Rex Dale has had his eye on the judges seat for quite some time, and when General Sessions Judge William Russell announced his plans to retire earlier this year, Dale took the opportnty to seek the position.

He won the election and is set to be sworn in Monday night at the Loudon County Courthouse along with the other winners in the county.

As a lawyer, Dale said he has strived to help people and he is ready to continue serving the community in his new role.

"It's helping people in a different venue," he said.

The General Sessions court has five areas of responsibility and works out of the Loudon County Justice Center.

They include: Probate, Domestic, Criminal, Civil (less than $25,000) and Juvenile.

Dale said he is ready for all the challenges the office faces, but is specifically looking forward to working in the juvenile system where he can help make a difference in the lives of the county's youth.

"I'm excited to get in there and start the work," he said. "I feel relaxed. I feel confident."

Since winning the general election, Dale has been shadowing Russell, and has visited judges in neighboring communities to learn more about what the job entails. He said Russell currently sees between 1,100 and 1,200 cases a month come across his desk.

"You get to the bottom as fast as you can," he said.