The 22nd Judicial District's newest Circuit Judge is

Julie Heffington, a Lawrence County native and 1994 graduate of Summertown High School.

A fifth Circuit Judge position was created for this district to deal with a large increase in cases, and the resulting backlog, caused by significant population growth in this area. The district includes Lawrence, Wayne, Giles, and Maury Counties.

Heffington applied for the new judgeship, was approved through the legislature, and was appointed by Governor Lee in September. She was sworn in on October 1, 2023. She will run for election to the post in 2024.

Heffington introduced herself at the Lawrence County Republican Party meeting on Tuesday, November 28. Other Circuit Judges serving this district are David Allen, Russ Parkes, Caleb Bayless, and Chris Sockwell.