Attorney and mediator E. Shayne Sexton — Attorney and Rule 31 Mediator

E. Shayne Sexton
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Mediation with E. Shayne Sexton

E. Shayne Sexton brings decades of legal and judicial experience to the mediation process, including 24 years of service as Criminal Court Judge for Tennessee's Eighth Judicial District. His extensive time on the bench gives him a valuable perspective on how courts evaluate evidence, assess credibility, apply the law, and consider the risks and uncertainties of trial.

Shayne has completed Rule 31 Civil Mediation Training and Rule 31 Domestic Relations Mediation Training through Lipscomb University's Institute for Conflict Management. His background combines private practice, prosecution, more than two decades of judicial service, continuing legal education, and formal mediation training.

As a mediator, Shayne draws on this experience to help parties evaluate their positions realistically, communicate productively, and explore practical paths toward resolution. His calm, impartial approach and deep understanding of the legal process make him particularly well suited to complex, sensitive, and high-stakes disputes. He works to create a respectful and focused environment in which each party is heard and meaningful settlement opportunities can be identified.

For parties and attorneys, mediation with Shayne offers the insight of an experienced former judge and the opportunity to resolve disputes without the added expense, delay, and uncertainty of continued litigation.

24 Years

Criminal Court
Judge

He served for 24 years as Criminal Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District, presiding over thousands of cases.

1989

Assistant District
Attorney General

Appointed Assistant District Attorney General for the Eighth Judicial District, gaining extensive trial experience.

11 Courses

National Judicial
College

He completed eleven courses at the National Judicial College, including Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Career

Legal Career and Private Practice

1985: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
1988: Began Practicing Law
Shayne earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Tennessee College of Law and began practicing law that year.
1989: Assistant District Attorney General
Appointed for Tennessee's Eighth Judicial District, where he gained extensive trial experience before juries and judges.
1998: Elected Criminal Court Judge
Shayne was elected Criminal Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District.
24 Years: Judge
He presided over thousands of cases and managed one of the largest criminal trial dockets in Tennessee.
2005: Established a Recovery Court
A program in the Eighth Judicial District focused on treatment as an alternative for individuals entering the criminal justice system primarily because of addiction.
2026: Rule 31 Certified Mediator
Civil Mediation and Domestic Relations training through the Lipscomb University Institute for Conflict Management.

Mediation Experience

Experience Behind His Mediation Practice

His background combines private practice, prosecution, more than two decades of judicial service, continuing legal education, and formal mediation training.

Judicial Experience

His 24 years as Criminal Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District included presiding over thousands of cases and maintaining a trial docket that was among the largest in the state by case volume per judge.

Trial Experience

Before serving on the bench, Shayne worked as Assistant District Attorney General for the Eighth Judicial District. His work there led to countless trials before juries and judges throughout the five county district.

Rule 31 Certified Mediator

In June and July 2026, Shayne completed Rule 31 Civil Mediation Training and Rule 31 Domestic Relations Mediation Training through Lipscomb University's Institute for Conflict Management.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

During his judicial career, Shayne completed eleven courses at the National Judicial College, including coursework involving Alternative Dispute Resolution.

Mediation Focus

Areas of Mediation Practice

Shayne's mediation background includes Rule 31 training in civil and domestic relations mediation, along with Alternative Dispute Resolution coursework completed during his judicial career.

Civil Mediation

Shayne completed Rule 31 Civil Mediation Training through Lipscomb University's Institute for Conflict Management in June 2026.

Domestic Relations Mediation

Shayne completed Rule 31 Domestic Relations Mediation Training through Lipscomb University's Institute for Conflict Management in July 2026.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

During his judicial career, Shayne completed eleven courses at the National Judicial College, including coursework involving Alternative Dispute Resolution.