Matt Hardin Law Adds Civil Rights Litigator Andrew Lockert as Partner

Matt Hardin Law has announced the addition of Andrew Lockert as a new partner, expanding the firm's capabilities in personal injury, federal civil rights, and criminal defense. Lockert, who brings nearly a decade of litigation experience, is known for his tenacity in federal courts and his work on significant cases involving constitutional rights.

Lockert's legal pedigree runs deep in Cheatham County, Tennessee, where his family has a long tradition of service in the judiciary and legal profession. His grandfather served as both a judge and attorney, his aunt as a judge, his uncle as an attorney, and his cousin as a public defender for over 30 years. This background, Lockert said, instilled in him a profound respect for the Tennessee legal system and a unique ability to navigate complex litigation with professional diplomacy.

One of Lockert's notable cases is Campbell v. Cheatham County, a complex civil rights matter involving Fourth Amendment protections against excessive police force. 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, a series of cases challenging the regulatory boundaries of the funeral industry and protecting families from mishandling of remains. Lockert navigated the legal landscape of the Middle District of Tennessee to hold institutions accountable for the sanctity of the deceased and the constitutional rights of those who care for them.

Despite often standing on the opposite side of the aisle from local municipalities and law enforcement, Lockert has maintained a reputation for professional excellence and mutual respect. He prides himself on maintaining productive, collaborative relationships with police units and agencies in Cheatham County and throughout Middle Tennessee, even while aggressively advocating for his clients' civil rights.

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.

Outside the office, Lockert is an avid traveler and a regular on the basketball court, remaining deeply committed to the Middle Tennessee community where he was raised.

Matt Hardin Law, a premier personal injury firm serving clients across Tennessee, 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 the addition of Lockert, the firm continues its mission of providing elite legal representation with a personal, community-focused touch.