CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Three applicants seeking to fill the Montgomery County’s Division V General Sessions and Juvenile Court judgeship presented their qualifications last week during the County Commission’s informal meeting, ahead of a vote set for Dec. 8.

The candidates are Samuel Knolton, Erin Poland Nolder and Merriel Bullock Neal. They spoke in the order their applications were received.

Knolton cites decades in law enforcement, prosecution and defense

Knolton, who has lived in Montgomery County since 1972, told commissioners he brings more than four decades of experience across policing, prosecution and private practice. “For the last 11 years, I have been in private practice. I’ve been practicing criminal law, civil law, family and juvenile,” he said.

Knolton previously served as Montgomery County’s first Special Assistant U.S. Attorney. Before entering law, he spent 27 years with the Clarksville Police Department, Austin Peay State University Campus Police and the Tennessee Department of Corrections. “I worked full-time as a police officer while going to law school,” he said.

He noted service on Nashville State’s paralegal program advisory board and involvement in the West Creek High School criminal justice program. Knolton also highlighted his veteran status and awards, including being named “Clarksville’s Best Attorney” by Main Street Clarksville from 2022-25 and “Best Attorney in Middle Tennessee” in 2023.

Nolder highlights work with at-risk youth and families

Nolder, a Clarksville native, emphasized her background in mental health and two decades of legal work with children and families. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Kentucky University, and later completed her law degree while working as a therapist. “I’ve worked with at-risk youth my entire adulthood – from community-centered action to mental health hospitals,” she said.

Since graduating from law school 18 years ago, Nolder has practiced in Montgomery County, handling cases involving the Department of Children’s Services, private custody disputes, guardianships, adoptions, estates, divorce, and orders of protection. She has also argued cases for the Tennessee Supreme Court.

“I’ve been called upon by peers and judges to assist in court on various issues in recognition of my knowledge and experience,” she said, adding that she is confident in her ability to manage the responsibilities of the position.

Neal emphasizes broad legal and educational background

Neal told commissioners she hopes to “provide equal justice under the law, uphold the rule of law, provide due process for all … and address the myriad of issues confronting the community.”

Neal said her qualifications stem from legal work as well as her academic and professional certificates. She holds licensure as an attorney, Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 mediator, special education school psychologist, certified professional counselor and university professor. Her educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a master’s in special education, a Ph.D. in special education and a law degree.

She said she has litigated cases in Circuit Court, Chancery Court, General Sessions Court, Juvenile Court, the Tennessee Court of Appeals, administrative hearings and various federal courts. Neal has practiced law in Montgomery County for 22 years and has served as a legal advocate in “foster care review boards … discipline hearings, truancy hearings” and Department of Children’s Services matters.

Commission to vote Dec. 8

Mayor Wes Golden thanked the applicants for their “willingness to serve our community.” The commission will vote to appoint the Division V General Session and Juvenile Judge during its formal meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Montgomery County Courthouse.

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