Judge Randy Kennedy Says He Will Step Up Review of Lawyer Fees

Citing concerns over the cost and expense of conservatorships, Davidson County Probate Judge David Randy Kennedy has instituted new review procedures for fee requests from attorneys and others involved in such cases.

Kennedy has informed attorneys appearing in his court on conservatorship cases that he will no longer approve fee requests on the same day they are submitted, as has been a longtime Friday morning tradition.

Instead, Kennedy said, unopposed fee requests will be held for at least three days “to allow the court a greater period of time to examine and scrutinize all such unopposed motions.”

According to an announcement issued this week, Kennedy’s counterparts in Memphis and Chattanooga have instituted similar new procedures.

Kennedy also disclosed that he is continuing his review of fee requests submitted by Davidson County Public Guardian Jeanan Mills Stuart.

In a letter to members of Metro Council, Kennedy said that he had completed a review of 30 of Stuart’s active case files and “have found no irregularities in those cases.”

“A complete report will be provided to you and to all parties of interest once the review has been finished,” Kennedy wrote.

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Probate Judge Says He Will Step Up Review of Lawyer Fees

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Judge Kennedy Replaces Davidson Public Guardian as Woman’s Conservator

Judge Randy Kennedy Names Task Force on Compensation for Conservators and Guardians

Davidson County Judge Randy Kennedy has informed members of Metro Council that 14 local community leaders have agreed to serve on a Task Force on Compensation for Conservators and Guardians.

In announcing the formation of the Task Force, Judge Kennedy said, “I am extremely pleased that these individuals have offered to donate their time and knowledge to this important endeavor. They will assist the court in identifying measures that can be implemented to minimize costs without sacrificing the quality of service required for our most vulnerable citizens.

The Task Force consists of seven non-lawyer representatives who bring a wide array of experiences in dealing with elderly and disabled adults, special need children, and their families. The remaining seven members are practicing attorneys who have successfully handled both conservatorships and guardianships in numerous courts.

Task Force members include: Metro Councilman Walter Hunt, Attorney Rebecca Blair, Fifty Forward, Inc. Executive Director Janet Jernigan, Attorney Cynthia Gardner, State Public Guardian Jeanne Caudill, Attorney Colleen Maclean,’ Assistant Commissioner Tennessee Department of Health Marthagem Whitlock, Attorney Chris Norris, Director for Michael Dunn Center Dr. Lara Collins, former Public Guardian for Davidson County Monica Edwards, Esq., Associate Executive Director of Fifty Forward, Inc. Adrienne Newman, Attorney Steve Tepley, District Public Conservator for Greater Nashville Regional Council on Aging Kim Hale, and Attorney Andra Hedrick.

Judge Kennedy anticipates the Task Force will meet monthly beginning no later than May, and expects that the group will continue until it can prepare a report and recommendations that will assist the court in promoting guidelines for fees and compensation in these unique cases.

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Judge Kennedy Names Task Force on Compensation for Conservators and Guardians