TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Kate Prince on Sep 6, 2022

Twentieth Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Phil Smith died unexpectedly on Sunday. He was 62. Former Gov. Phil Bredesen first appointed Smith to the bench in 2009. He was elected to the role in 2010, 2014 and 2022 and on Thursday had become the presiding judge of the 20th Judicial District. Before his time with the court, Smith was an assistant district attorney in the 20th Judicial District and later served as a special judge for the Davidson County 2nd Circuit Court, 5th Circuit Court, Probate Court and as a special referee for the Davidson County Juvenile Court. He also served as a hearing panel member on the Board of Professional Responsibility. In private practice, he worked for the Norman Law Firm and Robinson, Smith and Oglesby. The Administrative Office of the Courts has more on visitation and funeral arrangements for Smith.