Tennessee's bench just got a new addition, courtesy of Gov. Bill Lee. On Thursday, the Guv tapped Jeff Rader as the Special Judge for the Fourth Judicial District, which spans over Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson, and Sevier Counties. Rader packs a punch with a solid resume as a former judge and litigator. "Jeff Rader's decades of experience as a judge and litigator make him an exceptional choice for the Circuit Court in the Fourth Judicial District," Lee expressed his confidence in a statement.
Rader, having previously manned the bench in Sevier County's general sessions and juvenile courts since '98, takes the gavel following Rex Ogle's recent shuffle to disability status, all set for June 3. In addition to hitting the legal books at the University of Tennessee's College of Law, Rader earned his stripes—and his Bachelor's degree—from the same institution, founded the Sevier County Safe Baby Court and Workforce Probation and Recovery Court wearing his legal boots. Serving the mountains of East Tennessee, Rader's past gig at Ogle, Wynn and Rader from 1991-1998 shaped him before donning the robe.
Lee's nod to Rader stands as a testament to the governor's commitment to maintaining quality within the state's judiciary system. Grateful for Rader's open arms to the call of service, the governor remains "proud" to outfit the Fourth Judicial District Circuit Court with Rader's expertise.
What this means for the folks in Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson, and Sevier counties is a courthouse led by a man with a heavy-duty toolbox of both legal and practical street smarts. Under the mentor of judges like Rader, the courts have consistently been a cornerstone of the community, seeking to deliver justice and support reform initiatives. Keep your eyes peeled, because the Fourth Judicial District is poised for a new chapter under Rader's gavel.
