Bredesen Names Kelly First Judicial District Public Defender

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen today named attorney and Assistant Public Defender Jeffery C. Kelly to the First Judicial District’s Office of Public Defender post. Kelly will fill a vacancy created by the death of Bob Oaks in June.  

 

“I have great confidence in Mr. Kelly’s qualifications and his ability to perform the important work of the Office of the Public Defender for the First Judicial District,” Bredesen said. “He has worked in the Office of Public Defender as an assistant defender since the office was created in 1989 and is well respected in that role. I appreciate his willingness to serve the citizens of Tennessee in this capacity. I would also like to honor Bob Oaks and acknowledge his years of service to the state in this position. He will be greatly missed.”

 

Kelly has practiced law since 1987. During that time, he has worked as assistant public defender for the First Judicial District, which includes Carter, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties. He has also worked as an assistant public defender for the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy. 

 

“I greatly appreciate the confidence Governor Bredesen has shown in me by appointing me to this position,” said Kelly. “I’ll take this opportunity to provide quality and fair representation of our indigent clients in the First Judicial District. It is an honor to follow in the footsteps of my predecessor Bob Oaks, and I look forward to continuing my service to this community in this new role.” 

 

Kelly, 54, holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., and doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law in Knoxville. 

 

Kelly will serve as public defender until the next general election in August 2010 when he can run to retain the seat.