Collierville attorney Rhynette Northcross Hurd is the new division eight Circuit Court judge.

Gov. Phil Bredesen announced her appointment Friday afternoon from Nashville.

Hurd was one of three finalists recommended by the Judicial Nominating Commission for the vacancy created by the September retirement of Judge D’Army Bailey.

Since Sept., retired Circuit Court Judge Charles McPherson has been presiding in division eight.

Bredesen said he selected Hurd because she had “developed a wide range of skills in several substantive areas of the law and I am confident she will carry out her duties on the Circuit Court in the same thoughtful and professional manner in which she has practiced law in Tennessee for nearly 20 years.”

Before entering private practice, Hurd had been legal counsel for Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc., International Paper and Accredo Health Inc.

“I have a deep respect for the law and believe in the ability of the judicial process to achieve fair resolution of disputes,” Hurd said in a written statement. “I believe an impartial judge is essential to that end, and I know of no greater honor than to serve my state and my profession in this capacity.”

Hurd earned her law degree from the Cecil C. Humphreys University of Memphis Law school.

Hurd’s appointment is through the August 5 elections when the position will be on the ballot. The winner of the election will serve the remainder of Bailey’s eight year term of office, through 2014. Hurd is expected to run in the election.

Also on the ballot will be elections for two other local court vacancies Bredesen has filled in the last year.

Bredesen appointed Lorrie K. Ridder to Circuit Court Judge Div. 4 following the January 2009 death of Rita Stotts.

And he appointed Lee Wilson to Criminal Court Judge Div. 10 following the January 2009 death of Anthony Johnson.

April 1 is the filing deadline for candidates in all three non partisan judicial races. Ridder and Wilson are running.