Haslam Appoints Johnson Circuit Court Judge For 21st Judicial District

Replaces Judge Timothy Easter
 
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today appointed Deanna Bell Johnson of Franklin as circuit court judge for the 21st Judicial District, filling the vacancy created when Judge Timothy Lee Easter was appointed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.
 
The 21st Judicial District includes Williamson, Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties. Johnson’s appointment is effective immediately.
 
“We are fortunate to have someone with this depth of experience to serve on the bench,” Haslam said. “I know Deanna will serve the citizens of the 21st District well.”
 
Johnson, 49, has conducted a solo practice in Franklin, working primarily in Middle Tennessee, since 2002.  She was an associate at Spicer, Flynn & Rudstrom in Nashville from 1998-2002, following work as a solo practitioner from 1993-1998.  Prior to that, she was an associate at King & Ballow in Nashville from 1991-1993.
 
In her 23 years of experience, Johnson has handled a diverse practice, involving both civil and criminal matters. She has represented large and small corporations, family businesses, insurance companies and government entities. Her clients have included companies in communications, transportation, entertainment, distribution, media, retail, insurance and manufacturing.
 
“I would like to thank Governor Haslam for entrusting me with this very important position,” Johnson said. “I am truly honored and I look forward to serving the needs of the people of this judicial district.”
 
Johnson received her law degree from DePaul University in Chicago in 1991 and received a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of Illinois in 1988.  She has practiced in state courts in more than 20 counties throughout Tennessee, including Williamson, Hickman and Lewis counties. She has also practiced in federal court, including the Middle District of Tennessee and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
 
Johnson has been a small business owner, including the Leiper’s Fork Market in Franklin, the Duck River Market in Duck River, TN, and the Pinewood General Store in Nunnelly, TN. She is married to state Sen. Jack Johnson, and they have three children, Mackenzie, Trevor and Walker.