Bredesen
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) - Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen couldn't find Chattanooga attorney John McClarty a spot on the state Supreme Court, so he did the next best thing.
Bredesen appointed McClarty to the state's Court of Appeals Wednesday, nearly four months after he passed him over for a spot on the Supreme Court. Instead, he chose then-Court of Appeals Judge Sharon Lee.
McClarty is now taking Lee's spot on that court.
"John McClarty has developed extensive civil and criminal trial experience in his career, and I am confident he will carry out his duties on the Court of Appeals in the same thoughtful and professional manner in which he has practiced law in Tennessee for more than 30 years," Bredesen said.
"I am pleased to appoint John to this seat, and I appreciate his willingness to serve in this position."
McClarty, 60, received his law degree from Southern University and is a veteran of the U.S. Army and associate pastor of the Warren Chapel A.M.E. Church.
"I am honored to be appointed by Governor Bredesen to serve the citizens of Tennessee on the Court of Appeals," McClarty said.
"I bring to this appointment a commitment to equal justice under the law for all parties and my belief that the business of the court should be conducted in a manner that demonstrates respect and dignity for all who come before it."
McClarty served as a judge in Hamilton County's juvenile court in 1990.
From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at john@legalnewsline.com.