Governor Phil Bredesen has appointed James G. Martin of Franklin, Tennessee, to fill the vacancy on the Tennessee Circuit Court, 21st Judicial District, Division II. The 21st Judicial District is composed of Williamson, Hickman, Perry and Lewis counties. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Judge R.E. Lee Davies, which was effective October 1.
"Jim Martin has developed extensive legal experience in the private sector, serving as a family law practitioner for more than 30 years, and I am confident that he will serve the state of Tennessee with honor and distinction," said Bredesen. "I am pleased to appoint Jim to this seat, and I appreciate his willingness to serve in this capacity."
Prior to his appointment, Martin has been a partner with Stites & Harbison in Nashville since 2001. He was a partner with Farris Warfield & Kanaday, which merged with Stites & Harbison, from 1978 to 2000. After graduating first in his class from Vanderbilt Law School in 1974, he served as assistant city attorney for the City of Franklin until 1976 and served as city attorney from 1976 to 1988.
Martin also served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
"It is a privilege to be appointed by Governor Bredesen to serve the state as a member of the Tennessee Circuit Court," Martin said. "This appointment is an extraordinary honor that affords me the opportunity to give back to the profession from which I have received enormous rewards and to serve my community in a significant way."
Martin is an active member of the American College of Trial Lawyers as well as the Tennessee Bar Association, where he has served as a member of the Family Law Section Code Committee.