Chancellor Daniel Forrester was elected to the 7th Judicial District Chancery Court in August 2024, achieving a significant milestone in his legal career. His election followed victories in both the primary and general elections.
“I’d been practicing for about 18 years, and it seemed like the perfect time if I was going to attempt to do it to do so,” Forrester stated.
Forrester's swearing-in ceremony took place on August 30, officiated by Circuit Court Judge Ryan Spitzer. “We were very excited and happy,” he expressed. “All of my family was in attendance, and a good deal of the attorneys and other bar members. I was very excited and very happy to finally get to start.”
In his new role, Forrester has found particular satisfaction in overseeing adoptions. “I love doing the adoptions,” he noted. “It’s always been a favorite in private practice and when we get to do them, they’re always happy. You have a courtroom full of families and people, and they’re always wonderful. It’s one of the few things we get to do as judges and attorneys where everyone’s smiling and happy to be there.”
Reflecting on his journey to becoming a chancellor, Forrester credits a criminal law professor at East Tennessee State University with igniting his interest in law. “She would have us read cases, criminal law cases, and pick out the issues with fact patterns and I loved it.”
This passion led him to Florida Coastal University Law School in Jacksonville, Florida. Recalling that time, he said, “I thought the beach was a good idea at the time,” adding humorously that despite being near the beach at age 22, he spent most of his time studying.
Offering advice for aspiring judges, Forrester emphasized experience: “I would say definitely have experience,” he advised. “If you’re going to be a criminal court judge, make sure that’s something you do. I’m a chancellor, so I did a whole bunch of family law and things that I hear in court all the time. If that was my goal, I would at least make sure I had practice and experience in the court I was trying to be appointed to.”
Looking forward, Chancellor Forrester envisions remaining on the bench until retirement. “I tell my assistant, hopefully we are staying here until we retire.”