Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today appointed James L. Gass of Dandridge as special judge for Circuit Court in the 4th Judicial District.
Gass’s appointment fills the temporary vacancy due to the recent illness of Circuit Court Judge Richard R. Vance. The 4th Judicial District serves Jefferson, Grainger, Cocke and Sevier counties.
“I appreciate Jim Gass’s willingness to serve in this capacity, and this will help serve the citizens of the 4th Judicial District,” Haslam said.
Gass, 58, is a 34-year career trial attorney with extensive experience in civil trials and serving in both prosecution and defense roles in criminal cases. He has been a partner at Ogle, Gass & Richardson in Sevierville since 1998 and has represented the City of Pigeon Forge in legal matters during that time. As city attorney for Pigeon Forge his work has included civil trial representation, contracts, employment law issues, and legal counsel to the city manager and board of city commissioners.
He has also served as town attorney for Dandridge since 2007, attorney for the Town of Pittman Center from 1998-2016, assistant district attorney for the 4th Judicial District from 1988-1998, a private practice attorney in Dandridge from 1986-1988 and associate attorney in the Law Office of Ricky Wood in Parsons from 1983-1986.
“I’m extremely honored and humbled by this opportunity given to me by the governor to serve the people of the Fourth Judicial District,” Gass said. “I have great admiration for Judge Vance and the many years of service he has given to this position and will do everything I can to honor his legacy.”
Gass received a law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1983. He also received a bachelor’s degree from Samford in 1980.
Gass is a member and past president of the Pigeon Forge Rotary Club. He and his wife, Lauren, are members of the First United Methodist Church in Dandridge. They have two adult sons, Anderson and Link.