Background Check

BACKGROUND CHECK Andra Hedrick | Bart Pickett

When speaking with Judge Andra Hedrick, it would seem as if she always had a confidence that defined her life, but she’s quick to describe it more as just not knowing better. The self-described introverted vegetarian grew up in Hartsville, Indiana, a town of 400 people. Her mother worked in student services for a campus of Indiana University, and her father worked at the Cummins Diesel factory. Hedrick attended high school in the town over, where she excelled in basketball, volleyball, and tennis.

Going to IU was a no-brainer for her since she grew up a fan of the university and had the benefit of a tuition discount through her mother’s job. During college, Hedrick also worked two jobs in Nashville, Indiana as a bank-teller and in a tasting room of a winery. Hedrick’s work ethic showed most when she did not even attend her college graduation because she was working.

About halfway through college, it hit Hedrick that there were no job listings seeking someone with a sociology degree, and prior to that, she never considered being a lawyer. To her, getting a law degree was about giving her options, as she never wanted to have to depend on someone else.

After a visit to Memphis with her mother, when all the azalea bushes were blooming, Hedrick decided to move to Tennessee to attend Memphis Law in 1995.

An admissions counselor had promised that she would get in-state tuition beginning her second year but when that did not happen, Hedrick decided she needed a research assistant position which provided a stipend and in-state tuition. She had really enjoyed both property and wills and estates with Professor Ralph Brashier, and knew he was working on a probate book so she marched down to his office and convinced him to give her a RA position. This one decision set the trajectory for her entire legal career.

Hedrick also landed a clerkship for one of the local probate judges, Judge Donn Southern, for a year and a half while in law school. Judge Southern not only had Hedrick researching and writing but he also let her observe court proceedings which led her to decide that maybe she could be a courtroom lawyer.

Following law school, Hedrick moved to Jackson, Tennessee where she clerked for Judge David Farmer on the Court of Appeals for two years.

When it came time to start practicing, Hedrick did not know how to go about getting a job. She did not really know any probate lawyers but remembered seeing the name Jack Robinson, Sr. from her work while in law school. She decided to write him, on a pink-colored letter nonetheless, and ask for a job.

On a trip to Nashville, Hedrick went to lunch with Robinson and Jeff Mobley. They were in charge of the probate work at Gullett, Sanford, Robinson and Martin and were looking for a younger associate to mentor. Hedrick remembers boldly telling them that she only wanted to do probate work and not any other work that an associate would normally do. Luckily for Hedrick, her request worked and she accepted a position as an associate. She laughs remembering that not once did they discuss pay and she did not even know the salary until the firm sent her a letter about pay and benefits.

In 2000, Hedrick moved to Nashville. While in Jackson, she had begun dating Ronnie Melton. Hedrick had never planned to marry anyone due to her insistence on independence. She remembers Judge Southern told her that if she ever did choose to marry Ronnie, he would marry them in his courtroom; which he did in 2003.

Hedrick remained at GSRM for 22 years doing exclusively probate work until she won her race this year to become the 7th Circuit Court Judge.

Hedrick and Ronnie live in East Nashville with their 4 rescue dogs and cat. Hedrick loves East Nashville and the easy access to Shelby Park and riding her bike around town with their friends. n

BART PICKETT is an attorney at the Law Offices of Julie Bhattacharya Peak where he represents Liberty Mutual Group, Inc.’s insureds and customers of its affiliated groups in litigation throughout Middle Tennessee.

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Original Thinking. Unique Protection.® mean that you should.” As advice for new judges, Kennedy shares, “it is totally appropriate to seek the guidance of more experienced judicial colleagues. And, when in doubt, to take a recess.”

Withstand Public Pressure and Public Comment.

The job of judge comes with public pressures and difficult decisions. “Public pressure,” says Fishburn, “is at its strongest when your confidence in your decisions is at its weakest. Never let emotion be the basis of your rulings. Sound decisions will withstand any public clamor for a popular outcome.”

Media will also be afoot in cases of public interest. Judge Kennedy placed extra emphasis on this reality and advised, “Never (and I really mean never) give an interview to a media representative involving a pending matter or one that has not been concluded on appeal. Whatever you say will likely be misunderstood or misquoted.”

Exercise Patience and Model Respect and Civility.

Judge Fishburn encourages his judicial colleagues to always “avoid black robe fever.” Explaining further, he said, “Don’t mistake your power and authority for wisdom and compassion, and don’t let your power and authority displace respect.” He believes that the citizens are best served by a judicial system of judges who leave their egos at home and lawyers who advocate for their client with professionalism and civility.”

In the same spirit, Judge Kennedy said, “My best advice to our new colleagues on the bench is to remain patient with pro se litigants and inexperienced lawyers alike. Even when more experienced attorneys do something that you find inappropriate, try to make it a CLE moment rather than getting angry.”

Care For Yourself and The Legal Profession.

In times of stress or burnout, both Kennedy and Fishburn point to exercise, reading, and socialization to feel reenergized. “Judges often feel isolated, so being with family and friends is therapeutic,” says Fishburn. He highlighted that “the legal profession is the most honorable profession there is” and encourages all practitioners to “balance work with your private life; engage in professional, community, and charitable activities throughout the county; and have fun.”

For professional socialization, especially amidst the significant growth in the field, Kennedy encourages active involvement in bar associations, stating, “My hope for the members of this bar is that we will always unite in the support of each other and in the enhancement of the system of justice.”

Staying true to this advice, they both plan to stay active in the law and the Nashville Bar post-retirement. Their first priorities, however, will now center around their families, their friends, and traveling.

On behalf of the members of the Nashville Bar Association, with great respect and admiration, we thank you, Judge Kennedy and Judge Fishburn–and all the newly retired and highly esteemed Davidson County judges–for your years of public service and your compassionate dedication to the law. You will be missed but never forgotten. n

KATE NYQUIST is an attorney with Martin Heller Potempa & Sheppard where she focuses her practice on probate and trust administration, conservatorship management, and property law.