Memphis, Tennessee, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Ray Lepone has been appointed by Governor Bill Lee to fill the vacancy in the Shelby County Criminal Court Division 1, following the retirement of Judge Paula Skahan. With over two decades of legal experience, including serving as a deputy district attorney, Lepone is well-positioned to uphold justice in Memphis. His career reflects a strong commitment to fairness and community involvement, and he is actively engaged in addressing juvenile justice reform. This appointment is seen as a significant step in the leadership of Memphis’s judicial system.
Memphis, Tennessee – Ray Lepone has been appointed by Governor Bill Lee to fill the vacancy left by retired Judge Paula Skahan in the Shelby County Criminal Court Division 1. This important appointment comes after Skahan’s more than 20 years of dedicated service to the bench. Lepone’s extensive background and experience in the legal system position him to continue the court’s commitment to justice and effective management.
Lepone previously served as the deputy district attorney in the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office for five years, during which he worked under both former District Attorney Amy Weirich and the current DA, Steve Mulroy. His experience includes prosecuting significant cases, such as the high-profile Jessie Dotson murder trial and a case involving a University of Memphis football player. Prior to his recent appointment, Lepone was with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
With a law license from the Tennessee Bar since 1999, Lepone has built a robust legal career that also includes standing as a Memphis Bar Foundation fellow and a member of the Memphis Bar Association. He has a record of involvement in several professional organizations and committees, including serving as a board member of the Association of Government Attorneys in Capital Litigation and as a previous member of the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys’ Capital Litigation Advisory Committee. Moreover, he played an active role on Governor Bill Lee’s Juvenile Justice Reform Implementation Council and served nearly two years as a juvenile court magistrate after his appointment in 2016.
Originally from Georgia, Lepone graduated cum laude from Kennesaw State University with a degree in political science in 1996 and went on to earn his law degree from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 1999. He began his legal career as an associate at the Petkoff and Lancaster law firm before joining the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office in 2000 as an assistant district attorney, with a brief period at Apperson, Crump and Maxwell in 2003-2004.
Throughout his career, Lepone has maintained a commendable professional record, with no formal complaints or investigations against him regarding ethics, nor any disciplinary actions from the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility. While he acknowledged past misdemeanor charges for disorderly conduct and driving under the influence in his youth, he expressed regret for those actions and views them as part of his personal growth journey.
During the application process for his current judicial appointment, Lepone addressed potential concerns about bias against defense attorneys, emphasizing his commitment to fairness and reasonableness in his role as a judge. His appointment alongside Chris Frulla, who also recently filled a vacancy on the Shelby County Circuit Court, signals a robust approach to leadership within Memphis’s judicial system.
About Ray Lepone
- Legal Background: Licensed to practice law in Tennessee since 1999.
- Professional Experience: Former deputy district attorney, Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
- Community Involvement: Active in the U.S. Boxing Association as a licensed green-level amateur boxing coach.
- Judicial Appointment: Appointed to Shelby County Criminal Court Division 1 in 2023.
FAQs
Who is Ray Lepone?
Ray Lepone is an attorney appointed by Governor Bill Lee to serve in Shelby County Criminal Court Division 1 after the retirement of Judge Paula Skahan.
What experience does Ray Lepone have in the legal field?
Lepone has served as a deputy district attorney and has experience in juvenile court. He has prosecuted high-profile cases and worked for the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
How long did Judge Paula Skahan serve?
Judge Paula Skahan served for over 20 years before her retirement.
Key Features of Ray Lepone’s Appointment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Role | Judge, Shelby County Criminal Court Division 1 |
| Predecessor | Judge Paula Skahan |
| Appointed by | Governor Bill Lee |
| Experience | Former deputy district attorney, Tennessee Attorney General’s Office |
| Tenure as Magistrate | Nearly 2 years in Juvenile Court |
| Educational Background | Law degree from University of Memphis, Political Science degree from Kennesaw State University |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Ray Lepone Appointed Shelby County Criminal Court
- Wikipedia: Criminal Court
- Daily Memphian: New Judges in Shelby County
- Google Search: Legal System Tennessee
- Commercial Appeal: Ray Lepone Memphis Criminal Court Judge
- Google Scholar: Judges in Tennessee
- Daily Memphian: Deputy District Attorney Ray Lepone
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Judicial System
- Daily Memphian: Ray Lepone Retiring
- Google News: Ray Lepone Memphis
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
