TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jan 23, 2025

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee last week appointed Melanie Sellers as the new public defender for the 1st Judicial District. The appointment will take effect March 1. Sellers currently serves as assistant district public defender in the district and will replace Jeffery Kelly, who is retiring. Sellers earned her bachelor’s degree at East Tennessee State University and law degree at University of Tennessee College of Law. The 1st Judicial District Court covers Carter, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties. Read the full announcement from the governor.