---
title: "Sal W. Varsalona | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/sal-w-varsalona-tn-municipal-court-judge-w-general-sessions-jurisdiction-anderson"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-02"
---

# Sal W. Varsalona

Tennessee General Sessions Court, Anderson County · Municipal Court Judge w/ General Sessions Jurisdiction

## Profile

- Court: Tennessee General Sessions Court, Anderson County
- State: Tennessee
- Role: Municipal Court Judge w/ General Sessions Jurisdiction
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- From 2014 until December 2023, Varsalona was the Municipal Judge of Rocky Top, TN, presiding over local court matters
- He held the role of General Counsel for Anderson County Schools and was a partner in the law firm Burrell & Varsalona in Clinton, TN, with a satellite office in LaFollette

### Education

- University of Tennessee College of Law in — J.D. (1993)

### Additional information

- Year Elected/Appointed: 2014
- Practiced in a wide range of areas, including family law, DUI/DWI, criminal law, personal injury, probate, estate planning, bankruptcy, and general civil litigation.
- Before entering law practice, he spent time as a Christian missionary in Bangladesh, an experience that shaped his appreciation for opportunity and service
- Recognized for his professionalism, courtesy, and dedication to both his clients and the community
- Distinguished East Tennessee attorney and municipal judge, best known for his nearly decade-long service as City Judge of Rocky Top, Tennessee, and for his long-standing role as legal counsel for Anderson County Schools
- Born and raised in East Tennessee, Varsalona attended Norris High School and later graduated from the University of Tennessee with degrees in Political Science and Psychology.
- Beyond his judicial role, Varsalona was active in local legal organizations, including the Legal Aid Society of Tennessee and the Anderson County Bar Association.
- He was also a valued community figure, known for his approachable and helpful demeanor

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### media coverage and recording

Scope: statewide

Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 30 allows media coverage of public judicial proceedings subject to the presiding judge's control and requires written media requests at least two business days before the proceeding unless waived.

Evidence excerpt: Requests by representatives of the media for such coverage must be made in writing to the presiding judge not less than two (2) business days before the proceeding is scheduled to begin.

[Rule 30: Media Guidelines](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-30-media-guidelines)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### recording restrictions

Scope: statewide

Tennessee Rule 30 prohibits media coverage of jury selection, jurors, closed proceedings, and certain minor or juvenile-court participants.

Evidence excerpt: Media coverage of jury selection is prohibited.

[Rule 30: Media Guidelines](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-30-media-guidelines)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote technology

Scope: statewide

Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 55 permits teleconferencing, video conferencing, or other technology for court proceedings at the discretion of the trial or appellate court.

Evidence excerpt: The use of teleconferencing, video conferencing or other technology to conduct court proceedings or other court business remotely is permissible at the discretion of the trial or appellate court.

[Rule 55: Use of Technology for Court Proceedings](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-55-use-technology-court-proceedings)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/judges/sal-w-varsalona-0)
- [Official roster](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/judges/sal-w-varsalona-0)
- [Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/judges/sal-w-varsalona-0)
- [Rule 30: Media Guidelines](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-30-media-guidelines)
- [Rule 55: Use of Technology for Court Proceedings](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-55-use-technology-court-proceedings)
- [Sal W. Varsalona](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/judges/sal-w-varsalona-0)

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## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Rule 30: Media Guidelines](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-c1debbfd57a23e78c6318aec) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.tncourts.gov/courts/supreme-court/rules/supreme-court-rules/rule-30-media-guidelines). Collected 2026-07-26.
