TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Mar 3, 2025

Gov. Bill Lee has announced two judicial appointments. Valerie L. Smith was named to the Tennessee Court of Appeals (Western Division) while Steven W. Sword was named to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals (Eastern Division). Smith currently serves as a circuit court judge for the 30th Judicial District in Shelby County. She was appointed to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Arnold B. Goldin. Sword currently serves as a criminal court judge for the 6th Judicial District in Knox County. He was appointed to fill a vacancy created by the passing of Judge James C. Witt Jr. Both appointments now must be approved by the Tennessee General Assembly.