Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr.
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Judge Crenshaw in 2015
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| Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee | |
| In office April 15, 2017 – April 15, 2024 |
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| Preceded by | Kevin H. Sharp |
| Succeeded by | William L. Campbell Jr. |
| Judge of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee | |
| Assumed office April 12, 2016 |
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| Appointed by | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | William Joseph Haynes Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 17, 1956 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Education | Vanderbilt University (BA, JD) |
Waverly David Crenshaw Jr. (born December 17, 1956) is an important federal judge who served in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. He was the main judge, called the Chief Judge, for this court from 2017 to 2024.
Contents
About Judge Crenshaw
Early Life and Education
Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr. was born on December 17, 1956, in Nashville, Tennessee. He attended Vanderbilt University, where he earned a college degree in 1978. After that, he continued his studies at Vanderbilt University Law School. He received his law degree in 1981.
After law school, he worked as a law clerk from 1981 to 1984. A law clerk helps judges with their research and paperwork. He assisted judges in Davidson County, Tennessee, and also Judge John Trice Nixon of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee. From 1984 to 1987, he served as an assistant attorney general for the State of Tennessee. In this role, he helped the state government with various legal matters.
A Career in Law
From 1987 to 1990, Crenshaw worked as an associate at a law firm. An associate is a lawyer who works for a firm but is not yet a partner. In 1990, he joined the law firm of Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP. He became a partner at this firm in 1994. This was a significant achievement, as he was the first African-American attorney and partner at the firm. He specialized in labor and employment law, which focuses on rules for workplaces and jobs.
Becoming a Federal Judge
A federal judge works for the U.S. government and makes decisions on important legal cases. On February 4, 2015, President Barack Obama nominated Crenshaw to become a United States district judge. This meant President Obama officially suggested him for the position. He was nominated to fill a seat left by Judge William Joseph Haynes Jr..
The Senate had to approve his nomination. He had a hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on June 10, 2015. During this hearing, committee members asked him questions about his experience and views. His nomination was then approved by the committee through a voice vote on July 9, 2015. On April 11, 2016, the full Senate confirmed his nomination with a 92–0 vote. He officially received his commission as a judge on April 12, 2016.
At the time he became a judge, Waverly D. Crenshaw Jr. was only the second African-American federal judge serving in Tennessee. He later became the Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee on April 15, 2017. As Chief Judge, he was the main judge in charge of that court. He completed his seven-year term as Chief Judge on April 15, 2024.
Important Milestones
In 2012, Judge Crenshaw achieved another important milestone. He became the first African American to join the Belle Meade Country Club. This is a private golf club located in Belle Meade, Tennessee.
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