Memphis – The Memphis Bar Association’s Young Lawyers’ Division honored Circuit Judge Lorrie Ridder with the 2009 Chancellor Charles A. Rond Award for Outstanding Judge of the Year at their annual meeting on November 19. Ridder was one of five Shelby County judges who were nominated for the award.
The Young Lawyers’ Division established this annual award in 1976 in honor of the late Chancellor Charles A. Rond, who was known for his intelligence, fairness, wise decisions, integrity and great wit.
“I’m extremely humbled to be recognized by the Memphis Bar YLD,” Ridder said. “As a new judge, it is especially gratifying to know that the attorneys who practice in my courtroom have confidence in my ability to be fair and impartial. Since taking the bench, I have strived to make my courtroom a comfortable place to practice, as I believe that civility starts with the judge.”
Ridder has been on the bench since April 2009, when she was appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to fill the vacancy created by the death of Judge Rita Stotts in January. Prior to her appointment, Ridder was in private practice in Memphis. A graduate of Wake Forest University School of Law, Ridder is a member of the Tennessee Bar Association, the Memphis Bar Association and the Association of Women Attorneys.