I’m still a long way from retirement, but when the time comes I hope to look back on a long line of people I have helped.
Just like Circuit Judge David Allen.
Judge Allen retires August 3 after nine years serving the 22nd Judicial District, comprised of Lawrence, Wayne, Giles, and Maury Counties. Jessica “Jessie” Chandler Parrish, who was appointed to replace him, says he “has exemplified kindness, humility, and dedication” during his time on the bench. That pretty much sums it up.
I’m sure that description would also apply to his previous career as an attorney in Lawrenceburg. The choir at First United Methodist would probably say the same of his years as its director.
Judge Allen definitely demonstrated kindness, humility, and dedication in his work as this district’s first Recovery Court Judge. He helped get the program started in Lawrence County in 2018, and continued to serve as it expanded to the rest of the district.
In 2021, Judge Allen received a “Judges Making a Difference” award at the Tennessee Association of Recovery Court Professionals (TARCP) conference. He revealed his heart for people in an interview at that time.
“It is truly a privilege to serve as a Recovery Court judge. It is humbling, it is moving. It’s the most rewarding part of my job.” He said the experience changed the way he dealt with everyone who appeared before him.
“I see their humanity more clearly. As a judge it’s really easy to scold people, but they have no self-esteem to begin with and they feel about an inch tall.
“They’re going to get the same sentence no matter how you treat them. Being kind to them, giving them some modicum of respect, doesn’t mean you are soft or weak.”
Circuit Judge Chris Sockwell, another outstanding member of our Circuit bench, has stepped up to be the new Recovery Court Judge. I’m proud he is part of our Opioid Abatement Council, and that Judge Allen has agreed to continue to serve on it after his retirement. The council is charged with making decisions about how opioid settlement funds are spent in this community.
I’m also proud to welcome Judge Allen’s replacement on the bench. Judge Parrish is a Lawrence County native who earned her bachelor’s degree at Austin Peay and her Juris Doctor at the University of Memphis. She has worked the past six years as an Assistant District Attorney, first in Giles County, and then in Lawrence.
“We are going to miss Jessie sorely,” said District Attorney Brent Cooper. “Her intelligence, diligence, and great sense of fairness and justice made her a phenomenal Assistant District Attorney. Those qualities will definitely help her to be a great judge too.”
