MEMPHIS/NASHVILLE, Tenn. - On Thursday, President Donald Trump nominated Tennessee Senate Majority Leader and Adams and Reese attorney, Mark S. Norris, Sr., and three other lawyers for federal district court judgeships.
A Collierville Republican who has served as the state senate’s Majority Leader since 2007, Norris will serve as a District Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee when confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Of his nomination, Norris stated, “I am honored by the nomination and appreciate the President’s confidence in me. This is just the first step under the Constitution and I look forward to the Senate confirmation process. In the meantime, in addition to my law practice, I will continue to serve citizens of the 32nd District who elected me to the Senate and my Senate colleagues who elected me as their leader.”
U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., said in a news release Thursday afternoon that Norris "has served the state of Tennessee in public office - as a state senator and currently as the Senate Majority Leader - and has also practiced law for over 30 years working as a litigator in the trial and appellate courts, including the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court." Alexander said "Tennessee will be well-served by a man of such good character and good temperament, and I look forward to introducing him to members of the Senate Judiciary Committee."
After six years as a County Commissioner, Norris was first elected to the Tennessee Senate in 2000 and was re-elected to a fourth term in 2012. He served for many years on the Senate Judiciary Committee before his election as Majority Leader.
U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn. stated, "I welcome President Trump's decision to nominate Mark Norris and Thomas Parker to serve West Tennessee as federal district court judges," said Corker. "Mark has long been a devoted public servant in Tennessee, first in Shelby County and now as majority leader of the Tennessee State Senate. Tommy is a respected litigator and former federal prosecutor in Memphis. I am confident that they both understand the proper role of a judge and will faithfully uphold the law. I congratulate Mark and Tommy on their nominations and am pleased to recommend them to my colleagues for confirmation."
At the time of his judiciary nomination, Norris holds membership on several Senate Committees: Finance, Ways and Means; State and Local Government; Ethics; Veterans’ Affairs; Pensions and Insurance; and is chairman of the Senate Rules Committee. He served as Chairman of the 15-state Southern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments and was elected to serve as Chairman of the National Council of State Governments in 2014.
According to Lt. Governor Randy McNally, "Mark Norris has been -- and will continue to be until his confirmation -- an outstanding Senate Republican Leader for our caucus. Both a political and policy expert, Mark's leadership charted the conservative course that our Republican majority took as we ushered in a new era in state government. A consummate conservative, Mark turned conservative ideas into action as he worked with the administration to mold and shape the Republican agenda of less spending, low taxes and smaller government. He is a wise counselor and a treasured friend. While the judiciary will gain a sterling legal mind with thoroughly sound judgment, the Senate Republican Caucus will lose our fearless Leader. He will be greatly missed."
Norris joined Adams and Reese in 2006. Adams and Reese Managing Partner, Gif Thornton, a long-time friend and colleague spoke highly of Norris’ character and his distinguished legal and public service.
Thornton stated, “When I think of Mark, I think of his integrity and his commitment to the people of Tennessee. Aside from his noteworthy legal career with Adams and Reese, Mark’s decades of public service will serve him well as a U.S. District Judge for the Western District.”
Norris has received numerous community recognitions and awards throughout his distinguished career including “Legislator of the Year” by the Tennessee Development District Association in 2015 and also by the Parent Teacher Association in 2014. He is a Best Lawyer® in Municipal Litigation and a Mid-South Super Lawyer® in Business Litigation.
Norris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Colorado College in 1977 and completed his J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 1980.
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