Court clerks ensure the efficient operation of state courts by maintaining dockets and records, handling administrative matters and serving as good will ambassadors to the public.
The appellate courts are served by the appellate court clerk, who is based in Nashville. The appellate court clerk is appointed by the Supreme Court to serve a six-year term. There are 32 employees in the appellate court clerk's office and they are located in the Supreme Court buildings in Nashville, Knoxville and Jackson.
Circuit Court clerks are county employees who are elected in each county to serve four-year terms. In some counties, circuit court clerks also serve as the clerk for General Sessions courts.
Each Chancery Court is served by a clerk and master who is appointed by the Chancellor, the Chancery Court judge, to serve a six-year term.