The Tennessee Supreme Court has appointed a new Reporter to the Advisory Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure. Jeffrey Usman, who was recently appointed by Governor Lee to the Court of Appeals, has served as the Reporter. Lynn Zehrt, professor at Belmont University College of Law, replaces Mr. Usman, effective September 1, 2022.
Professor Zehrt received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina, graduating magna cum laude, and her Juris Doctorate from The University of Alabama School of Law, also graduating magna cum laude. After graduation, Professor Zehrt served as a law clerk to both the Honorable Ira DeMent of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama and the Honorable C. Lynwood Smith, Jr. of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Upon completion of her clerkships, Professor Zehrt worked for seven years as an associate in the Huntsville, Alabama office of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. While at Bradley, she practiced primarily in the employment and appellate litigation area. She also demonstrated her commitment to perform pro bono work by representing for numerous years the Downtown Rescue Mission of Huntsville and the Community Action Agency of North Alabama. She is a member of the Alabama and District of Columbia bars.
Professor Zehrt then received her Master of Laws degree from Georgetown University Law Center, graduating with Distinction and earning two Cali Excellence Awards for her studies in Disability Discrimination Law and Employment Discrimination, U.S. and International Perspectives. Prior to joining Belmont University College of Law, Professor Zehrt taught Appellate Advocacy for three years at George Mason University School of Law. At Belmont Law, Professor Zehrt teaches Civil Procedure, Employment Discrimination, Employment Law, Evidence, and Professional Responsibility. She is a four-time recipient of the Best Professor Award, which is bestowed by Belmont Law's students.
“The Supreme Court is very grateful for the valuable contributions made by Mr. Usman during his time as Reporter and appreciates Professor Zehrt accepting the Court’s invitation to serve as the new Reporter,” said Justice Sharon Lee, Supreme Court Liaison to the Rules Commission.
The Advisory Commission on the Rules of Practice and Procedure meets periodically to study and make recommendations as to court rules on practice and procedure. The commission members are appointed by the Supreme Court.
