Haslam Appoints Smith Circuit Court Judge for 30th District

Replacement for the late Judge D’Army Bailey

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today appointed Valerie L. Smith as circuit court judge for the 30th Judicial District, which serves Shelby County.

Smith’s appointment fills the vacancy created last year by the death of Judge D’Army Bailey.

Smith, 40, has been an attorney at Nahon, Saharovich & Trotz in Memphis since 2006, where she has managed hundreds of cases and practiced extensively in court in Shelby County as well as circuit courts throughout the state, the Tennessee Claims Commission, bankruptcy court and federal court.

She served as assistant district attorney general in Shelby County from 2000-2006, where she worked on numerous jury and bench trials, managed various aspects of criminal prosecution and worked on special assignments including narcotics prosecution and the anti-gang unit.  Smith was a clerk for Shelby County Circuit Court Judge James F. Russell from 1999-2000.

“We’re fortunate to have someone with Valerie Smith’s experience to bring to the bench in the 30th District,” Haslam said. “Her service in the Shelby County District Attorney General’s office and her years of work in private practice have prepared her to serve the people of the 30th Judicial District well.”

“I am deeply humbled and thank Governor Haslam for this appointment,” Smith said. “I am honored and grateful for this opportunity to serve the citizens of Shelby County as a circuit court judge.” 

Smith received her law degree from the University of Memphis in 2000 after receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Memphis in 1997.

She has been involved in numerous community activities, including membership in the Junior League of Memphis since 2002 and the Mid-Town Memphis Rotary Club since 2011. Smith served as a board member for Mid-South Spay Neuter Services from 2012-2015 and for the Rotary Club from 2012-2014.