Judge Jennifer Nichols was sworn in as the newest circuit court judge for the 18th Judicial District on August 22 at the Sumner County Courthouse. Her 4-year-old granddaughter, Ann Campbell Boulki, held the Bible during the oath of office.
“That was just beyond special,” said Judge Nichols. “She’s got my heart, alright, in the fact that she was old enough to do that. She did great. She was excited. She kept announcing to people, judges, court officers, anybody, ‘I’m the Bible holder.’ It was really special. I hope one day she’ll look at the pictures and remember it.”
The standing-room-only crowd also heard remarks from Judge Nichols’ former neighbor and friend of 25 years, Chief Justice Holly Kirby.
“Now, even though I couldn’t have foreseen this winding path for my friend Jennifer, I can see now that it was always God’s plan for her,” said Chief Justice Kirby. “To fulfill her destiny here as a trial judge in Sumner County, where it seems she was always meant to be. But the real gift is for Sumner County. There are already some of the finest judges in our state right here in the 18th Judicial District. Jennifer Nichols will fit that tradition of excellence. Sumner County is getting a judge who’s smart, fair, wise, principled, and respectful of all. Someone who’s born to be a trial judge.”
Governor Bill Lee appointed Judge Nichols to the circuit court on July 9 after choosing from three nominees recommended by the Trial Court Vacancy Commission. The judgeship in the 18th Judicial District was created by the Tennessee General Assembly.
“I mean truthfully; I’m ready to work and work hard. That’s what it will take. Of the four trial judges here, I’m the only one that’s a hybrid. We have one criminal court judge, one chancellor and one circuit court judge for now and I’ll be doing all three.”
The hybrid role is a challenge Judge Nichols is embracing.
“I’ve been blessed with a breadth of experience few have had. I practiced civil law in Florida before I moved to Tennessee and served as in-house counsel for the Postal Service. I’ve handled a wide array of criminal cases from small offenses up to multiple murder cases first in Shelby County and now in Sumner County. As DCS Commissioner, I gained insight into challenges families face across our state. These experiences gave me a firm grounding in civil and criminal law and a rich understanding of humanity."
"My tenure as a judge in Shelby, though brief," she continued "left me convinced that serving as a trial judge is the highest and best use of my gifts."
"I will serve honorably and treat all in my court with respect,” concluded Judge Nichols.
Judge Nichols received her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.