EUGENIA R. GRAYER McGHEE
Nashville
Summary
Former Administrative Judge and seasoned public-sector attorney with over 20 years of legal experience and 10+ years in quasi-judicial and courtroom adjudication roles. Proven expertise conducting high-volume administrative hearings, applying the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act (UAPA), ruling on evidentiary matters, and issuing legally sufficient findings of fact and conclusions of law. Recognized for judicial temperament, due process adherence, and timely, well-reasoned written decisions in regulated government programs. Extensive background balancing legal compliance with operational realities while maintaining a customer-centered, impartial adjudicative process aligned with the mission and values of the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Judicial Commissioner
Davidson County General Sessions Court
Nashville, TN
09.2017 - Current
- Exercised quasi-judicial authority to establish bonds, release defendants on recognizance, and issue warrants based on findings of probable cause in high-volume, time-sensitive dockets.
- Reviewed, approved, or denied search and forfeiture warrants, ensuring compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
- Maintained impartiality and judicial temperament while managing time-sensitive decisions affecting public safety and individual rights.
- Collaborated with court staff and law enforcement while avoiding ex parte communications and preserving procedural integrity.
- Quantifiable enhancement opportunity: volume of warrants reviewed monthly; average processing time.
Administrative Judge
State of Tennessee – TennCare
Nashville, TN
04.2024 - 10.2025
- Presided over an average of 20–25 administrative hearings per week (1,000+ annually), conducting telephonic and virtual proceedings while ensuring due process and safeguarding the rights of all parties.
- Determined issues for hearing, ruled on objections and admissibility of evidence, and maintained decorum consistent with judicial ethics and TennCare regulations.
- Drafted, reviewed, and issued legally sufficient initial orders containing detailed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and rationale, with a high rate of affirmance and minimal remands for procedural deficiency.
- Coordinated case management activities, including evidence submission and scheduling, contributing to consistent on-time issuance of written decisions within statutory deadlines and reduced procedural delays.
- Applied complex statutory and regulatory frameworks to adjudicate Medicaid eligibility and benefits disputes with accuracy and consistency.
- Quantifiable enhancement opportunity: percentage of decisions affirmed on appeal; average turnaround time for written orders.
CJA Panel Federal Attorney
United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
Nashville, TN
02.2020 - 04.2024
- Served as second-chair counsel in dozens of federal criminal matters annually, supporting lead attorneys in complex, high-stakes litigation under strict procedural and constitutional standards.
- Conducted in-depth legal research and drafted motions, memoranda, and briefs addressing federal statutes, procedural rules, and constitutional issues.
- Interviewed clients and witnesses, analyzed evidence, and assisted in trial preparation to ensure effective and ethical representation.
- Presented oral and written arguments before the court, demonstrating clarity, professionalism, and adherence to judicial expectations.
- Quantifiable enhancement opportunity: number of cases supported annually; successful motion outcomes.
Attorney at Law (Criminal Defense & Family Law)
Law Office of Eugenia R. Grayer
Nashville, TN
09.2004 - 04.2024
- Represented indigent and retained clients in state and federal courts, managing cases from intake through resolution.
- Conducted legal research across criminal, family, and administrative law issues to develop sound litigation strategies.
- Drafted and filed pleadings, motions, petitions, and briefs, consistently meeting court deadlines and procedural requirements.
- Appeared in hearings and trials, presenting persuasive oral arguments and examining witnesses.
- Negotiated settlements and mediated disputes, balancing client interests with legal and practical considerations.
- Quantifiable enhancement opportunity: number of cases resolved annually; settlement success rate.
Education
Juris Doctor -
University of Tennessee College of Law
05.2003
Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude - undefined
Tennessee State University
05.2000
Skills
- Administrative Hearings
- Legal Research
- Legal Writing
- Rules of Evidence
- Civil Procedure
- Case Management
- Order Drafting
- Litigation
- Mediation
- Negotiation
- Judicial Temperament
- Policy Interpretation
- High-Volume Docket Management
Affiliations
- Tennessee Bar Association (Public Service Academy, 2025; Young Leaders Council, 2024)
- CJA Panel Fellow
- Rule 31 Family Mediator
- Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Napier-Looby Bar Association
- Junior League of Tennessee
- EMERGE Tennessee Alumna
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
CORE COMPETENCIES & KEYWORDS
- Administrative Hearings
- Due Process
- Judicial Temperament
- Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law
- Tennessee UAPA
- Evidence Admissibility
- Case Management
- Pre-Hearing Conferences
- Legal Research & Writing
- High-Volume Docket Management
VOLUNTEER & PUBLIC SERVICE
Board of Law Examiners – Character & Fitness Committee Interviewer, TACDL Mentor, Co-Coach, Father Ryan High School Mock Trial Team, Davidson County Juvenile Court Board Member, Nashville Conflict Resolution Center Mediator, Board Member, Abortion Care of Tennessee, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Feed the Homeless Project
Timeline
Administrative Judge
State of Tennessee – TennCare
04.2024 - 10.2025
CJA Panel Federal Attorney
United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee
02.2020 - 04.2024
Judicial Commissioner
Davidson County General Sessions Court
09.2017 - Current
Attorney at Law (Criminal Defense & Family Law)
Law Office of Eugenia R. Grayer
09.2004 - 04.2024
Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude - undefined
Tennessee State University
Juris Doctor -
University of Tennessee College of Law