Governor Appoints Amy Hollars as Special Circuit Court Judge for 13th Judicial District

A physical disability has forced Circuit Court Judge John Turnbull to take a temporary leave of absence from the bench.
Governor Phil Bredesen has appointed Judge Turnbull’s daughter, Amy V. Hollars of Livingston, to serve as special circuit court judge for the Thirteenth Judicial District in his absence, effective immediately. The Thirteenth Judicial District includes Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam and White Counties.
Hollars, who is currently a solo practitioner in Overton County, is a former partner in the Knoxville firm Hodges, Doughty and Carson.
“I appreciate Amy’s willingness to step in and serve the state as special judge during the absence of Judge John Turnbull,” Bredesen said. “I believe her skills, education and practice experience will serve her well in this temporary capacity.”
Judge Turnbull submitted a notice of physical disability due to a ruptured disc in his neck and back surgery. Tennessee law provides a process for the appointment of a special temporary judge in the event sickness or disability prevents a state judge from carrying out his or her duties. TCA Section 17-2-116 (a)(1) states: “the governor shall appoint and commission a special judge who shall have the same qualifications as the regular judge to attend and hold such courts for and during the absence or disability of any such judges.”
Hollars, 41, holds degrees from the University of the South and Vanderbilt University and received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Since 2002, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands. She and her husband James Hollars have three children.
“It is an honor to have the confidence of Governor Bredesen, and I am happy to be able to help out by serving in this capacity on a short term basis,” said Hollars. “I will bring to this appointment a strong work ethic and a commitment to fairness and good work for the people of the Thirteenth Judicial District.”