Qualifications Biographical Sketch Judge Mike Meares serves as one of the two Circuit Court Judges for Blount County, Tennessee. Governor Phil Bredesen chose Mike to serve as Judge after his predecessor, D. Kelly Thomas, Jr, was appointed to the Court of Criminal Appeals. This past August, the Governor travelled to Maryville and personally delivered the oath of office to Judge Mike Meares in a memorable standing room only ceremony at the Courthouse. Judge Meares is currently presiding over the resolution for every serious criminal case in our County. Mike is a 51 year old native of Blount County. He graduated from Duke University in three years and attended Vanderbilt University School of Law where he graduated in 1983. Meares has practiced law for twenty years in Blount and Knox county where he has earned a reputation for being an honest and hardworking advocate for his clients. In 1990, Mike entered public service as the first District Public Defender for the County, setting up the office that continues to ensure that the local criminal justice system works to achieve justice for all. After public service and for his many years in private practice, Mike has volunteered on behalf of Legal Aid of East Tennessee as well as individual indigent clients to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their financial status, received a fair hearing in our courts. Not every lawyer has tried cases charging first degree murder, aggravated assault, burglary, and the sale of illegal drugs. Meares has tried these cases to juries standing in front of the bench where he now sits as Judge. He has the distinction of being among a very few lawyers who have ever successfully challenged the Government when an individual's constitutional rights have been violated. He is now in the perfect position to ensure both that the constitutional rights of individuals are protected and, of equal importance, that the outcome of all cases will be fair and final. The community, the victims of crime, and the defendants need the closure which comes with the conclusion of a fair trial. Meares has the desire, experience and temperament necessary to hold our criminal court. Mike is married to Ms. Laura Webb, a successful Maryville attorney. Together they are the proud parents of four wonderful children: Caitlin, a sophomore at Harvard University, Megan and Maggie, both juniors at Maryville High School, and two year old Samuel. The family attends Saint Andrews Episcopal Church. Mike has been a supporter of and participant in many of our local civic, athletic and charitable organizations including: United Way of Blount County, Legal Aid of East Tennessee, The Foothills Land Conservancy, Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Upward Basketball, and Meals on Wheels. Judge Mike Meares believes in constitutional rights, fair and open trials and strictly following the law. "I will treat all persons equally regardless of their race, religion, politics or status in life".