Attorney Tom Greenholtz was sworn in Friday morning as the new judge of Criminal Court's Division II.
The court has long been without a judge after Rebecca Stern resigned in mid-term and Governor Bill Haslam was deliberate in making the appointment.
Judge Greenholtz had initially planned to take part in a federal trial next week, then start his judicial duties. However, his partner at Chambliss, Bahner and Stophel, Hugh Moore Jr., said he will be handling the case.
Judge Greenholtz said he will get to work on the bench early next week.
Before a packed crowd in the Division II courtroom, former Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mickey Barker called him "an absolutely superb choice."
He said he had served three years as his law clerk, "and it was the best three years I ever had."
Judge Barker said he agreed to hire Tom Greenholtz after his former employer, Jerry Summers, told him he needed him because "he's smarter than you are."
He said, "His integrity is unassailable and his work ethic is unsurpassed."
Judge Greenholtz told the audience that he was "extremely humbled" by the opportunity.
He said it was also "bittersweet because I am leaving my family at Chambliss, Bahner and Stophel."
One reason he said he opted to seek the post was because "when the courts are functioning properly we all get to sleep better at night."
He also said it is also an opportunity for "protecting our constitutional values on a day-in and day-out basis."
Judge Greenholtz said he will not just work on the bench, but he plans to be out in the community "at schools, churches and community centers."
He also said he wants to set up a mentoring program so that youths can see what happens to those who violate the law.
He said he wants to help young people to get on the right track so they will not end up before him.