Judge Adrienne Waters Ogle has been appointed as the first female circuit court judge in Tennessee's fourth judicial district. Governor Bill Lee's appointment of Judge Ogle marks a significant milestone for the district, which includes Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson, and Sevier counties.
“I am just so honored and glad,” said Judge Ogle. “I hope that more women are appointed or run for election, and I think that that’s a good thing just to have diversity on the bench.”
The position was established by the Tennessee legislature to address a backlog of civil cases in the district. Judge Ogle was sworn in swiftly after her appointment due to this need.
“It was a very quick thing,” she remarked. “Chancellor Ripley is our presiding judge, and he called me about 11 a.m. and asked if I could be at the courthouse at 12:45 p.m. So, I ran down there. My husband was able to come and my mom. My dad was out of town.”
Judge Ogle expressed readiness to tackle her new responsibilities despite the rapid transition. Her first case involved an order of protection docket.
“Judge [Jim] Gass, he was very kind and came to court and helped me and let me observe him,” she said.
Before this role, Judge Ogle served as a juvenile magistrate in Sevier County for ten years.
”If I’m not in court on Friday, it throws me off," she stated. "It will be nice that my career is evolving."
Her previous experience with children as a magistrate motivated her pursuit of becoming a judge.
“I’ve learned a lot about the impact a judge’s decision has on the everyday life of the parties that come in front of them,” Judge Ogle explained.
She attributes her interest in law to her parents' encouragement during childhood.
“I guess I liked to argue a little bit," she recalled.
Judge Ogle aims to inspire young girls through her example and public speaking engagements at schools.
“I think it’s a good thing to see for girls,” she said.
Reflecting on her historic appointment, Judge Ogle feels both honored and responsible.
“It feels great,” she concluded. “I am honored."
Prior to joining the circuit court, Judge Ogle worked as a partner at Green, Waters Ogle and McCarter Law Firm and served as Magistrate for Sevier County Juvenile Court. She completed her education at University of Tennessee where she earned both her bachelor's degree and juris doctor.