Judge Brian K. Addington was inducted as a Fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers on Saturday, April 5, at the Union League Club in Chicago. 

The College honors attorneys who possess the highest professional qualifications, ethical standards, character, integrity, professional expertise, and leadership. 

Chief Judge Kenneth M. Switzer said, “Judge Addington’s induction as a Fellow is well-deserved. He’s an excellent judge. Brian is smart, kind, humble, and he’s got a great sense of humor. He’s very personable with everyone who enters his courtroom. We’re very proud of his accomplishments and dedicated service.”

Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Administrator Troy Haley said, “Judge Addington has worked so hard for so many years for this moment. Congratulations, Judge Addington. I’m so proud to have such an amazing judge on our bench.”

For his part, Judge Addington said he was drawn to membership in the College because of its focus on sharing knowledge with others, especially new attorneys. Over the years, he has learned from and become friends with other workers’ compensation judges from across the United States. Colleagues from Virginia nominated him for potential fellowship last year, and he learned in January that he had been accepted. 

“I’m very thankful for those who saw in me the qualifications required to be a Fellow,” Judge Addington said, noting that he made new friends from Pennsylvania and North Carolina at the ceremony. 

Judge Addington began his career with the State of Tennessee as an Unemployment Hearing Officer 2 with the Department of Employment Security. That department combined with the Department of Labor to create the Department of Labor and Workforce Development in 1999. He transferred to become a Workers’ Compensation Specialist 4 in November 2004, until his appointment as one of the original eight judges on the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims when it was created in 2014. Judge Addington is also an active member of the National Association of Worker’s Compensation Judiciary.

In his free time, Judge Addington enjoys reading, travel with family, cheering on the Volunteers, and church.    

Donna and Brian Addington have been married for 27 years.