06/30/2026
Judge John Turnbull was a huge mentor for me coming out of law school. He was an amazing trial lawyer and circuit judge. Much appreciation for all he has given to our judicial system!
On June 12, 2026, at its Annual Convention in Chattanooga, the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association honored longtime Livingston attorney, John Turnbull, with its most distinguished award for Lifetime Achievement as a practicing attorney.
The award recognizes a trial lawyer member who has distinguished themselves providing outstanding legal representation to those who have been injured, killed, or impoverished and whose only alternative was to seek justice through the civil justice system.
John A. Turnbull received his legal education at the University of Tennessee College of Law, graduating in 1966. He practiced law in Livingston for many years. During that time, he served for approximately 14 years on the Board of Governors of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association. He served as president in 1984.
He is a member of ABOTA and Tennessee Bar Foundation. He was a founding member of the Tennessee Supreme Court Historical Society and is a Fellow of the Tennessee Bar Foundation.
Turnbull was appointed Circuit Judge of the 13th Judicial District in August of 1989 and became active in judicial conference activities. The 13th Judicial District is the largest judicial district in the state and encompasses 7 counties – Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Pickett, Putnam, Overton and White. Judge Turnbull was selected as Tennessee Judge of the Year in 1997 by ABOTA. He retired as Circuit Judge in 2009 after serving 20 years.
Judge Turnbull is still active – teaching and preaching - in the First Christian Church in Livingston. He enjoys spending time with his 3 children and many grandchildren.
