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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has named Lakeway Area attorney Mark Stapleton to fill the Third Judicial District Circuit Court vacancy created when William E. Phillips II was appointed to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section.

“It’s an honor to have been thoroughly vetted by the Governor and his staff and ultimately receive this judicial appointment. I am looking forward to the opportunity of getting to work for the people of the 3rd Judicial District,” Stapleton said. “This judicial seat demands integrity, honesty and fairness. My goal is to give this community what this judicial seat demands.”

The seat will remain up for grabs in the August primary and, ultimately, the November general election.

Originally Stapleton, Crystal Jessee and Aaron Chapman qualified in August for the primary. However, Chapman has suspended his campaign, leaving Stapleton and Jessee to vie for the seat.

As appointee, no matter the result of the August primary, Stapleton will serve through the November General Election until the winner can be sworn in.

“I will be campaigning through August to the general election and would greatly appreciate everyone paying attention to this race and voting in August,” Stapleton said.

Stapleton brings over 35 years of extensive legal experience to the table.

He is a Certified Civil Trial Specialist and is also certified in Civil Pretrial Advocacy, distinctions that reflect his depth of experience, professionalism, and commitment to the highest standards of the legal profession.

He has handled cases across the southeast, litigated numerous jury and bench trials, and still brings a local, hometown feel to what is a very successful litigation practice.

Stapleton’s vast educational background reflects a broad and accomplished career. He graduated from the University of Tennessee and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he earned a Master of Public Health. He graduated law school from Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and completed post-doctoral legal studies at DePaul University College of Law in Chicago.

Stapleton is a fourth-generation Hawkins County native who spent his youth in Rogersville where his family’s roots run deep.

His upbringing was shaped by a strong tradition of service with family members having served in the military and local law enforcement.

Stapleton has lived in Hamblen County since the early 1990’s, where he raised his family and remains deeply connected to the community. His wife, Julianne, a Hamblen County native, served as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner for over 30 years, providing dedicated care to generations of local families.

Together, Mark and Julianne have three children. His son Gabe is an attorney and married to his wife, Hunter, who stays at home raising their two children, Henry and Blake. Julianne’s daughter, Madison, is an Occupational Therapist and married to Tyler Sandstrom, a chiropractor practicing in Hamblen County. Julianne’s youngest son, Grant, serves as plant manager for his father at a local company that has been operating since the early 1980’s. Grant is married to Malayna, a kindergarten teacher in the Hamblen County public school system.