Haynes Announces Retirement After 29 Years on the Bench

Haynes began her judicial career in 1982 as a Davidson County General Sessions Court judge. In 1990, Haynes was elected circuit court judge in the 20^th Judicial District, which serves Davidson County.

Prior to taking the bench, Haynes was a partner at the law firm of Haynes and Haynes. She also served as a legal assistant on a congressional staff.

“Judge Haynes represents everything a person could want in a judge – she’s bright, uses common sense, is fair and impartial, and has dedicated her heart and soul to the judiciary,” said Supreme Court Chief Justice Cornelia A. Clark. “We can’t thank her enough for all that she has done for the judiciary. Although the court system is losing a dedicated and talented public servant, I’m excited that she will have the opportunity to spend more time pursuing her interests and giving back to the Nashville community.”

“Judge Haynes has been a valuable member of the court system,” said Judge Joe P. Binkley Jr., presiding judge of the Davidson County trial courts. “She has held numerous leadership positions throughout the judicial system and in the Nashville community. Our courts won’t be the same without her.”

In 1986, Gov. Lamar Alexander appointed Haynes as Chair of the Tennessee Sentencing Commission, a position she held until 1994. She served as president of the Tennessee General Sessions Judges’ Conference in 1988.

An active member of the Nashville community, Haynes has received numerous awards for championing women’s issues. In 2010, Haynes was one of seven women inducted into the YWCA’s Academy for Women of Achievement; and in 1989, the Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women named her Woman of the Year. Last year, she also received the Tennessee Bar Association’s award for outstanding judicial service.

Haynes received her undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee and her law degree from Nashville School of Law.

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