TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Jul 14, 2025

Three candidates are seeking to replace Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Paula Skahan, who stepped down from the bench. Jahari M. Dowdy, Raymond "Ray" J. Lepone and Kenya N. Smith will make a case for why they should be appointed to the role during a public hearing this week. Dowdy, a criminal defense attorney and owner of her own law firm, has focused on criminal defense for 20 years and is applying for a judgeship for the first time. Lepone, former deputy district attorney and juvenile court magistrate, brings years of prosecutorial experience. He recently joined the Tennessee attorney general’s office. Smith is a Shelby County judicial commissioner and longtime prosecutor. Read more about each of the candidates in the Commercial Appeal.