Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell appointed the wife of a Democratic state legislator to be the city’s new director of the Department of Law.
Tyler Yarbro, the wife of State Senator Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville), is set to replace Wally Dietz, who is retiring in July.
O’Connell called Dietz a “staunch defender of Nashville’s right to self-govern, expertly navigating unprecedented legal battles against both state and federal unconstitutional overreach.”
“Beyond the courtroom, Wally has been a critical counselor to me and many others in Metro government, providing steady, indispensable counsel on a wide range of issues that shape the city’s future,” O’Connell added.
Dietz said it was an “honor to work with ith two mayors and their staffs, the talented and resourceful attorneys and staff in the law department, and the dedicated department heads across Metro.”
“I was surprised when Mayor Cooper offered me this position and appreciate my friend Mayor O’Connell asking me to stay, because I still had work to do,” he noted.
Speaking of Tyler Yarbro, O’Connell said she is “an exceptional choice” to succeed Dietz, who has served as the director of law since 2021.
“She has the management experience, legal talent, and tireless commitment to justice that will make her both a formidable defender our Nashville’s rights and a trusted counselor to Metro,” the mayor said.
Dietz said the city’s legal team “remains undefeated in defending the rights of Nashville and Nashvillians.”
“I will miss doing this work but could not be more pleased with the selection of Tyler Yarbro. Her experience, judgment, and intellect will serve Metro and Nashvillians well,” he said.
Tyler Yarbro, who previously served as the city’s public defender, said she was “grateful for the leadership and standard set by Wally Dietz, and thankful for his years of service.”
“My career has been rooted in public service and courtroom advocacy, and I look forward to partnering with Metro departments, the Council, and the Mayor’s Office to help Nashville meet this moment,” Tyler Yarbro noted.
The new director of law currently serves as a managing partner at Dodson Parker Behm and Caparella, PC, a law firm in Nashville.
According to the law firm’s website, Tyler Yarbro focuses on employment, probate, and criminal law.
In addition to her law career, Tyler Yarbro and her law partner, Margaret Behm, founded Tennessee Freedom Circle, which advocates for abortion and IVF policies.
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Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network. Email tips to Zachery at zschmidt1717@gmail.com.
