TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Julia Wilburn on Nov 11, 2025

The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Tennessee Court of Appeals, which will occur with the retirement of Judge D. Michael Swiney on Jan. 12, 2026. Qualified applicants must be licensed attorneys who are at least 30 years of age, have been residents of the state for five years and reside in the Eastern Grand Division of the state. Applicants must complete the application and submit it to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) by noon CST on Dec. 3. The council will meet on Jan. 7, 2026, at 10 a.m. EST, in the courtroom of the Knoxville Supreme Court Building, 505 Main St., Knoxville 37902. Any member of the public may attend the public hearing to express, orally or in writing, their objections concerning applicant(s) for the vacancy. Questions about the application process should be submitted to AOC Assistant General Counsel Laura Blount at (615) 741-2687 or laura.blount@tncourts.gov.