Reid Spaulding has 20 years of experience and concentrates his practice on civil litigation defense. Mr. Spaulding regularly defends employers in employment discrimination matters before Tennessee and federal courts and administrative agencies. He has significant experience in defending Tennessee police officers against Section 1983 claims, including allegations of false arrest, excessive force, and failure to intervene.
Mr. Spaulding routinely defends governmental entities and their employees in federal and state courts across Tennessee.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Spaulding practiced law in the State of Illinois for three years. During this time, he gained experience and perspective representing plaintiffs in personal injury and workers’ compensation matters.
Memberships
- Knoxville Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- Tennessee Bar Association
- American Inns of Court, Barrister
Education
- J.D., University of Illinois College of Law, Champaign, IL, 2001
- B.A., Political Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 1995
- B.A., Economics, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 1995
Admissions
- Illinois, 2001
- Tennessee, 2004
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Tennessee, 2005
- United States District Court, Middle District of Tennessee, 2007
- United States District Court, Western District of Tennessee, 2012
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2006
- Supreme Court of the United States, 2021
Representative cases
Weinert v. City of Sevierville (2019)
Prevailed in appellate court after grant of summary judgment in employment discrimination matter arising out of resignation of police officer that dealt with novel issues of constructive discharge.
Thomas v. City of Madisonville (2013)
Obtained favorable verdict in United States District Court after two day jury trial in matter involving procurement of a search warrant by a law enforcement officer.
Doherty v. City of Maryville (2011)
Sixth Circuit reversed and vacated verdict for plaintiffs at trial in labor relations matter brought by members of a local firefighters’ union.
Spears v. Ruth (2009)
Obtained reversal of denial of qualified immunity to law enforcement officer in case involving an arrestee who died from a drug overdose while in custody.
