TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Sep 10, 2020

Chief U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee Pamela L. Reeves passed away today at the age of 66 after a battle with cancer. Though she was diagnosed in late 2018, Reeves continued her judicial duties without interruption and in April 2019 became the first female Chief Judge for the Eastern District. Tributes have been pouring in for Reeves, who was also the first female president of the Tennessee Bar Association. Her predecessor, U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan, called Reeves’ death a blow to the legal community. “Pam's contributions to the legal profession and our community were immense, and her service to the Eastern District as a judge and as chief judge was invaluable,” he said. Attorney General Herbert Slatery released a statement this afternoon commending Reeves’ perseverance and many accomplishments, noting she “not only accomplished a lot against long odds, she did it with a grace and determination rarely seen.” The TBA has created a webpage for members of the legal community to leave comments or memories about Judge Reeves.