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.

For 13 years, Judge Todd served as a prosecutor in Davidson County. He was appointed lead prosecutor for Criminal Court Division VI and also appointed special prosecutor for violent and gang related juvenile offenders. 

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 Leadership Nashville.

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.

Community & Civic Leadership

Professional Memberships
& Listings

Member and Fellow,
Nashville Bar Association

Member, Leadership Law Class of 2009,
Tennessee Bar Association