Tennessee Attorney General Paul G. Summers announced today he will not seek a second term as Attorney General when his term expires in August.
He has made no plans for his immediate future at this time, except to continue his work with the Jason Foundation, a national nonprofit foundation dedicated to the education about and prevention of teenage suicide. Attorney General Summers currently chairs the nonprofit
organization.
Serving as Tennessee Attorney General has been "the highest professional honor," General Summers said. "Managing 325 professionals is a job that would not appeal to many. It did to me, and I really appreciate this unique opportunity. I have worked with quintessential lawyers and professionals. I will never forget the privilege I have had to serve Tennessee in this capacity."
General Summers has served as Tennessee Attorney General since January 1999. The Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the state and represents all branches, agencies and departments.
Some highlights of General Summers' term include:
* Successful mediation of a 32 year-old higher education desegregation lawsuit, Geier v. Sundquist.
* Leading the $51.5 million nationwide Bridgestone/Firestone settlement which resulted in being awarded the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrator's Consumer
Advocate of the Year.
* Arguing the death penalty case of Rahman v. Bell (2002) before the United States Supreme Court.
* Serving as Chair of the Southern Region of the National Association of Attorneys General and on the Executive Committee of the National Association of Attorneys General.
* Establishing divisions for: Tobacco Enforcement, Healthcare, and Bankruptcy (with an emphasis on collections).
* Receiving the Nashville Bar Association's Minority Hiring Award for 8 consecutive years.
* Giving opinions to the Governor and Legislature on consequences of not passing a state budget.
* Suing several Memphis Day Cares for misappropriation of state monies.
General Summers spent active duty in the Air Force, Army and Army
National Guard. Upon his retirement after 33 years of commissioned
military service, he was awarded the National Guard Distinguished
Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit. He is a Fellow of the Tennessee
Bar Foundation, member of the TN Trial Lawyers Association, TN Judicial
Conference, and TN Bar Association. General Summers is an active martial
artist and karate instructor. He has earned the black belt.