NASHVILLE-Governor Phil Bredesen last week appointed Amy V. Hollars of Livingston to the Tennessee Circuit Court for the Thirteenth Judicial District.  Hollars will fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge John A. Turnbull. 

The Thirteenth Judicial District is composed of Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam and White Counties.  Clay County native and Putnam County attorney Wes Bray was also an applicant for the job, along with former area judge Lillie Ann Sells of Cookeville.

“Amy Hollars has developed extensive civil trial experience in her career, and I’m confident her skills, education and practice experience will serve her well in this capacity,” said Bredesen.  “I am pleased to appoint Amy to this seat, and I appreciate her willingness to serve the citizens of the Thirteenth Judicial District.” 

Hollars previously served as a solo practitioner in Overton County as well as attorney for the City of Livingston from October 2007 through October 2008.  She is a former partner in the Knoxville firm Hodges, Doughty and Carson. 

“I’m honored to receive this appointment and appreciate the confidence Governor Bredesen has shown in me,” Hollars said.  “I look forward to working with the litigants, attorneys and the public at large, and I will endeavor to do the work of a trial judge with integrity, fairness and diligence.”

Hollars was appointed as special circuit court judge for the Thirteenth Judicial District by Governor Bredesen in October 2008 after Judge Turnbull submitted a notice of physical disability. Tennessee law provides a process for the appointment of a special temporary judge in the event sickness or disability prevents a state judge from carrying out his or her duties.