Shelby County Community,


We’re the General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office Summer Interns, and we want to welcome you to our July newsletter! 

 

First, we want to wish everyone a happy Fourth of July. Then we want to give a special shout-out to our amazing interns!


We are so very ecstatic to share more about our personal experience working here at the General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office, and how we have given the court a little extra boost this summer. Sometimes we all need a little help, and there’s nothing wrong with that! 


In order to tell the story of being a summer intern at the General Sessions court, We interviewed some of our interns, and asked them about their personal experience. We also asked them about their plans after our internship ends.


We started our interviews with Taylour Powell, who works in the General Sessions Civil Court Records Room.  


“What I learned as an intern is how to work with other people," Taylour said. "I learned how to pull files, how to be professional, how to use a printer, how courts work, and how to respect my job and the people around me. I really do enjoy my job and the work that I do. I also really like my colleagues and the people that work in this building.” 


And what does Taylour want to do after the internship ends? “I plan to go back to school, finish my last year, and enlist in the United States Navy," she said.

Interns working hard in the General Sessions Court Records Rooms

Our next intern, Karla Ford, works in the General Sessions Criminal Records Room.


"This summer I learned how to answer calls and enter data in the computer. I also learned the differences between the different courts, and most importantly I learned how to stay out of trouble.” Karla said. But has Karla enjoyed her internship experience? 


“Sometimes it’s a little difficult because of the amount of work we get," Karla said. "Other than that I like what I do.” 


Karla is looking forward to finishing her senior year after this busy summer. It's also a busy summer for our next intern, Jayden Madrid.


Jayden works to support our Civil Division, where he learned about the different divisions and functions of court. We asked Jayden if he think his work has been helpful. 


“Usually the ladies I work with are extremely busy,” Jayden said. "They don't have time to do everything, so my work helps them be more efficient." 


Jayden said that he may return to the General Sessions Court Clerk's Office to seek another internship next summer. 

Interviewing Jayden

So, as you can see, we are having a great time and learning a lot of new things this summer. Like many of the interns said, our work is hard but rewarding.


We want to give our thanks and appreciation to the Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk's office for an incredible summer. We would like to thank Judicial Commissioner Kathy Kirk Johnson, Mr. Bryan Carson, and all of the other community members who have given us opportunity to learn more about the court by attending lunch and learns and bringing speakers to share with us. We also want to say thank you to our amazing interns! And last but not least, thank you for reading.


In Service,


The Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk's Office Summer Interns

Visiting Judicial Commissioner Kathy Kirk Johnson

Written By: 
Taylour Powell, Jailah Tutton, Trevor Thompson and McKenzie Simon


Photography by:

Jalyck Turner, Taylour Powell, and Trevor Thompson

Welcome, Director Brooks

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Ernest Brooks II to the General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office!


Beginning this month, Mr. Brooks will serve as the Criminal Division Operations Director at the General Sessions Court Clerk's Office. Mr. Brooks brings a wealth of leadership and administrative experience, most recently serving with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office as an Associate Deputy District Attorney/Senior Policy Advisor. We are grateful to have his expertise guiding our General Sessions Criminal Division Operations team as we continue strengthening service to our customers and community.

Welcome to the Team!

Pictured L - R: Ernest Brooks II, Tyrease Smith, Paige Taylor, Jayden Carey, Jasmin Wren, Yolanda Williams.

 We are excited to welcome the newest members of our team. Every new clerk, office staff, manager, and administrator plays an important part in advancing our mission, and we look forward to the skills, energy, and commitment they bring to our office.

Ernest Brooks II

Jayden Carey

Alexis Ceruti

Naomi Crawford

Tyrease Smith

Paige Taylor

Javon Thomas

Aarolyn Walker

Yolanda Williams

Also, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our temporary employees. Their hard work and flexibility have been invaluable to our daily operations, and we deeply appreciate their service to the people of Shelby County.

Pamela Collier

Dominique Hollingshed

Vera Patton

Jasmin Wren

Johnae Wiley

Rising to New Heights

Pictured top, L - R: Gwendolyn McGrew, Katina Isaac

Pictured bottom: Jamella Cathey

It's a perfect time to celebrate our teammates members who are advancing their growth by stepping into new roles and expanding their leadership. Their growth reflects dedication, excellence, and a commitment to serving our community.

Gwendolyn McGrew - Promoted to Principal Court Clerk

Katina Isaac - Promoted to Manager of Court Operations

Jamella Cathey - Promoted to Court Technical Specialist

Congratulations to all!

July Birthdays 🎂

Join us in celebrating our July team birthdays:

Lisa Woods - 7/01

Alexis Ceruti - 7/04

Kathleen Coffee - 7/06

Summer Jones - 7/08

Shandreika Vanhooks - 7/18

Happy Birthday to our General Sessions Court Clerk's Office Teammates!

Court Schedule Updates

Outside of previously announced emergency closures, there are no anticipated holiday closures for the Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk’s Offices or the General Sessions Courts this month.


Our next scheduled holiday closure is Monday, September 7 for the Labor Day Holiday. General Sessions Criminal Courts will host holiday court.


Click below to access the complete court calendar.

Public Records Requests


Shelby County citizens have the right to access certain types of public records through the Tennessee Records Act. If you've ever needed access to public records but didn't know where to start, contact us!


Click below or call (901) 222-3585 for more information.

Expungement Resources


Expungement is the legal erasure of certain criminal records. Wondering if you or someone you know may qualify for a misdemeanor expungement?


Click below or call (901) 222-0303 for more information.

Domestic Violence Resources


General Sessions operates the Domestic Violence Court, and connecting our community to resources is part of our commitment to gold‑standard service.


If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, you are not alone. Click the link below to explore more.

Debt Support Services


West Tennessee Legal Services offers free legal help for a wide range of consumer debt challenges. Their team provides guidance and representation in debt collection lawsuits, repossessions, harassment from collectors, credit counseling, garnishment, student loan issues, and more.


If you have questions about court processes, need assistance with court documents, or just need to speak with someone in our office, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 


Here’s how you can contact us: 

 

In-Person:

  • Judge D’Army Bailey Courthouse
    140 Adams, Rm 106 Memphis, TN


  • Walter L. Bailey, Jr. Criminal Justice Center 201 Poplar, LL-81 Memphis, TN 


Satellite Offices:

  • Mullins Station
    1075 Mullins Station Road Rm W115 
    Memphis, TN 38134
     
  • Southbrook Mall
    1254 East Shelby Drive, Suite 270 
    Memphis, TN 38116 


Stay Connected With Us!