Newly appointed 22nd Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Jessica Parrish attributes her interest in law to a summer school program she attended during high school. Describing herself as a reader and analytical thinker, Judge Parrish did not initially consider a legal career until she participated in the Junior Statesmen of America Summer School.
“I went to Junior Statesmen of America Summer School when I was in high school,” said Judge Parrish. “I got to go to the Capitol, the Embassy and take government classes at Georgetown University. I remember coming home and telling my family ‘I think I want to become a lawyer.’ I met a lot of lawyers, and they are doing some amazing stuff.”
This experience set her on the path to law school, where she defined her areas of practice over time. Her aspiration to become a judge emerged during her tenure as a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office.
“I have been encouraged several times over the years by older members of the bar that I would be a good judge,” she stated. Observing Judge Heffington’s appointment further inspired her decision.
Judge Parrish was officially sworn in on August 5, 2024, as the 22nd Judicial District Circuit Court Judge. The ceremony took place in Lawrence County, with several community members participating.
“I did it here in Lawrence County, which is my home county where I grew up,” said Judge Parrish. “Judge Park presided over the ceremony. My preacher at church came and did the invocation. My niece sang the Star Spangled Banner. Our circuit court clerk and his daughter did The Pledge of Allegiance. Judge Caleb Bayless spoke.”
A notable moment for Judge Parrish was being sworn into office by retired Supreme Court Justice Roger A. Page, under whom she had previously served as a clerk.
“I was extremely honored by that,” she expressed. “He’s been a great friend and mentor to me as I’ve gone from being a young lawyer to where I am today.”
On her first day on the bench, Judge Parrish experienced nervous excitement about transitioning from an advocate role to that of a judge.
“I had all of these judges tell me the change in you is significant, from being an advocate to being a judge,” said Judge Parris. “It was that first day on the bench that I fully understood what that meant and that you have completely changed perspectives in the courtroom.”
Reflecting on her new role, she shared her appreciation for serving as an impartial figure within judicial proceedings.
“I really like entering this neutral role as a judge and just trying to do the right thing,” she noted.
Judge Parrish succeeds retired Circuit Court Judge David Allen and previously worked as Assistant District Attorney in Giles and Lawrence counties. She graduated from Austin Peay State University and attended law school at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.