On Monday, a significant event took place in Courtroom A of the Lawrence County Courthouse, where city and county officials, along with local dignitaries and community members, came together to witness the ceremonial swearing-in of Circuit Judge Jessica “Jessie” Chandler Parrish. This occasion marked a pivotal moment as Parrish was appointed to succeed Judge David Allen, who recently retired after a commendable nine-year tenure serving the 22nd Judicial District.
Judge Allen’s contributions to the judiciary were noteworthy, and in 2021, he was honored with the Judges Making a Difference Award at the Tennessee Association of Recovery Court Professionals Conference, a testament to his impactful service. In contrast, Judge Parrish, a proud native of Lawrence County, brings her own impressive credentials to the bench. She completed her undergraduate studies at Austin Peay State University before earning her Juris Doctor from the University of Memphis.
For the past six years, Parrish has dedicated her career to public service as an assistant district attorney, initially in Giles County and subsequently in Lawrence County. Her extensive experience in the legal field positions her well to take on the responsibilities of her new role. The gathering of community members and officials underscored the importance of this transition and the hope for continued excellence in the judicial system.