Experience
Biography
Experience That Matters
His commitment to helping local residents with legal issues has earned him a reputation as a tireless fighter and dedicated public servant.
- Nearly four decades of experience in law enforcement, the courts, legal practice, and public service.
- Former police officer with firsthand knowledge of public safety and law enforcement.
- Former prosecutor with experience representing the public interest in the justice system.
- Criminal defense attorney with decades of courtroom and problem-solving experience.
- Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023, serving in a part-time judicial role.
- Small-business owner since 1998, with firsthand experience managing a business, employees, expenses, and financial responsibility.
Law Enforcement
More Than a Decade of Firsthand Law Enforcement Experience
David began his career in law enforcement while studying Criminal Justice Administration at Middle Tennessee State University. His early experience included an internship with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation before serving as a patrol officer with the Murfreesboro Police Department. He later joined the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, where he served for nearly a decade, including experience as both a uniformed and undercover officer.
Legal Career
Nearly Three Decades of Legal Practice and Small-Business Leadership
After earning his law degree from the Nashville School of Law in 1998, David gained experience with the Davidson County District Attorney's Office before establishing Ridings Law Group, P.C. that same year. His legal career has included criminal defense, family and employment law, business matters, police advocacy and other areas. Today, his practice focuses primarily on criminal defense.
Judicial Service
Bringing Decades of Justice-System Experience to the Bench
Since 2023, David has served as a part-time Night Court Judicial Magistrate, adding judicial service to a career that has included law enforcement, prosecution and criminal defense. That breadth of experience has required him to evaluate facts carefully, listen to different perspectives and make decisions within the law—skills he believes are equally important in responsible local government.
Small Business
A Small-Business Owner Who Understands the Bottom Line
David founded Ridings Law Group, P.C. in 1998 and has spent nearly three decades operating his own business. He understands firsthand what it means to manage employees, meet payroll, control expenses, serve clients and make responsible financial decisions. That experience shapes his belief that city government should respect taxpayer dollars and approach spending with the same care expected of families and local businesses.