Lorrie K. Ridder To Fill Vacancy In The 30th Judicial District
NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen today appointed Lorrie Ridder of Memphis, Tenn., to the Tennessee Circuit Court for the 30th Judicial District, Division IV. Ridder will fill a vacancy created by the death of Judge Rita Stotts in January. The 30th Judicial District serves Shelby County.
"Lorrie Ridder has served in many roles these past 25 years; litigator, law professor, teacher and community volunteer," said Bredesen. "She has litigated hundreds of cases in four southern states, and I am confident that she will run a fair and efficient courtroom. I am pleased to appoint Lorrie to this seat and appreciate her willingness to serve in this position. I also want to take this opportunity to honor Judge Rita Stotts and acknowledge her many years of service to the state in this position. She will be deeply missed."
Prior to her appointment, Ridder was in private practice at the Memphis law firm now known as Luckett Pinstein Ridder, PC, since December 1995, serving as a shareholder from 1997 to present. After graduating from James Madison University in 1977, Ridder earned a doctor of jurisprudence from Wake Forest University. She subsequently served in various teaching positions from 1985 to 1991 including Assistant Professor of Law & Assistant Dean for Academic Programs and Director of the Tennessee Pre-Professional Program in Law at the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
"I want to thank Governor Bredesen for this honor," said Ridder. "I have now reached a point in my career where I have met my professional goals and seek new challenges. I am committed to raising the bar in expectations of the judiciary by serving as an example of diligence and hard work in this position. As I approach this new role, I will seek to be a positive force for professionalism, integrity, and civility."
Ridder, 51, is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the Association of Women Attorneys. Ridder received the University of Tennessee and the University of Memphis awards for outstanding contribution to the Tennessee Pre-Professional Programs in Law, Dentistry, Medicine, Pharmacy and Veterinary Medicine. Throughout her career, she has volunteered with many organizations such as the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee, the YMCA, Family Services and Madonna Circle. Ridder is married and has two children.