Metro Council set to vote on Tom Lee as special counsel

The Metro Council Executive Committee announced Wednesday that attorney Tom Lee will serve as the body's special counsel. The committee made the decision after a review process that included Vice Mayor Angie Henderson and former council attorneys. The full council must still confirm the appointment in a final vote.

Lee is a law professor and lobbyist who has worked in Nashville for years. He currently serves on the Charter Revision Commission. Before taking that role, he represented Metro as a lobbyist at the state legislature. His new position requires him to advise the council on legal matters, legislative issues, and meeting procedures. The special counsel role is a key part of the council's operational structure.

The selection process began with a review of 12 applications. A panel that included current council staffers and former legal staff evaluated the candidates. The committee chose Lee from that group. The appointment was announced at a meeting on Wednesday. The next step is a confirmation vote by the full body of council members.

The timing of the announcement coincides with the council's ongoing legislative work. Lee's background in state lobbying and local law makes him a fit for the advisory capacity. The council relies on this position to guide its procedural decisions. The role does not involve voting on legislation but provides legal guidance to the members.

The council has not yet scheduled a specific date for the confirmation vote. However, the Executive Committee has signaled that the process is moving forward. Lee will begin his duties once the full council approves his appointment. The announcement marks the end of a search that lasted several weeks.

Residents of Davidson County can expect the council to address legal and procedural questions in upcoming sessions. The new special counsel will work directly with the council members on these issues. The position is vital for ensuring that the council's actions align with local and state law. The appointment was met with no public objections during the Wednesday meeting.