Governor Phil Bredesen announced that Nashville attorney Donna M. Fields will fill a position in the 30th Judicial District, Division VII Circuit Court. The position was vacated by Judge Robert Lanier upon his retirement Dec. 31, 2003. "I am confident that Ms. Fields will serve with honor and integrity as she fills this important position in Shelby County," Bredesen said.
"She brings tremendous experience and skill to the Circuit Court, and is admired for her work in the Shelby County legal community. I am pleased she has agreed to serve in this role."
Fields has practiced law in Memphis for nearly 28 years. She began her career in 1976 as an associate working for Memphis attorney James F. Schaeffer. From 1977 to 1980, she worked in private practice and as a staff attorney in the Shelby County Juvenile Court. For the next four years she continued to work in private practice, in addition to working as a part-time public defender in the Shelby County Criminal Courts. Since that time, Fields has worked in solo practice, primarily in civil trial law.
"I'm truly gratified the Governor has placed his trust in me and I intend to do my very best to serve well in this position, and to respect all litigants who will come into my courtroom," Fields said.
Fields, 55, holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Memphis State University. She is a member of the Memphis Bar Association, Tennessee and American Bar Associations, and the Tennessee and American Trial Lawyers Associations. She is a former vice president of the West Tennessee Division of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and served on their board of directors for more than 10 years. She is a "Fellow" of the Memphis and Shelby County Bar Associations, as well as the Memphis Bar Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Memphis Bar Association. Fields' community work includes serving on the advisory council and board of the Memphis Botanic Gardens and as a volunteer for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Fields' Division VII Circuit Court appointment will become effective upon taking the oath of office. She will stand for election in August for the remainder of Lanier's unexpired term. There will then be an election for a full eight-year term in 2006. This marks Bredesen's ninth judicial appointment since taking office.