The Governor’s Commission for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications for the upcoming appeals court vacancies created by Court of Appeals Judge Holly M. Kirby’s appointment to the Tennessee Supreme Court and Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Jerry L. Smith’s announcement that he will not seek to retain his seat in the August general election.
Any interested applicant must be an attorney licensed in Tennessee who is at least 30 years of age, a resident of the state for five years, and must reside in the grand division for the court seat they are seeking. The Court of Appeals opening is in the Western Division and the Court of Criminal Appeals opening is in the Middle Division.
Applicants must complete the designated application, which is available at www.tncourts.gov, and submit it to the Administrative Office of the Courts by the following deadlines:
- Court of Criminal Appeals Middle Division: Friday, April 25, 2014 by Noon CDT.
- Court of Appeals Western Division: Wednesday, April 30, 2014 by Noon CDT.
The Governor’s Commission for Judicial Appointments will interview all qualified applicants on the following dates:
- Court of Criminal Appeals Middle Division: Tuesday, May 13 in Nashville.
- Court of Appeals Western Division: Friday, May 16 in Memphis.
The meetings will include a public hearing starting at 9 a.m., during which members of the public may express their opinions about the applicants. The hearing will be followed by an interview. The public hearings and interviews are open to the public.
For more information, visit http://www.tncourts.gov/administration/judicial-resources.