TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Azya Thornton on Feb 16, 2026

Gov. Bill Lee has announced Hawkins County Circuit Judge William E. Phillips II as his replacement nominee for the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section, following the withdrawal of Knoxville attorney Rachael Park Hurt, the Tennessee Journal reports. If approved, Phillips would replace longtime Judge D. Michael Swiney, who is retiring. Phillips, whom Lee appointed to an open circuit judgeship in 2021, previously served 19 years as city attorney for Church Hill and Rogersville. Lee praised Phillips in a statement Friday, calling him a “faithful public servant” who will bring “significant experience” to the appeals court. Phillips was one of three nominees recommended to the governor by the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments in January.