TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jan 8, 2020

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission met today to consider six candidates for the 15th Judicial District Circuit Court, which covers Jackson, Macon, Smith, Trousdale and Wilson counties. Following the public hearing, the commission voted to recommend Jack Branden Bellar, Michael Wayne Collins and Shawn McBrien. The vacancy was created by the retirement of the Hon. John D. Wootten Jr. The commission also forwarded two names — Bonita Jo Atwood and Richard W. Rucker — to the governor for a vacancy in the 16th Judicial District Circuit Court. However, because only two individuals applied for the seat, the governor may fill the vacancy with any qualified person. This vacancy will be created when Judge Royce Taylor retires on March 3. The 16th district serves Rutherford and Cannon counties.