Haslam Appoints Wright Criminal Court Judge in 30th District

Fills Shelby County vacancy created by death of Judge W. Otis Higgs

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today appointed Glenn I. Wright as Criminal Court Judge in the 30th Judicial District, which serves Shelby County.  Wright is filling the vacancy created by the death of Judge W. Otis Higgs in February.

“Glenn has a distinguished career with 30 years of experience in Shelby County, and I know he will make an outstanding judge,” Haslam said.  “I am grateful for his willingness to serve the people of the 30th Judicial District.”

Wright, 57, has been in private practice in Memphis since 1992, in the Law Office of Glenn I. Wright since 2009 and at Stokes, Wilson & Wright from 1992-2009.  Previously, he served as assistant district attorney in the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office from 1984-1991 and assistant public defender in the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office from 1983-1984.

“I would like to thank Gov. Haslam for the opportunity to serve the people of Shelby County in this capacity,” Wright said. “The legal community suffered a tremendous loss with the death of Judge Otis Higgs. I intend to honor his legacy with my hard work and dedication.”

Wright has handled more than 150 jury trials and has handled death penalty cases both as a prosecutor and defense attorney.  

Wright received his juris doctorate from Memphis State University, now known as the University of Memphis, in 1982, after earning a bachelor’s degree from Memphis State in 1979.

He is a volunteer with the Saturday Legal Clinic program sponsored by Access to Justice. He is also a member of Cummings Street Baptist Church.

Wright and his wife, Linda, live in Memphis and have two grown children.