James W. Brooks, Jr. (Jamie) serves the 7th Judicial District, Anderson County, as Judge of the Chancery Court which is a state trial court. Jamie was appointed to the position by Governor Bill Lee on April 18, 2023, after the retirement of Chancellor Nichole Cantrell. Prior to taking the bench, he practiced law at Wilson & Brooks, P.C. for 37 years. He and his law partner, James Frank Wilson, practiced law together from 1985 until Mr. Wilson retired in 2016. Jamie continued as a solo practitioner until his appointment by Governor Lee. While in private practice, Jamie handled court cases primarily in the Chancery Courts in Anderson, Morgan and Roane counties. He represented and helped thousands of individuals, families and businesses with their legal needs.
Chancery Court is vital to our community. More than 1500 cases are filed in this court each year. The cases consist of family law matters including adoptions, divorces, child custody and orders of protection. Additionally, Chancery Court hears all probates (wills and estate) and most real property disputes. Originally a Court of Equity, Chancery court jurisdiction has expanded over the years. Today, we have concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Court on most non-criminal matters.
Jamie grew up in Nashville. He earned his B. A. degree in History from Trevecca Nazarene University in 1982. He earned his J.D. degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1985. He and his wife, Carol, have lived in Oak Ridge since 1987 where they raised their son. They attend Christ Community Church. Jamie serves on the board of the Morgan County Community Fund which provides grants to 501© (3) charities. He is a member of the Tennessee, Anderson County and Roane County Bar Associations. Jamie enjoys traveling, reading and playing golf in his spare time.