SHELBY COUNTY Environmental Court

Division XIV, General Sessions Court
201 Poplar Avenue, Suite L.L. 56
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 545-3456   Fax: (901) 545-3611

Judge Larry Potter

Judge Larry E. Potter is a graduate of Memphis State Law School and has practiced law in Memphis since 1978. He was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Municipal Court in 1982, was elected to a full term in 1983 and was reelected in 1987. Judge Potter brings a varied professional background in municipal law to the bench. He served as an Assistant Public Defender, Chief Public Defender, Assistant City Attorney.

In 1983, he became the first Environmental Court Judge in Memphis, Shelby County and the State of Tennessee. And, in 1991 Judge Potter was appointed by the Shelby County Commission to the newly created position of judge for the Shelby County Environmental Court.

With his judicial experience, Judge Potter is considered an authority on the subject of environmental law. He travels throughout the United States consulting with governmental authorities on the establishment of environmental courts in their communities. His expertise gives him the insights needed to deal with the environmental issues confronting our community and its citizens. The continued success of the Environmental Court relies on the participation of both citizens and government of Shelby County.

Judge Potter is committed not only to the Memphis and Shelby County of today, but also to the Memphis and Shelby County of tomorrow. Because our children are our future, we must all strive for a cleaner and safer environment for them.

Judge Potter is assisted by Paula J. Rhodes, who serves as the Program Administrative Specialist. She is in charge of all office operations and programs and is the national and local contact for the Shelby County Environmental Court.