A Butcher, a Baker, a Candlestick Maker…Mother Goose nursery rhymes of yore had youngsters thinking of various professions in a fun and lyrical manner. Then, in the mid-twentieth century, as television entered America’s family rooms, the possibilities were more easily imagined. Wide-eyed kids began to imagine being an Astronaut, a Police Detective, a Rock-n-roll Musician, a Soldier, a Wilderness Explorer, or even President. Honorable Darryl Edmondson, General Sessions Court Judge, was one of those kids. Judge Edmondson’s first exposure to the field of law was watching Perry Mason episodes as a boy. He saw the practice of law as a noble and important profession that meets people’s needs.

When Edmondson began practicing law, Attorney David Myers (Union County, Tennessee County Attorney) had already opened his practice and it was also just about the time two other local attorneys, Howard Collett and Roy Moore, were winding down their practice of law. Edmondson worked with Collett for about two years and then purchased the Collett building from him, keeping the name. As his practice grew, Edmondson decided that when the opportunity arose he would pursue the opportunity to serve as a judge. Edmondson has now served in that role for more than 30 years.

Judge Edmondson described life and the practice of law as drastically different in those early days. Juvenile Court was held one day per month and the mere 8-9 cases heard generally consisted of truancy, sneaking alcohol on the last day of school/prom, minor property damage, etc. There is a stark contrast today, where Juvenile Court is held two days per week with 30-35 cases each day, and in addition to historical issues are charges that are much more serious. Judge Edmondson attributes the rise in the number and severity of crimes, in great part, to the abuse of prescription drugs, which expands to other drug abuse. The problem is widespread and hardly unique to Union County, but Judge Edmondson believes it is not only a crime, but also a health crisis, as it changes the blood chemistry, brain function, and reactions of the user such that they lose their sense of identity and self. In other words, the user transforms from being the beloved family member or friend that you know to a completely different person.

Caseload isn’t the only change seen over the years. There has also been a great expansion of educational opportunities for those who want to enter the field. Opportunities aren’t quite as exclusionary as they once were, although you will still need great grades to be accepted into law school and succeed. When Judge Edmondson first applied to law school, there were only four in the state of Tennessee, today there are six: Belmont University College of Law, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Lincoln Memorial University, Nashville School of Law, University of Tennessee College of Law, and Vanderbilt University Law School. One consequence of expanded educational opportunities is an abundance of attorneys competing for work. Edmondson advises that one would be wise to seriously consider their path—such as where and what area of concentration they want to practice—and evaluate the opportunities available.

Judge Edmondson’s advice to those considering opening a business in Union County is that the two worst words are “what if”. Don’t miss an opportunity and then 10-15 years later wonder “what if” I had gone ahead and done that? You don’t want to have regrets. Also, you really should develop a 1,2,3,4, and 5-year plan and be ready to adjust as you go; but, of course, also have a plan B. Union County’s future is bright. It is growing, new people are coming in, and we’ve got good leadership with an influx of younger leaders (essential for long -term growth). What’s more, everyone coexists with a better sense of community than many other areas, which bodes well for everyone’s future.

Judge Edmondson grew up as the son of pastor Buddy Edmondson of Little Valley Baptist Church and never doubted that he wanted to return to Union County to practice his profession and raise his family. His Honor is very proud of his amazing family: wife, Sandra, who serves as Union County’s Clerk and Master; son, Darrick, is also an attorney working in Knoxville with the judge’s friend from law school Jeff Haygood; and son, Dylan, who has been a teacher but is currently working on a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, likely to remain there as a professor. Like Judge Edmondson, his family grew up and were educated in Union County, the three of them having started at Big Ridge Elementary. Edmondson began his education at Maynardville Elementary, then graduated from Horace Maynard High School, obtained his undergraduate degree from Lincoln Memorial University, and finished by graduating from the University of Tennessee Law School.

Judge Edmondson believes everyone should be proud of this place we call home because, all things considered, it is a wonderful place to live and be a part of with opportunity for all to play an active part. When he’s not working, he enjoys going to concerts which like the rest of us he is missing this year due to COVID-19. Judge Edmondson also continues his private practice outside of general sessions and juvenile cases. Edmondson’s office is located at 120 Court Street, Maynardville, TN 37807. To schedule an appointment, call (865) 992-5484.