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Thursday, November 12, 2026Nov 12

3 vie for Chancery Court seat

Three local lawyers are competing for the job of Chancery Court judge in Hamilton County’s only contested judicial race.

Republican Jeff Atherton and Democrat Valerie Epstein are experienced Chattanooga trial attorneys. A third candidate, Arthur Grisham, is the oldest at 67 and is running as an independent.

A recent voluntary poll conducted by the Chattanooga Bar Association indicates that a majority of Chattanooga’s lawyers who regularly work in the courts believe that Grisham would be the best person for the job.

Chancery Court is a state court of equity where money disputes routinely are litigated and all probate, will and trust matters are processed.

The winner of the election will replace Howell Peoples, who retired in March. The term runs through 2014.