You've probably seen signs for Jo Atwood and Jack Mitchell popping up around town, but who should you vote for in the race for Circuit Court in the 16th Judicial District.

Rutherford and Cannon County Bar Association was wondering the same thing. So, they conducted a poll of 75 members, who weighed in on the issue.

According to our local lawyers, they think Mitchell is the better choice, scoring him higher on both "Judicial Demeanor" and "Experience." He revieved the top vote from 63 of the 75 respondents. Also Mitchell received a rating of 8.9 for Experience and 8.8 for Judicial Demeanor (out of 10). Atwood, on the other hand, received a 6.0 for Experience and 4.9 for Judicial Demeanor. 

About Jack Mitchell

Mitchell has more than 30 years as attorney and is partner in Mitchell & Mitchell. He graduated from Oakland High School, earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He is involved in local volunteer work and charity. Over the years, he has helped homeless victims, mentored young attorneys, and currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Rutherford County Recovery Courts Program, which operates the Drug Court, DUI Court, Veterans Court, and Mental Health Court programs.  Mitchell lives in Rutherford County with his wife, Sandy. They have been married for 25 years and have three children and three grandchildren.

About Jo Atwood

Atwood was appointed by Gov. Bill Lee in May to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Honorable Royce Taylor.

Atwood has served as a managing partner at Atwood and Moore since 1995, representing more than 7,000 clients in a wide scope of civil litigation. She previously practiced law in the Law Offices of Henry, Kious & Hall. Atwood earned her J.D. from the Nashville School of Law and Bachelor of Science cum laude from Tennessee Tech University. She currently resides in Murfreesboro and is a charter member of the Middle Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women.