Governor Bredesen today appointed Michael H. Meares as Circuit Court Judge for Division II in the 5th Judicial District of Tennessee. Meares, who serves as a practicing attorney and partner at the law firm Dungan & Meares, fills the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge D. Kelly Thomas to the Court of Criminal Appeals.
“Judge Meares is an experienced legal professional who will serve our State in the highest tradition of the court,” Bredesen said. “He brings a reputation for fairness, wisdom and professionalism to his new post, and I want to thank him for his dedication to our state.”
Meares began his legal career in 1983 as an associate at the law firm of Shutts & Bowen in Miami, Florida and moved in 1986 to the law firm of Meares, Morton, Meares & Ansley in Maryville, Tennessee. He entered public service in 1989, as the first public defender for the 5th Judicial District.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve as Judge. I will work hard for all citizens and commit to being fair and following the law. We have a tradition of great Judges in Blount County and I am proud to have the opportunity to be counted among them.”
Meares received the Distinguished Service Award in 1980 from the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and has worked closely over the past ten years with Legal Aid of East Tennessee, serving on the Board and acting as co-chair for the annual fundraising campaign in Blount County. He has demonstrated his belief in making the legal system accessible to all and represents many pro bono clients referred to him from both Legal Aid of East Tennessee and other members of his community.
Meares, 51, graduated from Duke University and received his legal degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law. He attends Saint Andrews Episcopal Church and has served in several local organizations, including the United Way of Blount County, Blount County Adult Literacy, and the Community Action Agency. He was Chairman for the Blount County Democratic Party and has served as a board member for the Foothills Land Conservancy.