The Honorable Jared R. Effler, District Attorney General is proud of his Union County, TN roots. He is happy to say that he is a product of Union County Schools and that he’s living proof that with the building blocks of a solid education, a person can accomplish anything they set their mind to. Effler graduated from Horace Maynard High School in 1991 and went on to Lincoln Memorial University to obtain a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management in 1995. Although his earliest ambition was to become a veterinarian based on his love for animals, during college his career goals changed. Effler decided to pursue opportunities that would allow him to stay close to home by obtaining a degree in Law. He graduated from the University of Memphis Law School in 1999.

While attending law school Effler clerked for the District Attorney's office and, upon his return to Union County, he was a natural fit for Assistant District Attorney where he served from 1999-2014. During that time, he worked with many crime victims and their families, who in turn supported his run for District Attorney in 2014. Effler says he is honored to have been chosen to serve Campbell, Claiborne, Fentress, Scott and Union counties.

His advice to others aspiring to this position: “Always have the courage to be a voice for crime victims; sometimes they seem to have fewer rights than the criminally accused and it is the job of the District attorney to bridge that gap.” As District Attorney, Effler’s mission is to serve the public, pursue justice, and that guilt not escape nor innocence suffer. His biggest challenge initially was that there was not an office in each county to serve the people. Effler is proud to have quickly rectified that and is continually making more services available. For example, working with State and Federal programs, a Family Justice Center has been opened in Scott County, and a second one is scheduled to open in Claiborne County in March. A Family Justice Center is a one-stop-shop for victims of domestic violence to get the legal services they need and to get referrals to ancillary services. Another accomplishment is having expanded the child support enforcement facility (previously only in Scott County) to a second office in Campbell county, making services more available to the public.

Success for Effler means being able to help someone and give back. Regardless of a person’s profession or station in life, Effler believes if you can look back at the end of the day and see that you helped someone or made a difference in another life then you are a success! To those seeking to open a local business his advice is very simple: work hard. Hard work can overcome a lot of other shortcomings. Effler’s favorite quote is from the Bible, Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey—enjoyable and healthful” (TLB). Effler stresses the importance of how we treat people regardless of their role, and that most problems can be avoided by simply being kind to one another.

Effler happily declared he has the best job in the world because he gets to work with law enforcement officers, who are true heroes and deserve our respect and support. He expects to see Union County grow and prosper, have safe neighborhoods, good schools, and good jobs so that all may enjoy this life. Effler also proudly serves on the board for the Children’s Centers, of which there is also one in each county, his district being the only rural district to accomplish this.

In his leisure time, Effler enjoys quality time with his lovely wife and their daughters. He also loves to hunt and fish, especially with his father, and says there is no more peaceful place on earth than Norris Lake at sunset.

The Union County office is located at:
105 Monroe Street, Suite 2
Maynardville, TN 37807
Phone: (865) 992-8826
Fax: (865) 992-8240
https://www.tndagc.org/district/08