(MURFREESBORO) On Monday (6/8/2020) Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon Lee conducted the swearing-in ceremony for Jo Atwood, the first female judge to serve the 16th Judicial District of Rutherford and Cannon counties.

Last month Governor Bill Lee announced the appointment of Bonita Jo Atwood to fill the vacancy created this past March when the Honorable Royce Taylor retired.

The governor said, "Jo Atwood is an experienced litigator with the right temperament to serve on the bench. I'm proud to nominate her for the Circuit Court and thank her for her willingness to serve the people of Tennessee."

"Bonita Jo Atwood is an experienced litigator with the right temperament to serve on the bench," said Governor Lee. "I'm proud to nominate her for the Circuit Court and thank her for her willingness to serve the people of Tennessee."

Atwood has served as a managing partner at Atwood and Moore since 1995, representing more than 7,000 clients in a wide scope of civil litigation. She previously practiced law in the Law Offices of Henry, Kious & Hall.

She earned her J.D. from the Nashville School of Law and Bachelor of Science cum laude from Tennessee Tech University. She currently resides in Murfreesboro and is a charter member of the Middle Tennessee Lawyers Association for Women.

August 6, 2020 Election

This appointment enables Judge Atwood to serve until the next election, which will be August 6, 2020.

If you live in Rutherford or Cannon counties, and are not registered to vote--you must register prior to July 7, 2020. Early voting is July 17 - August 1, 2020. Election day is Thursday, August 6, 2020.