Haslam Appoints John C. Rambo chancellor in 1st Judicial District

Replaces G. Richard Johnson who resigned effective June 30

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today appointed John C. Rambo as chancellor in the 1st Judicial District, replacing Chancellor G. Richard Johnson, who resigned effective June 30.  The 1st Judicial District serves Washington, Unicoi, Carter and Johnson counties.

“John’s depth of experience and diverse background will help him do an excellent job on the bench,” Haslam said.  “I am pleased to make this appointment, and the people in the district will benefit from his service.”

Rambo, 43, has served as Washington County attorney since 1999 and as municipal judge in Jonesborough since 2003.  He worked as a solo practitioner from 2008-2012, after work as a partner at Rambo, Wheeler & Seeley in 2005-2008, at Herrin, Booze Rambo Wheeler & Jenkins 2001-2005 and at Herrin, Booze & Rambo 1996-2001.

“I’m humbled by and grateful to Governor Haslam for the confidence he has placed in me with this appointment,” Rambo said.  “I can think of no greater honor than to serve the people of the First Judicial District as their Chancellor.

“This is a position of great public trust with many important responsibilities.  I pledge to be a judge who is both courteous and respectful to those who appear in the courtroom while maintaining a fierce vigilance for fairness and justice in the handling of all cases.  I look forward to working in all four counties of the district and spending time with the respective staff of each county to make the process as efficient as possible.”

Rambo received his juris doctorate in 1994 from Wake Forest University.  He earned a bachelor of science degree in 1991 at East Tennessee State University.  Rambo’s law practice has included work for public entities as well as private clients. He is a former Tennessee Municipal League Risk Management Pool defense attorney in Upper East Tennessee, defending municipalities in tort, property, civil rights and workers compensation cases.

He has trial experience in Chancery, Circuit and Federal courts.  As a general practitioner, he has handled wills, estates, probate, family law, personal injury and defense of various businesses.  As county attorney, Rambo has defended Washington County in civil rights actions, personal injury cases, zoning cases, employment claims, state and federal administrative law matters and construction claim arbitration.  He represented the Hampton Utility District of Carter County from 1996-2012.

Rambo and his wife, Siena, live in Jonesborough.