Nashville, Tenn. – Court of Criminal Appeals Judge David H. Welles announced his retirement last week after serving 17 years on the intermediate appellate court. His retirement will take effect on June 30.
Much of Welles’ career has been dedicated to public service – working in each of the three branches of Tennessee government throughout his 35-year stint as a state employee.
Prior to taking the bench, Welles served as legal counsel to former Governor Ned McWherter for seven years. He spent six years as Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and served as an assistant district attorney general for eight years.
“Judge Welles is one of the finest judges I have had the pleasure of serving with on the bench,” said Judge Joseph M. Tipton, presiding judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals. “I can always rely on Judge Welles to get it right and get it right quickly. His retirement will be a big loss to the citizens of Tennessee and to the members of the Court.”
After graduating from University of Tennessee School of Law, Welles spent practiced law in Dresden, Tenn.
Welles is a member of the Nashville Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association and American Bar Association. He is a retired lieutenant colonel of the Tennessee Army National Guard.
While serving on the Court of Criminal Appeals, Welles was a member of the Court of the Judiciary and also served on the Supreme Court Commission on Racial and Ethnic Fairness.
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