Amy Hollars Appointed Circuit Judge in 13th Judicial District

Governor Phil Bredesen on Friday appointed Amy V. Hollars of Livingston to the Tennessee Circuit Court for the 13th Judicial District. Hollars will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of her father Judge John A. Turnbull. The 13th Judicial District is composed of Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White Counties.
“Amy Hollars has developed extensive civil trial experience in her career, and I’m confident her skills, education, and practice experience will serve her well in this capacity,” said Bredesen. “I am pleased to appoint Amy to this seat, and I appreciate her willingness to serve the citizens of the 13th Judicial District.”
Hollars previously served as a solo practitioner in Overton County as well as attorney for the City of Livingston from October 2007 through October 2008. She is a former partner in the Knoxville firm Hodges, Doughty, and Carson.
“I am honored to receive this appointment and appreciate the confidence Governor Bredesen has shown in me,” Hollars said. “I look forward to working with the litigants, attorneys, and the public at large, and I will endeavor to do the work of a trial judge with integrity, fairness, and diligence.”
Hollars was appointed as special circuit court judge for the 13th Judicial District by Governor Bredesen in October, 2008 after Judge Turnbull, submitted a notice of physical disability. 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.
Turnbull, who has held the position since 1989, is stepping down from the bench, effective June 15th. He was last elected in 2006 and his term expires in 2014.
Hollars was one of three persons who applied for the position. The other two were Algood attorney Wesley Thomas Bray and Cookeville attorney and former Criminal Court Judge Lillie Ann Sells.
Hollars will serve until the next regular election, which is in 2010. The person elected then will serve out the remainder of Turnbull’s term through 2014.
Hollars, 42, holds degrees from the university of the South and Vanderbilt University and received her Doctor of Juridpridence from the University of Tennessee College of Law. She previously 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.