Bredesen Appoints McClarty to Court of Appeals
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 | 05:57am
NASHVILLE - Governor Phil Bredesen today appointed John Westley McClarty to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section. McClarty, who is a solo practitioner in Chattanooga, Tenn., fills a vacancy created in September by the Governor’s appointment of Sharon Gail Lee to the Tennessee Supreme Court.
“John McClarty has developed extensive civil and criminal trial experience in his career, and I am confident he will carry out his duties on the Court of Appeals in the same thoughtful and professional manner in which he has practiced law in Tennessee for more than 30 years,” said Bredesen. “I am pleased to appoint John to this seat, and I appreciate his willingness to serve in this position.”
McClarty, 60, has been a member of the Chattanooga Bar Association and the Chattanooga Trial Lawyers Association since 1976. A member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and the National Bar Association, he received a Bachelor of Science from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn., and a Juris Doctor Degree from the Southern University School of Law in Baton Rouge, La.
“I am honored to be appointed by Governor Bredesen to serve the citizens of Tennessee on the Court of Appeals,” said McClarty. “I will bring to this appointment a commitment to equal justice under the law for all parties and my belief that the business of the court should be conducted in a manner that demonstrates respect and dignity for all who come before it.”
A U.S. Army veteran, McClarty received the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Army Commendation Medal for his service. He served previously as Chair of the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance and the Hamilton County Police Department Civil Service Board. McClarty is a lifetime member of the NAACP and associate pastor of the Warren Chapel A.M.E. Church.