2024 Knox County Primary Election Candidate Profiles

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CANDIDATES - KNOX COUNTY LAW DIRECTOR

	David L. Buuck Education/Schools Attended University of Tennessee, Graduated 1971 University of Tennessee College of Law, Graduated 1980 Legal Experience Private practice, 1980 - 2012 Chief Deputy Law Director Knox County, 2012 - 2020 Elected Law Director Knox County, 2020 - present Legal Affiliations Knoxville Bar Association Tennessee Bar Association American Bar Association Civic Involvement Tennessee Conservation How many contested cases have you tried as lead counsel? Well over 500 in my 40 years What work experience do you have that qualifies you for the position of Law Director? In private practice represented citizens in land use issues and over 300 families fighting forced annexation by the city of Knoxville. What attributes do you possess that make you qualified for this position? I have an open door policy. I am able to communicate and with all persons and am generally able to accomplish solutions satisfactory to the citizens and to the taxpayers who are my clients. Candidate Website

	Jackson Miles Fenner Education/Schools Attended University of Tennessee College of Law, Juris Doctor, 2008-2011 University of Tennessee, Bachelor of Arts, 2005-2007 Pellissippi State, 2004-2005 Hartwick College, 1995-1997 Legal Experience Solo Practitioner Attorney, Fenner Law Firm - October 2011 – March 2014; January 2017 – Present 2019 Substitute Municipal Court Judge, City of Knoxville Independent Contractor Attorney, Garza Law Firm, PLLC - December 2017 – April 2018 Senior Associate Attorney, Burton McKinnish, PLLC - March 2014 – January 2017 Pro Bono Project Law Clerk & Knox County Community Development Grant Housing Clerk, Legal Aid of East Tennessee - March 2010 – July 2011 Legal Affiliations Knoxville Bar Association, Current Member Anderson County Bar Association, Current Member Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2012, 2013 Member Civic Involvement Tennessee Supreme Court “Attorney for Justice” 2013 Honoree Knoxville Bar Association & Legal Aid of East Tennessee Public Service Award, 2012, 2013 Honoree University of Tennessee frequent moot court judge and panel guest Legal Aid of East Tennessee frequent legal clinic volunteer How many contested cases have you tried as lead counsel? Over 100 What work experience do you have that qualifies you for the position of Law Director? I am an efficient manager of my own practice. In my over 12 years as an attorney, I have tried or settled many cases, from many practice areas, including: employment and diversity cases in district court; adverse proceedings in bankruptcy court; contract disputes in chancery and circuit courts; conservatorship case; GTLA matters; property cases; personal injury cases; criminal cases; and domestic matters. I am always prepared to try a case, and I know how when a case should be settled. What attributes do you possess that make you qualified for this position? I feel connected to the people of Knox County. My values and beliefs and background are more closely aligned with the hard working people here than my opponents. Candidate Website

	Daniel A. Herrera Education/Schools Attended The Catholic University of America, 2015 - B.A. Politics Lincoln Memorial University - Duncan School of Law, 2019 - Juris Doctorate Legal Experience Member/Managing Partner, Law Office of Daniel A. Herrera, PLLC - 3.5+ years Legal Affiliations The Federalist Society Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) Knoxville Bar Association Tennessee Bar Association Civic Involvement Chairman of the Knox County Republican Party, 2021 - 2023 (1 Term) How many contested cases have you tried as lead counsel? Estimated 75+ (Including General Sessions, Since Licensing) What work experience do you have that qualifies you for the position of Law Director? Started the Law Office of Daniel A. Herrera, PLLC in 2020 as a solo-practitioner. Since its formation, the law office has added two additional attorneys and focuses on the areas of Family Law,, Probate and Estate Administration, and Landlord/Tenant matters. As the sole manager of the firm, I have scaled its growth by not only providing sound leadership, but high-quality service to our clients. What attributes do you possess that make you qualified for this position? I believe through my actions and leadership that I convey strong communication and critical thinking skills. I hold my ethical integrity to a high standard as I believe attorneys, as well as government officials, should always behave in the best interest of those who they serve. Candidate Website

CANDIDATE - KNOX COUNTY CRIMINAL COURT JUDGE, DIVISION II

	Hon. Hector Ian Sanchez Education/Schools Attended Saint Leo University, Associate’s in Liberal Arts, 2007-2009 Old Dominion University, Bachelor of Science, 2009-2010 University of Tennessee College of Law, Juris Doctor, 2011-2014 Legal Experience Licensed in Tennessee in 2014 Assistant District Attorney, Sixth Judicial District of Tennessee, appointive, 2014 - 2022 Military Service: United States Marine Corps (Active Duty 2005 – 2009, Sergeant (Enlisted, E-5) Appointed in 2022 by Governor Bill Lee to fill a vacancy in the Sixth Judicial District Criminal Court. Legal Affiliations Knoxville Bar Association Tennessee Trial Judges Association Tennessee Judicial Conference Civic Involvement Urban League in conjunction with UTK Law Expungement Clinic (quarterly) How many contested cases have you tried as lead counsel or presided over as judge? Roughly 50 trials as an Assistant District Attorney and 29 to date as a trial court judge Describe the nature and frequency (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly) of your work in the court for which you are seeking election. The three criminal court divisions in Knox County each handle over 1,000 criminal cases annually. These cases range from DUI first offense to first-degree murder. We also handle a large volume of probation and revocation proceedings. Ideally, we reserve Monday-Wednesdays for trial settings. The latter portion of the week, assuming the trial has concluded is dedicated to motions hearings and post-conviction petitions. We also conclude a large volume of cases through plea bargaining. I’m fortunate to be able to assist Judge Chuck Cerny in the Recovery Court and Veterans Treatment Court here in Knox County. The common misconception that judges have a relaxed work schedule certainly doesn’t apply in Knox County and I embrace and appreciate that reality. In short, we stay very busy and it’s very rare to not have all three criminal court divisions in trial on any given week. What attributes do you possess that make you qualified for this position? One of the attributes that certainly helped me transition from a career prosecutor to a criminal court judge was the trial experience I attained during my time with the Attorney General’s Office and having a firm understanding of how the criminal courts operate. That being said, more importantly is understanding a judges role as a neutral and detached judge who enters judgment based only on the law and the evidence. Embracing that concept and role was not challenging for me. Once you can understand and appreciate that you’re no longer an advocate for one side or the other, it certainly makes the very important function of serving as a judge a bit more understandable. Another attribute that has generated positive feedback is my temperament. I strive to treat everyone who enters Division II with the utmost respect despite their circumstances, and I demand the same in return. Maintaining decorum from all participants in a criminal case is crucial to the proper administration of Justice. Legal Article Authored by Candidate- Inclusion, Whether You Like It or Not: A Marine's Perspective Candidate Flyer