Attorney David Dunkirk to run for juvenile judge

Longtime attorney David Dunkirk has announced he is seeking the office of Anderson County Juvenile Court judge.

Dunkirk has been practicing law since 1986 and is licensed in three states: Tennessee, California, and Washington.

“When young families and children come before the Juvenile Court, it’s usually because they’re in difficult circumstances,” Dunkirk said. “And I’ve found that this is when they most need good role models. I have done that as guardian ad litem, and if elected I believe I can also do that as juvenile judge.”

Guardians ad litem are appointed for children who have been removed or could potentially be removed from their families due to violations of the Tennessee Code.

Dunkirk, who has two daughters who attended Oak Ridge High School, has worked extensively with the Anderson County Juvenile Court the past three-and-a-half years and has been appointed guardian ad litem for numerous children during that time, a press release said. He has also accepted several appointments to represent parents who are under the scrutiny of the Department of Children’s Services.

“I have been practicing for 28 years,” Dunkirk said, “and I believe my legal background and time as a parent have prepared me to serve the people of Anderson County.”

In addition to Juvenile Court, Dunkirk has experience with cases involving products liability and medical malpractice, and he worked as a labor lawyer for Benton County, Wash., the press release said.

Dunkirk is also listed with the Tennessee Supreme Court as a Rule 31 Mediator. In addition to private mediations, he has volunteered as a mediator for the Victim Offender Reconciliation Program for Community Mediation Services of Anderson County.

Dunkirk, asked why he was running, said: “In short, working with the Juvenile Court is truly meaningful to me. It’s not easy work, but it’s important work, and it’s necessary work. I think I have the experience and demeanor to serve the people of Anderson County well in this position.”