Tennessee Circuit Court Judge Appointed to Appeals Court

William E. Phillips II elevated to Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Division

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has appointed Circuit Court Judge William E. Phillips II to serve on the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Division. Phillips, who has served as a Circuit Court Judge for the Third Judicial District since 2021, was chosen from a group of three final nominees for the Appeals Court seat.

Why it matters

This appointment represents a significant career advancement for Judge Phillips and will bring his extensive legal experience to the state's appellate court. The vacancy left on the regional Circuit Court bench will also need to be filled, which could involve a Republican Party nomination process before the August general election.

The details

Phillips has nearly 24 years of legal experience, having worked as an attorney at Phillips & Hale for two decades before becoming a judge. He has also served as the City Attorney for Church Hill and Rogersville. Phillips was appointed to the Circuit Court in 2021 and won election to the position in 2022.

  • Governor Bill Lee announced Phillips' appointment in March 2026.
  • Phillips will succeed retiring Judge D. Michael Swiney on the Eastern Division Appeals Court.

The players

William E. Phillips II

A 49-year-old Circuit Court Judge for the Third Judicial District of Tennessee who is being elevated to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Division.

Bill Lee

The Governor of Tennessee who appointed Phillips to the Appeals Court seat.

D. Michael Swiney

The retiring Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Division judge that Phillips will succeed.

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What they’re saying

“I am proud to announce the appointment of Judge Phillips and value the significant experience he will bring to the Tennessee Court of Appeals. Judge Phillips has been a faithful public servant, and I am confident he will continue to lead with integrity.”

— Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee (wgrv.com)

What’s next

Phillips' appointment to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Division is subject to confirmation by the state's General Assembly.

The takeaway

This judicial appointment represents a career milestone for Judge Phillips and will bring his extensive legal experience to the state's appellate court. The vacancy left on the regional Circuit Court bench will also need to be filled through a Republican Party nomination process before the August general election.