Judge John A. Turnbull has announced his resignation, effective June 15, 2009, as Circuit Court Judge in the 13th Judicial District (Clay, Cumberland, Dekalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White counties). Judge Turnbull was first appointed to the bench in August of 1989. He received his legal education at the University of Tennessee College of Law. Prior to his appointment, he practiced law in Livingston for 22 years. Judge Turnbull served on the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association Board of Governors for approximately 14 years and was president of TTLA from 1984 -1985.
On October 15, 2008, Judge Turnbull submitted a notice to Governor Phil Bredesen of physical disability. Pursuant to Tenn. Code. Ann. §17-2-116(a)(1), Governor Bredesen appointed Special Judge Amy Hollars to fill Turnbull’s seat while on disability status.
Judge Turnbull’s resignation creates a vacancy which will be filled by the governor after receiving a list of nominees from the Tennessee Judicial Selection Commission (JSC). The JSC will soon meet to evaluate applicants to fill this vacancy. The meeting will occur in the 13th Judicial District. The deadline to submit an application is April 22, 2009. For more information, please visit the Tennessee Court System’s website at (http://www.tncourts.gov).