Assistant District Attorney Lila Statom was sworn in Monday morning as General Sessions Judge, Division IV, in Hamilton County.
Governor Bill Haslam appointed Judge Statom to fill a vacancy created by Judge Ronald W. Durby, who is taking leave from the court.
"It is my desire to faithfully serve the citizens of Hamilton County and honor Judge Durby by the way that I serve during his illness," said Judge Statom.
Judge Statom earned a law degree from Memphis State University and a master's in law from Emory University.
She joined the prosecutor's office in Nashville in 1989, and joined the staff of District Attorney Bill Cox in 1998.
Judge Statom grew up in Chattanooga. She is married to Harry Spillman and has a son, Zack, and a step-daughter, Rose Spillman, both 21.