Former Chancellor Daryl Fansler Reflects on Career, Retirement

Fansler also remembers the late John Valliant Jr., a longtime Knoxville attorney

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:25am

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Daryl Fansler, a former chancellor in Knox County, Tennessee, is now retired from the bench and the law firm Bernstein, Stair & McAdams LLP. He reflects on his career, including his unexpected election defeat in 2014, and his current activities like co-teaching a Sunday school class. The story also includes a memorial for John Valliant Jr., a longtime Knoxville attorney who passed away recently.

Why it matters

Fansler's story provides insight into the life of a longtime public servant after leaving the bench, while the memorial for Valliant highlights the impact of an esteemed legal professional in the Knoxville community.

The details

Fansler, who served as a chancellor in Knox County for 16 years, was defeated in an upset election in 2014. He then joined the Bernstein law firm and specialized in mediation work. Now retired, Fansler spends time with family, does some fishing, and co-teaches a Sunday school class at Fountain City Presbyterian Church. He reflects on the changing political climate, noting the more partisan nature of politics today compared to when lawmakers like Howard Baker and Tip O'Neill worked together across the aisle. The story also includes a memorial for John Valliant Jr., a Knoxville attorney who practiced law for five decades and was known for maintaining friendships across the political spectrum.

  • Fansler was elected chancellor in 1998 and reelected in 2006.
  • Fansler was defeated in the 2014 election.
  • Valliant passed away on March 29, 2026.

The players

Daryl Fansler

A former chancellor in Knox County, Tennessee, who served on the bench for 16 years before being defeated in an upset election in 2014. He then joined the Bernstein law firm and specialized in mediation work before retiring.

John Valliant Jr.

A longtime Knoxville attorney who practiced law for five decades and was known for maintaining friendships across the political spectrum. He chaired the Knox County Democratic Party in 1982.

Don Grogan

Fansler's co-teacher for the Sunday school class at Fountain City Presbyterian Church.

Bob Collier

The late former teacher of the Sunday school class that Fansler and Grogan now lead.

Tim Hutchison

The Knox County sheriff who was replaced mid-term due to Fansler's 2006 ruling on term limits.

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What they’re saying

“When lawyers and people in the Courthouse started coming up to me (after the election), I had one month left to serve. It felt like I was in the receiving line at my own funeral. … It was heart-warming to learn how much I was valued.”

— Daryl Fansler, Former Chancellor

“Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”

— Proverbs 17:28

What’s next

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Wednesday in Trump v. Barbara, the birthright citizenship case.

The takeaway

Fansler's story highlights the changing nature of politics and the value of public service, even in the face of unexpected electoral defeats. Valliant's legacy underscores the importance of maintaining bipartisan relationships and working to improve the community.