The Association for Women Attorneys (AWA) of Memphis honored Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Presiding Judge Camille McMullen with the Marion Griffin-Frances Loring Award at its annual banquet on January 25. The award is presented to someone who exhibits outstanding achievement in the legal profession.
“Marion Griffin and Francis Loring were pioneers in the fight for civil rights and social justice,” said Judge McMullen. “Through their collective power, these women worked tirelessly to advance gender equality across Tennessee. I applaud the AWA for establishing this award, which serves as a testament to the shoulders upon which we stand as women in the law. I am thankful and deeply moved to be recognized with this incredible honor.”
Judge McMullen was appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals in 2008. At the time, she was one of the youngest people ever to serve on a Tennessee appellate court. In 2023, she was elected the first woman and the first African American to lead the 12-member Court of Criminal Appeals, which hears over 800 cases a year.
Judge McMullen has dedicated her career to public service. Prior to joining the bench, Judge McMullen served in the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office and the United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Tennessee as an Assistant US Attorney.
Judge McMullen was born in Nashville, Tenn., but now resides in Memphis with her husband and two children, a college junior and a high school senior.
