Dear Community Members,  

  

Welcome to September! As the fall season and my first full year as General Sessions Court Clerk approach, I find myself grateful for the relenting of the heat and the beginning of one of the most beautiful seasons in Shelby County. 


In this month's newsletter, I am excited to share updates on our office’s efforts to improve access to justice, streamline our processes, and provide excellent service to the people of Shelby County.


Here are a few of the high points:  

 

  • This summer, the General Sessions Civil Division Team processed more than 11,000 case documents, making huge strides in clearing backlogs across a variety of case types. I am grateful to the Director Antoinette Garmon and the General Sessions Civil Division team for their hard work in reducing case backlog and bringing clerical work up to date. The Civil Team’s effort on this has been extraordinary, and we appreciate the strides they’ve made so far! 
  • On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, I’ll be moderating a conversation with historian Keisha N. Blain on her new book Without Fear: Black Women and the Making of Human Rights. We’ll dive into the important ways that Black women have shaped American democracy and continue to lead the charge for justice. It's a fascinating conversation you won't want to miss! Register for our conversation at this link.


My first year as General Sessions Court Clerk has been an amazing journey. Our office has worked diligently to modernize court processes, expand community outreach, and create momentum around digital access, while building a world-class staff to serve the residents of Shelby County. Please read on to learn more about our work over the previous month. 

  

I look forward to all we can achieve together in this upcoming year. 

 

In Service, 

Tamara A. Sawyer 

Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk 

General Session Court Clerk's Office at the Memphis Urban League's Community Fair


Shoutout to our Community Outreach manager Allyson Smith for great representation of the General Session Court Clerk's Office at the Memphis Urban League's Community Fair last month! Allyson’s warm, helpful energy and outstanding customer service attracted lots of visitors to our table!

 

The General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office, Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, Sigma Rho Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and Memphis Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee are hosting our Fresh Start Fair on September 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 1355 Vollintine, Memphis, TN. This free event for Shelby County residents will offer expungement screenings and connect attendees with local resources to support employment, housing, and education. No registration is required; walk-ins are welcome. 


Visit the General Sessions Event Calendar for more events!
Learn More About the Fair

Pop Out Award Winner Tevin Ellis 

  

Congratulations to our August pop-out award winner Tevin Ellis! Tevin, a Deputy Court Clerk, is a valued member of our Records Department, where he plays a key role in maintaining accurate and organized records. Beyond his primary responsibilities, Tevin is always willing to step in and provide support to other departments within the General Sessions Court Clerk’s Office, exemplifying teamwork and dedication to service.

Say Hello to Our New Communications Manager!  


We are excited to introduce you to our newest Communications Manager, Troy Wiggins! Troy joins us from Beloved Community, a New Orleans-based consulting firm, and will be responsible for all things marketing and communications for our office. Reach out to him and say hello!

With fifteen divisions across civil and criminal courts and thousands of visitors each day, we know that the General Sessions court is complex! Here are some resources available to assist you and the communities you serve: 
  • Drive As You Pay: Have you heard about our Drive As You Pay Program? This driver's license recovery program for residents with a suspended Tennessee driver's license may allow you to qualify for a payment program that can help you reinstate your driving privileges. To see if you or someone you know is eligible, bring your Tennessee driver's license or ID number to our Southbrook Mall location. 
    
  • Expungement Resources: Learn more about our expungement resources at this link, and contact our expungement office at 901-222-3540. Don’t forget, expungement clerks will be in attendance at our Fresh Start Fair on September 13! 
    
  • Live Interpretation Phone Line: It is your right to have an interpreter provided by the courts. Through our telephone lin,e we have more than 200 languages available. This program is easy and free for our community. It is also accessible 24/7 
  • Here are the steps to get an interpreter: 
  • Step 1: Call 1-800-523-1786  
  • Step 2: Enter the no. County 518215 
  • Step 3: Enter YOUR phone number  
  • Step 4: Talk to a live performer! 
  • If you have a court date, it is your right to have an interpreter in person or by Zoom. To ensure that you have an interpreter for your court date, please visit this link.
 

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. Here’s how you can contact us: 

 

  • Phone:  901-222-3400 
  • Website: www.shelbygeneralsessions.com 
  • In-Person:  
  • Judge D’Army Bailey Courthouse: 140 Adams, Rm 160, 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 

 

Our hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 
Follow General Sessions on Social Media!
Facebook  Instagram

Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk | Judge D’Army Bailey Courthouse: 140 Adams, Rm 160 | Memphis, TN 38103 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact