Jonathan Skrmetti currently serves as the 28th Attorney General and Reporter for the state of Tennessee, having been appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court and sworn into office on September 1, 2022. His legal career is marked by extensive experience in both public service and private practice, with a focus on civil rights, criminal prosecution, and legal counsel at the highest levels of state government.
Educational Background and Early Career
Skrmetti’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his legal career. He earned degrees from George Washington University and Hertford College, Oxford. He later obtained his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, where he served as the editor-in-chief of the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy. Following his formal education, Skrmetti clerked for Judge Steven Colloton on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit, providing him with invaluable insights into the appellate judicial process.
Professional Trajectory Leading to Attorney General
Skrmetti’s professional path is characterized by a blend of prosecutorial roles, private practice, and significant positions within state government:
- Federal Prosecutor: He began his legal career with nearly a decade as a federal prosecutor. He worked at the Civil Rights Division at Main Justice and then at the Memphis U.S. Attorney’s Office, where he prosecuted sex traffickers, corrupt government officials, and violent white supremacists.
- Private Practice: Transitioning to private practice, Skrmetti became a partner at Butler Snow LLP in Memphis, where he specialized in complex litigation and compliance matters.
- Chief Deputy Attorney General: From 2018 to late 2021, he served as the Chief Deputy Attorney General in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, managing approximately 160 attorneys across 15 litigating divisions. Notably, he played a pivotal role as a negotiator in the $26 billion multistate opioid settlement, addressing the opioid crisis’s impact on communities nationwide.
- Chief Counsel to the Governor: In December 2021, Skrmetti was appointed Chief Counsel to Governor Bill Lee, providing legal guidance on a broad spectrum of state matters until his appointment as Attorney General in 2022.
Approach to Lowering Crime
Attorney General Skrmetti’s approach to reducing crime is deeply rooted in his extensive prosecutorial background:
- Federal Prosecution Experience: His tenure as a federal prosecutor saw him tackling serious offenses, including human trafficking, official misconduct, and hate crimes. This experience underscores his commitment to addressing both violent and systemic criminal activities. Tennessee Courts
- Strategic Litigation Unit: As Attorney General, Skrmetti established a strategic litigation unit comprising ten attorneys. This unit focuses on pending litigation involving the federal government, various Tennessee municipalities, and corporate activities within the state, aiming to enhance public safety and uphold the rule of law. Wikipedia
Mindset on Social Justice Issues
Skrmetti’s perspective on social justice issues is reflected through his legal actions and public statements:
- Civil Rights Enforcement: During his time with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, he prosecuted cases involving violations of civil rights, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring justice and equality under the law.
- Title IX and Gender Identity: Shortly after assuming office, Skrmetti issued a letter to the U.S. Department of Education opposing the inclusion of “gender identity” in Title IX provisions. He argued that such an inclusion could undermine the original intent of the law, particularly concerning women’s sports and spaces.
- Litigation on Public Performances: In March 2023, Skrmetti was named in a lawsuit challenging a new state law restricting public drag performances. The law’s vague language led to debates about potential infringements on First Amendment rights. While a federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional, Skrmetti filed a notice of appeal, highlighting ongoing legal complexities surrounding freedom of expression and public morality.
Record on Illegal Immigration
Attorney General Skrmetti has actively engaged in matters related to illegal immigration:
- Opposition to Federal Immigration Policies: In October 2024, Skrmetti highlighted a 2022 plan by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to release detainees into Tennessee. He expressed concerns about the potential release of dangerous individuals, emphasizing the state’s commitment to public safety.
- Support for State Border Defense: In January 2024, Skrmetti joined a coalition of 27 states supporting Texas’ border defense measures. This collective stance underscored a shared commitment among states to address challenges arising from illegal immigration and to advocate for stringent border security policies.
- Legal Actions Against Federal Policies: Skrmetti has participated in lawsuits challenging federal immigration policies perceived as lenient. These legal actions reflect his dedication to upholding state sovereignty and ensuring that immigration laws align with public safety and economic interests.
Jonathan Skrmetti’s tenure as Tennessee’s Attorney General is characterized by a steadfast commitment to public safety, legal integrity, and the enforcement of laws that reflect the state’s values. His diverse experiences, from prosecuting complex federal cases to navigating intricate state legal matters, have equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and responsibilities inherent in his role. As he continues to serve, his policies and actions will undoubtedly influence Tennessee’s legal landscape and its approach to pressing issues such as crime reduction, social justice, and immigration.