On this episode of A Good Pour, I sat down with Tara Wyllie, Assistant District Attorney for Tennessee’s 18th Judicial District, serving Sumner County.
If you’ve ever wondered what a prosecutor actually does, or how our local court system works, this conversation pulls back the curtain.
And as always, we talked about good work.
What Does an Assistant District Attorney Do?
Tara represents the State of Tennessee in criminal cases.
If someone is facing more than a small fine and potential jail time, that case will move through the court system and her office is involved.
But here’s the part I appreciated most.
She said her job isn’t simply to convict someone. It’s to seek justice.
That means:
- If someone clearly didn’t commit the crime, the right thing to do is dismiss the charge.
- If someone has caused harm, victims deserve advocacy and a voice.
- If someone is struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, sometimes the right outcome is treatment instead of a cell.
Justice isn’t one-size-fits-all. It requires discernment. And courage.
A Growing County Means Growing Responsibility
Sumner County has seen significant growth in recent years. With that growth comes an increase in cases.
Tara shared that they’re seeing more:
- Domestic violence cases
- DUIs
- Driving offenses
- Drug-related charges
- Violent crimes
Her weeks can look very different depending on the docket. One day might include 50 cases. Another day could mean preparing for a jury trial that lasts an entire week.
It’s steady, demanding work.
And it matters deeply to the safety of our community.
The Good We Don’t Always See
One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing Tara talk about the people and organizations she works alongside.
She mentioned Ashley’s Place, the local child advocacy center. They provide forensic interviews for children who’ve experienced abuse, so a child doesn’t have to retell their story over and over again in different settings.
If you’ve ever walked into Ashley’s Place, you know. It feels safe. Warm. Intentional.
That’s good work.
She also spoke about Recovery Court in Sumner County, where participants commit to a rigorous program aimed at overcoming addiction and rebuilding their lives. Graduation from that program is a powerful thing to witness. It’s not easy. But it’s hopeful.
And that’s the part many of us don’t see.
Behind the headlines and court dates are:
- Social workers
- Law enforcement officers
- Advocates
- Volunteers
- Recovery leaders
- Prosecutors
All working together to protect people and restore lives where possible.
Born Here. Chose Here.
Tara grew up in Sumner County. Her family’s roots go back generations. She’s traveled the world. She’s seen the Amalfi Coast. Cape Town. Thailand. Iceland.
And she still calls this place home.
That perspective stood out to me.
Travel can expand your view. It can deepen your appreciation. And sometimes it confirms that the place you’re planted is exactly where you’re meant to serve.
How Do You Keep Doing Hard Work?
Let’s be honest. Prosecuting criminal cases means seeing people on their worst days. Over and over again.
So I asked her how she keeps her cup full.
Her answer was simple and practical.
She gets involved outside the courtroom.
After the pandemic, she joined her local Rotary Club. She started showing up in community spaces where she could see good things happening. She volunteers at food distributions. She brings her children when she can.
She intentionally puts herself in rooms where hope is visible.
That’s wise.
If your job exposes you to the hard parts of life, you have to be equally intentional about seeking out the good.
A Shared Conversation About AI
Toward the end of the episode, we touched on artificial intelligence. We both agreed that it will impact the legal system in ways we’re only beginning to understand.
Tara mentioned the likelihood of future litigation around AI-generated content. Questions about authorship, ownership, and misuse are already surfacing.
From my side, I shared that I believe 2026 will be a significant year for policy development and clarity, especially for businesses trying to use AI responsibly.
Her posture in all of it was thoughtful. Curious. Measured.
And that word I chose this year? Steady.
It fits here too.
What Good Work Means
When I asked Tara what good work means to her, she came back to this idea:
Doing the right thing.
Even when it’s hard.
Even when it’s misunderstood.
Even when it requires nuance.
Good work isn’t loud. It’s faithful.
And in our court system, that good work protects families, supports victims, offers second chances, and helps keep our community safe.
Tara, thank you for showing up day after day to do it.
If this conversation reminded you of the good happening around you, I’d encourage you to:
- Attend a Recovery Court graduation.
- Learn about Ashley’s Place.
- Volunteer at a local food distribution.
- Thank someone who serves quietly in our community.
Good work is happening. Sometimes we just need to look for it.
And when you see it, let it strengthen you to keep doing your own.