Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced the 11 members of the Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments on Monday, and named Rosemarie Hill of Chattanooga to the list.
Hill is a shareholder at Chambliss Bahner & Stophel P.C., and chairs the Labor and Employment division of the firm.
"I didn't expect this appointment at all," Hill said. "I am delighted and honored."
The Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments is responsible for recommending three candidates to the governor to fill vacancies for Tennessee trial and appellate courts.
"What I really think my responsibility is, is to assure that the very best and most qualified people get in front of the governor, so he can make the right choice for judges," Hill said.
The council was established by executive order following the passage of the amendment to Article VI, Section 3 of the Tennessee Constitution in the November election. The amendment gives the governor the responsibility of selecting appellate judges for a full term or to fill a vacancy. The candidate must be confirmed by the General Assembly, and thereafter elected in a retention election by Tennessee voters.
In a written statement, Haslam said, " This council will ensure that we continue to have a strong, independent and impartial judicial system in our state."
Hill said, "I think we are going to hit the ground running. I think there is work to be done."