Matt Hardin Law, a premier personal injury firm serving clients across Tennessee, has announced that Andrew Lockert has joined the firm as its newest Partner. A seasoned litigator with nearly a decade of experience, Lockert brings a formidable track record in personal injury, federal civil rights, and criminal law to the firm’s growing practice.
Lockert hails from a distinguished legal tradition in Cheatham County, Tennessee. He is the latest in a long line of legal professionals, including a grandfather who served as both a judge and attorney, an aunt who served as a judge, an uncle who served as an attorney, and a cousin who served as a public defender for over 30 years. This deep-rooted family history has instilled in Lockert a profound respect for the Tennessee legal system and a unique ability to navigate complex litigation with professional diplomacy.
He is perhaps best known for his tenacity in federal courts and his unwavering commitment to holding institutions accountable. Lockert spent years litigating the significant case of Campbell v. Cheatham County, a complex civil rights matter involving the protection of Fourth Amendment rights against excessive police force. Throughout this period, he successfully navigated the Middle District of Tennessee and the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals to ensure the claim against the primary officer could proceed to trial, seeking justice for homeowners facing unconstitutional government conduct.
He also gained regional recognition for his work alongside the late John Morris in the 'Reid Van Ness' litigation. This complex series of cases challenged the regulatory boundaries of the funeral industry and sought to protect families from the mishandling of their loved ones' remains. Navigating the intricate legal landscape of the Middle District of Tennessee, he fought to hold institutions accountable for the sanctity of the deceased and the constitutional rights of those who care for them.
While Lockert has often stood on the opposite side of the aisle from local municipalities and law enforcement, he has maintained a reputation for professional excellence and mutual respect. He prides himself on maintaining productive, collaborative relationships with the police units and agencies in Cheatham County and throughout Middle Tennessee, even while aggressively advocating for the civil rights of his clients.
In addition to bolstering the firm’s core personal injury practice, Lockert will lead a new Criminal Defense practice area at Matt Hardin Law. His goal is to provide a voice for those who feel unheard by the system, ensuring that whether a client is a car accident victim or an individual facing a violation of their civil rights, they receive counsel that understands both the local landscape and the federal courts.
The addition of Lockert signals a strategic expansion for Matt Hardin Law, which is known for its 'locally grown' approach. The firm handles cases involving car accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and now, federal civil rights and criminal defense. With this move, the firm continues its mission of providing elite legal representation with a personal, community-focused touch.
Outside of the office, Lockert is an avid traveler and a regular on the basketball court. He remains deeply committed to the Middle Tennessee community where he was raised.
