
Moffitt is a trial attorney with the Law Office of Glenda Hawkins and staff counsel for the Hanover Insurance Company. He has practiced law since 2007.
Darrell L. Scarlett of Murfreesboro
Scarlett is a partner with Catron & Scarlett where he primarily practices family law. He has been licensed since 1988.
Charles Gordon Ward of Murfreesboro
Ward is a private practice attorney who has practiced family law, as well as handled criminal and civil jury trials since he was licensed in 1991.
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission will interview the applicants Aug. 8 in the County Commission Chambers at the Historic Rutherford County Courthouse.
The meeting will include a public hearing starting at 9 a.m., during which anyone may express their opinions in opposition to the applicants. The Commission is expected to vote immediately following the interviews and forward three names to Gov. Bill Haslam for his consideration.
Completed applications of all the candidates can be found on TNCourts.gov.