Governor Phil Bredesen today announced that Nashville attorney David "Randy" Kennedy will fill a position in the 20th Judicial District, Division VII Circuit Court. The position was vacated by Judge Frank Clement, Jr., last month when he was appointed by Bredesen to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Middle Section. Division VII is designated to hear all probate cases in Davidson County, as well as other civil cases.
Kennedy has practiced law in Nashville for 25 years. He began his career as an attorney with Lancaster & Farmer, Attorneys. He worked in various capacities in solo practice or with associations of attorneys until 1997, when he became managing and senior attorney with Kennedy & Brown.
"I am honored to have been chosen to serve in the Circuit Court and I'm prepared to carry out the duties of this important position with the highest degree of fairness and integrity," said Kennedy.
"I consider it a great privilege to have been chosen to serve." Kennedy, 53, holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), Murfreesboro, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Nashville School of Law. He is a member of the Nashville Bar Association, Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the Tennessee Bar Association. He served as Metro Councilman for the 13th District from 1989 to 1995, and has served on the Metro Charter Revision Commission since 1996. From 1996 to 1997, he served as vice chairman of government relations and community affairs and executive committee member for the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce.
He was selected to the Class of 1993 "Fellows" of the Nashville Bar Association, and in 1986 was elected chairman of the Tennessee Bar Association's General Practice Section. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the President's Advisory Council for MTSU and the National Eagle Scout Association.
Kennedy's Division VII Circuit Court appointment will become effective upon taking the oath of office. He will stand for election in 2004 for the remainder of Clement's unexpired term. There will then be an election for a full eight-year term in 2006. This marks Bredesen's eighth judicial appointment since taking office January 18.