United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee
About This Court
The Western District of Tennessee is one of three federal judicial districts in Tennessee and falls within the Sixth Circuit. The district covers the western portion of the state, including Memphis, which serves as the primary seat of court operations and one of the largest cities in the mid-South region. The district also maintains a divisional presence in Jackson to serve the northern and eastern portions of the district's territory.
The district encompasses a geographically and economically diverse area, from urban Memphis along the Mississippi River to the more rural counties of western Tennessee. Memphis is a major hub for logistics, healthcare, and commerce, which shapes the character of federal litigation in the district.
As part of the Sixth Circuit, the district applies federal law consistent with precedents established by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and Federal Rules of Evidence, along with the court's local rules. Bankruptcy cases are handled by the companion Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Tennessee. Appeals go to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Divisions
Eastern Division (Jackson), Western Division (Memphis)
Caseload
The Western District of Tennessee sees a significant volume of criminal cases, including drug trafficking and firearms offenses, reflecting the district's urban center in Memphis. The court also handles substantial civil litigation involving commercial disputes, civil rights claims, and matters arising from the district's healthcare and logistics industries.
Bar Admission
Attorneys seeking admission to practice before the Western District of Tennessee must be admitted to the Tennessee bar or the bar of another state and must comply with the court's local rules governing admission. Applicants typically must submit an application, pay the required fee, and certify that they are in good standing in all jurisdictions where admitted.
Clerk's Office
167 North Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 495-1200
Active Judges 10
| Name | Appointed By | Confirmed | Law School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stanley Anderson | George W. Bush | 2008 | Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law |
| J. Breen | George W. Bush | 2003 | University of Tennessee College of Law |
| John Fowlkes | Barack Obama | 2012 | University of Denver College of Law (now Sturm College of Law) |
| Brian Lea | Donald J. Trump | 2026 | University of Georgia School of Law |
| Sheryl Lipman | Barack Obama | 2014 | New York University School of Law |
| Samuel Mays | George W. Bush | 2002 | Yale Law School |
| Jon McCalla | George H.W. Bush | 1992 | Vanderbilt University Law School |
| Mark Norris | Donald J. Trump | 2018 | University of Denver College of Law (now Sturm College of Law) |
| Thomas Parker | Donald J. Trump | 2018 | Vanderbilt University Law School |
| James Todd | Ronald Reagan | 1985 | Memphis State University (now University of Memphis) Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law |
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.