Pamela L. Reeves facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pamela L. Reeves
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Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee | |
In office April 1, 2019 – September 10, 2020 |
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Preceded by | Thomas A. Varlan |
Succeeded by | Travis Randall McDonough |
Judge of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee | |
In office March 7, 2014 – September 10, 2020 |
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Appointed by | Barack Obama |
Preceded by | Thomas W. Phillips |
Succeeded by | Katherine A. Crytzer |
Personal details | |
Born |
Pamela Lynn Reeves
July 21, 1954 Marion, Virginia, U.S. |
Died | September 10, 2020 Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. |
(aged 66)
Spouse | Charles Swanson |
Children | 2 |
Education | University of Tennessee (B.A.) University of Tennessee College of Law (J.D.) |
Pamela Lynn Reeves (July 21, 1954 – September 10, 2020) was a very important judge in the United States. She was the main judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. She made history as the first woman to hold this job in that area.
Early Life and Learning
Pamela Reeves was born in Marion, Virginia, in 1954. She was a brilliant student. She graduated with top honors from the University of Tennessee in 1976. She earned a degree in history. Later, she studied law at the same university. She became a lawyer in 1979.
Her Work as a Lawyer
After law school, Pamela Reeves worked at several law firms. She helped people with legal issues. In 2002, she started her own law firm in Knoxville, Tennessee. There, she focused on helping people solve problems at work and with contracts. She also worked on cases where people felt they were treated unfairly.
Pamela Reeves was a leader in the legal community. From 1998 to 1999, she was the first woman to be President of the Tennessee Bar Association. This is a group for lawyers in Tennessee. In 2019, she received special awards from this association. The University of Tennessee also honored her for her achievements.
Becoming a Federal Judge
On May 16, 2013, President Barack Obama chose Pamela Reeves to become a federal judge. This meant she would serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The U.S. Senate voted to approve her nomination. On March 7, 2014, she officially became a judge.
On April 1, 2019, Judge Reeves became the Chief Judge of the court. This was a very important role. She was the first woman to hold this position in the Eastern District of Tennessee.
Her Passing
Pamela Reeves passed away on September 10, 2020. She died from cancer.