In 1800, Powell moved to Blountville, Tennessee, where he established the first law school in Tennessee at his home since he was new to the area and needed to establish a following. He married Mary Rutledge, daughter of General George Rutledge, a prominent citizen of Sullivan County.[2][better source needed] In 1805, he moved to Rogersville, Tennessee, and practiced law. From 1807 to 1809, he served as a member of the superior court of law and equity.[1] He was a judge of the first circuit court of Tennessee in 1812–1813. He was a law mentor to future attorney and state politician John Netherland.[3]