Lee named to state Supreme Court seat

Gov. Phil Bredesen on Monday appointed Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge Sharon Gail Lee to the state's Supreme Court.

Lee, who has served on the Tennessee Court of Appeals since 2004, fills a vacancy created by the recent retirement of Justice William M. "Mickey" Barker.

"I am confident she will bring the same level of honor and integrity to the Tennessee Supreme Court," Bredesen said of Lee. "I am very pleased she has agreed to accept this appointment."

Before being named to the Court of Appeals, Lee practiced law at J.D. Lee & Associates in Madisonville as well as various other partnerships and as a solo practitioner. Bredesen appointed her to the Tennessee Court of Appeals' Eastern Section in June 2004.

"I understand very well the impact the Court has on the lives of those who come before it," Lee said. "I will approach this new role with the recognition of how important it is that decisions be well-reasoned, grounded in the law, legally correct and issued in a timely manner.”

Lee, 54, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Tennessee and a law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law.

— Staff reports