Speaker: Justice Dwight Tarwater,
Tennessee Supreme Court
Join us on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, to hear Justice Dwight Tarwater, of the Tennessee Supreme Court as our guest speaker this month. Dwight E. Tarwater was confirmed by the General Assembly in 2023 as the newest justice on the Tennessee Supreme Court. Justice Tarwater was nominated by Governor Bill Lee.
Justice 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 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 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 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.
From 2014 to 2019, Justice Tarwater served as general counsel to former Governor Bill Haslam. 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 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.
Recognizing the impact even modest legal guidance can have on an individual person, Justice Tarwater has consistently accepted cases pro bono from Legal Aid of East Tennessee as well as accepted other cases at reduced fees.
Justice Tarwater served on the board of directors of LAET, the Volunteer Legal Assistance Program and the Pro Bono Project.
The dinner meeting begins on Tuesday, February 20, at 6 pm at the Carriage Lane Inn, 337 East Burton Street, Murfreesboro.
*** Meal prices at Carriage Lane Inn have increased this year so our meals will now be $25.00. This is still much less than those of area Republican Women clubs – your local club will always work to keep things within reason. We do have a wonderful year planned for you! We are also moving towards pre-payment which will be your RSVP for the meetings. Please make your reservation and payment by using this link:
CLICK HERE to RSVP and purchase dinner – $25 per person
Contact us at contactrwrc@yahoo.com if this payment option doesn’t work for you.
RESERVATIONS DUE BY February 16 by 5 pm – Guests and spouses are welcome!
RWRC Caring for America Committee (chaired by Lisa Dickinson) will accept donations at this month’s meeting in support of local NICU babies. Please bring preemie clothes and receiving blankets
on February 20 to help these babies and their families feel a bit more “at home” while under the NICU team’s care.
Membership – The membership year starts January 1, of each year. Dues for 2024 are due for $35 – Let’s get the majority of renewals soon! And let’s recruit new members throughout the year! Membership is not required to attend meetings, but membership is required for any voting at meetings.
CLICK HERE for more details on Membership.
NAME TAGS $10 – If you would like a RWRC name tag, orders are being taken during the meetings.
Upcoming Events
February 26 – Rutherford County GOP Monthly Meeting 6:00 PM – GOP HQ 111 East Main Street, Murfreesboro
March 5 – Super Tuesday Viewing Party – 7:00PM-10:00PM – GOP HQ 111 East Main Street, Murfreesboro
March 18 – Ladies Day on the Hill – Nashville – purchase ticket with shuttle $40 (reduced price!)
purchase ticket only (no shuttle) $30 (reduced price!)
March 19 – RWRC Meeting at Carriage Lane Inn
April 16 – RWRC Meeting at Carriage Lane Inn
May 21 – RWRC Meeting at Carriage Lane Inn