Nashville, TN, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments has opened applications to fill a vacancy on the Tennessee Supreme Court due to Justice Holly Kirby’s upcoming retirement. Those interested must meet specific criteria including age, residency, and legal qualifications. Applications are due by October 22, 2025, with a Council meeting planned for November 25, 2025, to evaluate candidates. This appointment represents a significant opportunity for the Governor to influence the court’s direction.
Nashville, TN – The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments has officially opened applications to fill a vacancy on the Tennessee Supreme Court. This vacancy arises following the announcement of Justice Holly Kirby’s retirement, effective June 30, 2026. Justice Kirby’s departure signals an important opportunity for Governor Bill Lee to appoint his fourth justice to the court during his tenure.
To qualify for the position, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must be licensed attorneys, at least 35 years old, and residents of Tennessee for a minimum of five years. Additionally, they must live in either the Eastern or Western Grand Division of Tennessee. Interested candidates should complete the application found at www.TNCourts.gov.
Applications must be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts by 12:00 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. Required submission materials include an original signed and unbound application (the updated version was posted on November 28, 2022) along with writing samples, as well as a digital copy of the application and writing samples. Complete application instructions are available on the website. Early submissions are encouraged by the Council.
A meeting of the Council is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CST in the courtroom of the Nashville Supreme Court Building located at 401 7th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37219. For any questions related to the application process, contact AOC Assistant General Counsel Laura Blount at 615-741-2687 or [email protected].
Justice Holly Kirby has been a member of the Tennessee Supreme Court since 2014, having been appointed by former Governor Bill Haslam. She served as chief justice from 2023 until earlier this year and has been recognized for her contributions to the judiciary. Following her retirement, Chief Justice Jeff Bivins will be the only remaining appointee from Haslam.
In her announcement, Justice Kirby expressed gratitude for her tenure and emphasized the significance of integrity in public service. Her retirement presents a pivotal point in the court’s composition, influencing future judicial directions in the state.
Application Criteria
- Licensed attorney
- Minimum age of 35 years
- Resident of Tennessee for at least five years
- Resident of either the Eastern or Western Grand Division of Tennessee
Important Dates
- Application deadline: Wednesday, October 22, 2025, by 12:00 p.m. CDT
- Council meeting: Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CST
Contact Information
For questions regarding the application process, contact:
AOC Assistant General Counsel Laura Blount
Phone: 615-741-2687
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for submitting applications? Applications must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Who can apply for the Tennessee Supreme Court vacancy? Qualified applicants must be licensed attorneys, at least 35 years old, residents of Tennessee for at least five years, and residents of either the Eastern or Western Grand Division of Tennessee.
Where should applications be submitted? Applications must be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts.
When is the Council meeting scheduled? The Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CST.
Who should I contact if I have questions about the application process? Questions can be directed to AOC Assistant General Counsel Laura Blount at 615-741-2687 or [email protected].
Key Features of Tennessee Supreme Court Vacancy Applications
| Criteria for Applicants | Submission Details | Important Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed attorney | Original signed and unbound application along with writing samples | Application deadline: October 22, 2025, 12:00 p.m. CDT |
| At least 35 years old | Digital copy of the application with writing samples | Council meeting: November 25, 2025, 9:00 a.m. CST |
| Resident of Tennessee for five years | Application to be submitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts | |
| Resided in Eastern or Western Grand Division | Encouragement for early submissions |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Low Voter Turnout in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District Election
Judge Cheryl Blackburn Announces Retirement After 29 Years
Additional Resources
- Tennessee Tribune: Judicial Appointments
- Tennessean: Low Turnout Special Congressional Race
- Nashville Post: Governor Picks for Supreme Court
- Fox17: Tennessee Circuit Court Vacancy
- Nashville Banner: Tennessee Judicial Vacancy Applicants
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Supreme Court
- Google Search: Tennessee Supreme Court
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee Supreme Court
- Google News: Tennessee Supreme Court News
- Google Scholar: Tennessee Supreme Court
Author: HERE Nashville
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