William E. Phillips II Appointed to Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section
Summary
Governor Bill Lee appointed William E. Phillips II to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section. Phillips currently serves as Circuit Court Judge for the Third Judicial District of Tennessee. This appointment fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge D. Michael Swiney and is subject to confirmation by the Tennessee General Assembly.
What changed
Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of William E. Phillips II to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section. Phillips has been serving as Circuit Court Judge for the Third Judicial District and brings experience from his legal education at Sewanee: The University of the South and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
Affected parties should monitor for the General Assembly confirmation process, as this judicial appointment remains subject to legislative approval before taking effect. This appointment represents routine succession planning following Chief Judge D. Michael Swiney's retirement.
What to do next
- Monitor for General Assembly confirmation updates
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Gov. Lee Announces Key Judicial Appointment
Friday, February 13, 2026 | 12:00pm NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of William E. Phillips II to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section.
“I am proud to announce the appointment of Judge Phillips and value the significant experience he will bring to the Tennessee Court of Appeals,” said Gov. Lee. “Judge Phillips has been a faithful public servant, and I am confident he will continue to lead with integrity.”
William Phillips currently serves as a Circuit Court Judge for the Third Judicial District of Tennessee. Phillips earned his bachelor’s degree at Sewanee: The University of the South and juris doctor at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Phillips has been appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Judge D. Michael Swiney.
This appointment is subject to confirmation by the General Assembly.
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