Gov. Lee appoints three new judicial positions in Maury, Sumner and Shelby counties

Gov. Bill Lee announced this week his appointments of three key judicial positions.

Appointments include Jennifer Nichols to the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, Jessica Parrish to the 22nd Judicial District Circuit Court and Jim Newson to the 30th Judicial District Chancery Court. The 30th Judicial District serves Shelby County.

The 18th Judicial District covers Sumner County, while the 22nd Judicial District covers Giles, Lawrence, Maury and Wayne counties.

“I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to their respective roles,” Lee stated in a press release. “I appreciate their leadership and am confident they will serve Tennesseans with integrity.”

Nichols currently serves as assistant district attorney for the 18th Judicial District. She earned her bachelor’s degree at University of Alabama and juris doctor at Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. Nichols has been appointed to a new judicial position created by the General Assembly, effective Sept. 1.

Parrish currently serves as assistant district attorney for the 22nd Judicial District. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Austin Peay State University and juris doctor at Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law at University of Memphis. Parrish has been appointed to succeed retiring Judge David. L. Allen, effective Aug. 3.

"It means a lot to me to be able to step into this new role and represent the state of Tennessee and it's people in this way," Parrish said. "I am extremely honored and humbled by the appointment."

District Attorney Brent Cooper of the 22nd Judicial District said he believes Parrish will "serve the position well," as she was his assistant DA for many years.

"She's been a phenomenal prosecutor, and I think she will make a fantastic judge," Cooper said. "She's been great, and we are going to miss her on our staff."

Newsom currently serves as special counsel at the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Rhodes College and juris doctor at Vanderbilt School of Law. Newsom has been appointed as special judge during Chancellor Jim Kyle’s disability status, effective immediately.

"The entire Attorney General's Office is keeping Chancellor Kyle and his family in our prayers as he steps away from the bench after many years of distinguished service to the State,” said Tennessee Attorney General Skrmetti. “We are so proud of Jim Newsom for returning to the bench in Chancellor Kyle's absence. Jim's brilliant mind and unfailing integrity will serve Shelby County well."

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Gov. Lee appoints three new judicial positions in Maury, Sumner and Shelby counties