Attorney Robert Rochelle

Biography

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    Robert Rochelle is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of law and was licensed in 1969.

    He served as the first County Attorney of Wilson County from 1974 to 1987.  He was active in the original land use planning and zoning for the county.  He assisted the county in transitioning from a fee based law enforcement system to a salaried Sheriff’s Department; the provision of solid waste collection and disposal, publically provided ambulance services, fire protection services and other similar urban services.

    Bob served as State Senator for the area from 1982 to 2002, advancing to the position of Speaker Pro Tem.  He gained national recognition for his legislation which resolved multiple issues relating to city and county relations such as annexation and revenue sharing.

    He sponsored legislation establishing the funding mechanisms for the construction of Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.  His ability to achieve consensus helped ensure passage of Governor Ned McWherter’s landmark education financing program and provided the foundation for the expansion of E-911 services across the state.

    More recently, he has been a leader in creating and administering a jobs and investment incentive program for the county and its cities and the redevelopment of the former Hartsville Nuclear Plant site in neighboring Trousdale County.  Since its creation in 1975 he has represented The Water and Wastewater Authority of Wilson County which has gained national recognition for its innovative programs relating to the expansion of public water to residents of rural areas and wastewater services outside of municipal boundaries.

    He has received statewide recognition for his expertise in ad valorem property taxation.

    Former Senator Rochelle is a Vietnam Veteran.  He is and his wife Janice, are the parents of two grown sons, both lawyers.

    His practice is primarily limited to several long time clients and assisting other lawyers in the firm in areas in which he has expertise.