Senate Joint Resolution 1235, sponsored by Akbari, honors Senior Deputy Attorney General Scott Sutherland upon his retirement after fifteen years of dedicated service to the State of Tennessee. Sutherland, who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Georgetown College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law, began his public service career in Kentucky before joining the Tennessee Attorney General's Office in 2011. Throughout his tenure, he has held various significant positions, including Deputy Attorney General of the Law Enforcement and Special Prosecutions Division and Senior Deputy Attorney General of the Civil Law Section, where he has been recognized for his exceptional legal skills and leadership.

The resolution highlights Sutherland's commitment to justice, his role in developing talented attorneys, and his respectful interactions with colleagues and adversaries alike. He has made substantial contributions to the protection of victims' rights, public trust, and the enforcement of laws passed by elected officials. His excellence in the field has been acknowledged with the 2023 William M. Leech Jr. Award. As he prepares to retire, the resolution expresses gratitude for his invaluable service and extends best wishes for a fulfilling retirement, acknowledging that while his position may be filled, his unique contributions will be irreplaceable.