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Contest for General Sessions Court Clerk
County
Shelby County
general - Partisan - General Sessions Court Clerk
About this office
Term length: 4 years.
This role calls for
- Maintains records of the General Sessions Court β civil claims under the statutory cap, landlord-tenant, small claims, plus misdemeanors and preliminary felony hearings.
- Records management for the court served by this clerk's office, in conformity with Tennessee Rules of Civil/Criminal Procedure and the orders of the assigned judges.
- Working knowledge of the relevant court's docket, fee schedule, and pleading requirements.
- Financial controls for collecting and disbursing court costs, fines, restitution, bonds, and trust funds β with public accountability.
- Supervision of a clerical staff handling high case volume and frequent statutory deadlines.
- Administrative reliability β the office's filings are legally binding and its records are evidence.
Derived from the office's statutory duties and operational reality. Candidate summaries below map each candidate's documented experience to these requirements.
The General Sessions Court Clerk, at 140 Adams Avenue, Room 106, Memphis is responsible for managing the administrative functions of the General Sessions Court, including maintaining court records, processing legal documents, and ensuring the accuracy and security of all court files. This role involves assisting judges, attorneys, and the public, scheduling court hearings, and collecting and disbursing court fees and fines. Additionally, the clerk ensures compliance with legal procedures and provides exceptional customer service to all court stakeholders. The General Sessions Court Clerk makes $165,139 a year. The Clerkβs hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m
Campaigns
Tami Sawyer
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Tami Sawyer, with her extensive experience in public service and leadership roles, appears well-suited for the role of General Sessions Court Clerk. Her background in communications and public policy, coupled with her experience in managing administrative functions and legal procedures, aligns with the responsibilities of the role. Her recognition for public service and involvement in civil rights activism demonstrate a commitment to serving the public and upholding justice. Her experience in providing commentary on various media outlets also suggests strong communication skills, which would be beneficial in the customer service aspect of the role.
Lisa Arnold
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Lisa Arnold is highly suitable for the role of General Sessions Court Clerk. With 33 years of experience in General Sessions and Criminal Court Clerk offices, she has served in key management positions under both Democrats and Republicans. She has held various roles including Deputy Court Clerk, Chief Principal Clerk, and Manager of Finance. Arnold is dedicated to accurately collecting and recording information on criminal defendants, demands exceptional training of clerk employees, and supports full transparency. She has a Computer Operations degree and a paralegal certification, and is also a certified EMT. Arnold's extensive experience and commitment to the role make her a strong candidate for the position.