In a recent announcement from the office of Governor Bill Lee, Tennesseans were introduced to the latest appointees who will soon be serving in key judicial and legal positions. “I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals and value the significant experience they will bring to their respective roles,” said Gov. Lee. The impact of these appointments on the legal landscape of Tennessee is anticipated to be significant, as each appointee prepares to assume their new responsibilities.
The three appointees announced are Chris Frulla for the Circuit Court Judge of the 30th Judicial District, Raymond Lepone as a Criminal Court Judge in the same district, and Thomas Dean stepping in as District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District. Frulla, a seasoned legal professional and partner at Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell, will be stepping into a vacancy created by a judge’s move to the appellate bench. Lepone transitions from his Assistant Attorney General role within the Criminal Appeals Division to fill the space left by a retiring judge. Meanwhile, Dean brings his experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Sumner County to his new role starting next Monday.
Notable in these appointments is the varied educational and professional backgrounds of the appointees. For instance, Frulla received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon before earning his juris doctor from Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. His appointment is effective immediately, filling the vacancy left by Judge Valerie Smith. Likewise, Lepone, who comes with a bachelor’s from Kennesaw State University and a juris master’s from the same law school as Frulla, steps into his role following Judge Paula Skahan’s retirement, effective immediately…