Nashville native. Vanderbilt grad. 35 years fighting for justice in our courts.
Jim Todd didn't come to the law as a career choice. He came to it as a calling.
A Nashville native, Jim Todd graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Communication from Vanderbilt University, and then earned his law degree from Memphis State University School Law. Previously, Judge Todd worked as special assistant for Senator Al Gore in Washington, DC and then later for Tennessee Governor Ned Ray McWherter.
After leaving the District Attorney’s Office, Judge Todd practiced law for more than 19 years and grew his law practice into one of the most respected and trusted criminal defense firms in Nashville having been involved in either the prosecution or defense of thousands of criminal cases. Judge Todd was elected to General Sessions Court Division VI in 2022 and served in the role until his appointment by Gov. Bill Lee to succeed Judge Cheryl Blackburn on the Davidson County Criminal Court.
Active in the community, Judge Todd is a member of the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, Nashville and Tennessee Bar Associations, a graduate of the Leadership Law Class for the Tennessee Bar Association, and a member of Leadership Nashville, Class of 2025.
Judge Todd has been a guest lecturer for the Tennessee and West Virginia District Attorneys Conference, TN Department of Children’s Services Conference, the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, the Nashville Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association and the Metro Nashville Police Department.
13 years in the Davidson County District Attorney's Office. Jim served as lead prosecutor in Criminal Court and as special prosecutor for violent offenders. He tried hundreds of cases and learned firsthand what victims need from our justice system.
19 years building one of Nashville's most respected criminal defense practices. Jim represented thousands of clients, from first-time offenders to complex felony cases. He saw how the system works — and how it sometimes fails — from the other side.
Elected to General Sessions Court in 2022. Led bail reform efforts that gave judges access to complete criminal histories for the first time. Helped pass legislation making bond violations enforceable. Appointed to Criminal Court in 2025.
Nashville is where Jim and his wife, Bonney raised their family, sent their kids to school, and where they remain deeply connected to the community.
Outside the courtroom, Jim has dedicated countless hours to youth mentorship and education initiatives. His work founding the Judge Dinkins Educational Center represents two decades of effort to give at-risk young people a real path forward.
He's a member of the Nashville Bar Association, the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and has served on numerous boards focused on criminal justice reform and youth development.
Discover why Jim's unique experience matters for Nashville's courts.
