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Trial lawyers’ lobbyist, with ties to Briley, fired
The Tennessee Association for Justice has fired its in-house Capitol Hill lobbyist who is connected with embattled state Rep. Rob Briley and allegedly had an affair with him.
Suzanne Keith, the executive director of the group formerly known as the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, said its lobbyist and legal counsel Mary Littleton was no longer employed by the organization, effective Monday.
Keith would not say why.
“I’m not going to comment on internal personnel matters,” Keith said.
Keith did not use the term “fired,” but a source close to the group told The City Paper that Littleton was “terminated” effective at 5 p.m. Monday.
Littleton was listed on the group’s Web site as legal counsel as late as Monday morning but the trial lawyer group had removed her from the list by early Monday afternoon.
The separation comes about a week-and-a-half after the Nashville Scene alleged in a story that Littleton had an affair with Briley (D-Nashville).
Besides the fact that Briley was married, Littleton heavily lobbied the House Judiciary Committee, a panel that Briley served on and chaired earlier this year.
Keith said “no comment” when asked if the allegations played a role in Littleton’s termination.
The board of the Tennessee Association for Justice made the decision to fire Littleton at a meeting last week.
Briley resigned the Judiciary Committee chairmanship shortly after being charged with two felonies, a DUI and several additional misdemeanors resulting from two separate incidents in DeKalb and Wilson counties in early September.
After he was arrested, Briley listed Littleton as one of his contacts on his arrest report. The pair later said Littleton was going to serve as Briley’s attorney, but the Nashville Democrat later hired other counsel.
Briley is scheduled to appear in court in Wilson County Oct. 31.
Littleton did not return a call for comment.
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Littleton was terminated because she had an affair with Briley?How many other people in public office are going to get fired/terminated for having an extra marital affair. The courts will be full.
Good reporting, John Rogers.When someone mentions that our politicians are in bed with the Trial Lawyers and lobbyests... they can point to this case as a prime example!This situation would be much more funny if the people of our United States weren't constantly made the stooges of the politicians' 'jokes.'_________________________William James (Jim) BoydCandidate for (your choice)www.votejimboyd.com
Isn't this Jim Boyd the guy who faired very poorly in the race for metro council. Do I sense a sore loser? And that spelling! Looks like we avoided yet another embarrassment in our esteemed Council.
Fundit, that's "fared" poorly. Be sure to check your own spelling before you criticize that of others. I think Boyd is kooky, and I didn't vote for him, but I applaud him for taking part. Democracy is not a spectator sport after all.
lol @ fundit
Thanks, TC37212! You may think I'm "kooky" and you may not have voted for me, but your coming to my defense in this forum brings... brings... (sniff)... brings a tear to my eye. (Ok... Where's my Academy Award?)_________________________William James (Jim) BoydCandidate for (your choice)www.votejimboyd.com
This is all bad news about Rob Briley (though he might even deserve a bit of it). Could he be a victim of "a Vast Right Wing Conspiracy"?I'd like to offer here a copy of an important message as I sent earlier today (to whom I hope are good people).The purpose of this message is to duly note the passing of two specific law men, recently in Missouri, whom have been striken down in the prime of their life; to note the fact that "foul play" could have possibly been involved and to point out that there is "political reason" to suspect murder rather than accident. In this endeavor I offer humble reflection upon the limited information available in the press and would wish to forgive the innocent and pray that the victim families can find any peace in the matter. Firstly it was Deputy Gary McCormack, of the Green County Sheriffs, whom died on duty in response to an early morning or late night call. He was killed in a crash with a pickup truck driven by an "off duty volunteer fire fighter" responding to the same call? Surely i do pray for that injured man yet i also would sure like to know how well he has been questioned in the matter (as if i myself could be such a victim; struck down in the prime of life). The deceased officer was but 33 years of age, a successful and respected professional and family man, and there was some vague mention of his additional recent FBI training.The next strange occurance i would want to mention (among many bizarre deaths and crimes recently reported in Missouri) is that of a Sheriff "Captain
Rob Briley and Mary Littleton are getting their just rewards. I believe Nr. Briley started his career as a trail lawyer. Ms.Littleton, as lobbyist and legal counsel for the TTLA should have seen the ethical minefield of 1) having a relationship with the chairman of the judicary committee 2) even considering having said chairman as a client in a legal proceeding. For Briley to have selected her as his lawyer was even more ethically challenged.And Ms. Littleton as TTLA counsel was the one these trail lawyers turned to for advice on dealing with the legislature? I guess she was advising them on ethics also. Interesting to note that the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association has found it politically correct to change its name to Tennessee Association for Justice. Another misnomer I'm sure. By the way what was the previous post????
Does anyone know Rob Briley's current whereabouts? Has he come home?