The 58th Annual Tennessee General Sessions Judges Conference was held this fall in Jackson, Tennessee. Judges from across the state gathered together to hear valuable educational sessions such as Criminal Law Updates and Court Room Security. In addition, a judge was recognized with the Judge Leon Ruben Memorial Award for Excellence. This year’s prestigious honor was presented to Judge Jeff D. Rader, Sevier County, 4th Judicial District.
The Judge Leon Ruben Memorial Award for Excellence is intended to bestow an honor upon judges who distinguish themselves in service to the community and the conference. The award is named for Judge Ruben, who served as a sitting judge for 37 years in Nashville. He also served as a Metro Council Member, and was known for his excellent contributions to the community.
An active member of the First United Methodist Church, Sevierville, TN, Judge Rader serves on the board of the Boys’ & Girls’ Club in Sevier County, and is vice president of the Sevier County Emergency Shelter.
Judge Rader has been active in pursing Access to Justice — prototypes, patterns and examples of useful forms, kiosks, websites, and other practical attempts at making courts more accessible, understandable and user friendly.
Judge Rader received his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1985 and his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1990. Following law school, Judge Rader joined the law firm of Ogle, Wynn & Rader, where he practiced for eight years before joining the general sessions and juvenile courts in 1998.
