Alumnus Spotlight Chancellor Frierson honored as Tennessee’s top trial judge Walters  State alumnus and Third Judicial District Chancellor Thomas R. Frierson II has been named outstanding  trial judge of the year by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates. Frierson, who attended Walters State in 1976-77, was selected by the group of more than 120 attor- neys from around the state who are members of ABOTA. The group feels that its award speaks to the fairness of judges because ABOTA membership is made up of  relatively equal numbers of civil plaintiff and civil defendant attorneys. The state ABOTA president, Greeneville attorney John T. Millburn Rogers, says Frierson is known for fairness and enjoys “the respect of every lawyer who appears before him.” Frierson says he is particularly honored to be recognized for the quality he considers essential for any judge. “Fairness, first and foremost, is necessary to help preserve confidence in the integrity of the system.” Frierson credits Walters State with helping him get the right start to his college experience that would eventually lead him to law school. “I am a big supporter of Walters State. I feel it provides a most valuable transition between high school and a four-year college or university. I am thankful that I chose Waters State because it was very challenging. Whenever I get a chance, I encourage those graduating from high school to give Walters State consideration,” Frierson said. Before this year, no East Tennessee judge had ever received one of ABOTA’s top honors. This year, remarkably, the organization’s other top honor also went to a  judge with strong connections to Walters State. Senior Judge William H. Inman, past president of  the Walters State Foundation, was named out- standing appellate judge of the year by ABOTA. Back to Hub main page