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WHO: Newly sworn-in Chief Justice Cornelia (Connie) Clark of the Tennessee Supreme Court.

WHEN: 12 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2.

WHERE: UT College of Law room 132.

BACKGROUND:

Chief Justice Clark of the Tennessee Supreme Court will speak to members of the law school community about her career. Earlier today, Clark was sworn into office at the historic courthouse in Franklin, Tenn., making her the second woman in the state’s history to serve as chief justice. Justices Janice Holder, William Koch Jr., Gary Wade and Sharon Lee also will be in attendance.

Media is invited to cover the event.

Clark is the second Tennessee Chief Justice to speak at the College of Law the day following her swearing-in ceremony. Former Chief Justice Janice Holder also addressed the law school community the day following her swearing-in ceremony.

Clark has been a member of the Supreme Court since September 2005. Prior to her appointment to the Supreme Court, Clark served as director of the Administrative Office of the Courts (1999-2005), as circuit court judge for the 21st Judicial District (1989-1999), and as an attorney with Farris, Warfield & Kanaday, now Stites & Harbison.

She earned a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University, a master’s in teaching from Harvard University and a law degree from Vanderbilt University.

Before attending law school, Clark taught high school history and government for four years. She was recently named Appellate Judge of the Year by the Southeastern Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates. She previously was recognized by the Williamson County Bar Association with its inaugural Liberty Bell Award for promoting a better understanding for the rule of law and encouraging civic responsibility.

CONTACT:

Kristi Hintz (865-974-3993, khintz@utk.edu)