Pamela Reeves

The new Reeves Institute for Professional Leadership has been dedicated at the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law. It honors the late Judge Pamela L. Reeves, the first woman to serve as judge and then chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee.

Judge Reeves died in September 2020.

Her husband, Knoxville Law Director Charles Swanson, presided over the dedication.

“Pam’s life was so often centered on engaging young leaders, especially young lawyers with potential to be great leaders, and in providing opportunities for those young leaders to realize their potential,” said Swanson.

“It is so gratifying for our whole family to see that legacy continue in the work of the Reeves Institute for Professional Leadership.” Their children, Amanda Swanson and Reedy Swanson, also attended the dedication.

Reeves graduated from the Winston College of Law in 1979 and built a career in litigation, mediation and public service. She was the first female president of the Tennessee Bar Association.

The naming was made possible through a gift from Malinda and George T. “Buck” Lewis. Buck Lewis is the Larry Wilks Distinguished Practitioner in Residence and co-founder of the Institute for Professional Leadership. He graduated from Winston Law in 1980, making him a contemporary of Reeves.

Kate Schaffzin is director of the Reeves Institute and is the Douglas A. Blaze Distinguished Professor of Law. The Reeves Institute will build on its original commitment to prepare ethical, service-minded lawyer leaders, she said.

This information was pulled from the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law newsletter. Read more here.

Griswold is new clerk of TN appellate courts

Scott Griswold

The Tennessee Supreme Court has named J. Scott Griswold clerk of the appellate courts. In this role, Griswold will serve the Supreme Court as well as the Court of Appeals and Court of Criminal Appeals. He will oversee staff at offices in Jackson, Nashville and Knoxville. He started July 1, 2026.

Griswold was appointed Clerk and Master of the Knox County Chancery Court in August 2022 by Chancellors John F. Weaver and Christopher D. Heagerty and then-Chancellor-elect Richard “Bud” Armstrong. He replaced Howard G. Hogan who retired after 24 years in the position.

Previously, Griswold was a shareholder in private practice with Long, Ragsdale & Waters P.C. He served as a law clerk for the Hon. William M. Barker when he was chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court. Griswold holds a law degree from the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law and undergraduate degrees in accounting and political science from Middle Tennessee State University.

Jeff Bivins, chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court, said Griswold brings proven leadership to his new job. “His years as the Knox County Clerk and Master gave him firsthand knowledge of the demands on our courts and the importance of efficient, accessible operations.

“He also led significant efforts to modernize technology within the Knox County court system, guiding improvements that strengthened service to the public and enhanced internal processes. As Tennessee undertakes a statewide initiative to modernize and standardize court technology, Scott’s expertise will be invaluable.”

Notes & Quotes

David Carter Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, was arrested by the U.S. Park Police on June 19, 2026, and accused of destroying government property. Hearn represented the USA as a canoeist in 1992, 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics. He says he stuck his hand into the Reflecting Pool to feel the peeling paint. He denies removing anything. He was indicted on one charge of felony destruction of property on July 2, 2026. This may become a capital case. Stay tuned.

Knox County needs a new Clerk and Master since Scott Griswold has taken a job with the state. If interested, call your favorite chancellor.

Quote: In America, where the electoral process is drowning in commercial techniques of fund-raising and image-making, we may have completed a circle back to a selection process as unconcerned with qualifications as that which made Darius King of Persia. … he whose horse was the first to neigh at sunrise should be King. – Barbara Tuchman, historian.

Sandra Clark writes daily at KnoxTNToday. The Let’s Talk series features law, neighbors, schools, leaders, and outdoors. Enjoyed this article? Read more Let’s Talk – Law columns by Sandra Clark.

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