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Information Central

Memphis Bar launches public education campaign
The Memphis Bar Association (MBA) this week launched a major public educational campaign on the importance of the rule of law and an independent judiciary. MBA President and Apperson Crump lawyer Gary Smith -- along with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz lawyer Tommy Parker and Burch, Porter & Johnson lawyer Porter Field -- have developed a program called "Law Rules: The Importance of the American Legal System." Over the coming months, MBA members will receive training and be sent out to speak to schools, churches, business groups, political organizations and civic entities. The program's creators say the MBA's goal is to complete 200 speaking engagements this year. To learn more about the program or to get involved contact MBA Executive Director Anne Fritz at afritz@memphisbar.org or (901) 527-3573, or visit the program's website.
The Memphis Daily News also provides an overview

ABA considers new judicial campaign contribution rules
A public hearing was held today at the American Bar Association's (ABA) Midyear Meeting in New Orleans to discuss proposed amendments to the ABA's Model Code of Judicial Conduct. Questions raised included whether law firms have to report judicial campaign contributions by their lawyers and staffers; if information about non-financial support, such as endorsements, should be reported; and whether judges should use that information to decide whether to recuse themselves. Paula Frederick, chair of the ABA Standing Committee on Professional Discipline, said the proposals are "very much a working draft" and revisions will be discussed in the coming months.
The ABA Journal has more

Sen. Haynes to retire
State Sen. Joe Haynes, D-Nashville, has decided to retire rather than seek re-election this fall, ending a 28-year Senate run. Haynes, 75, said the newly redrawn district by Republicans wasn't necessarily a factor in his decision. In a two-page statement, he said his "family, a huge stack of unread books and a little-used fishing boat demand my attention now."
The News Sentinel has more

Mayfield to join race for 3rd Congressional District
Scottie Mayfield, the president of the dairy company that bears his name, said he'll challenge U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann in the 3rd Congressional District GOP primary. Mayfield, 61, joins a crowded Republican field looking to unseat Fleischmann. The other GOP challengers are businessman Ron Bhalla, political science professor Jean Howard-Hill and businessman Weston Wamp, the 24-year-old son of former congressman Zach Wamp.
The Times Free Press reports

Rep. John Lewis celebrates Dr. King legacy in Nashville
To honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis spoke to more than 300 people Jan. 13, including original members of the Freedom Riders and participants from the Nashville sit-in movement, as well as attorneys, public officials and community leaders. Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis sponsored the event where the firm's Diversity Endowed Scholarship chair John C. Tishler awarded its scholarship to Meesha Kaw. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student at the University of Tennessee College of Law whose life has been guided by the examples of Dr. King. In his speech, Lewis recalled his years in Nashville, attending Fisk University and being trained in non-violence. Through the sit-ins, he said "this city transformed a nation." See pictures and listen to the speech. Before the lunch, Rep. Lewis met with middle school students who were selected based on essays they submitted after studying the Civil Rights Movement.
The Tennessean has more

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Features

Journal online

Journal Online

Jilted
When Breaking a Heart Is Breaking the Law

Read about this and more in the February Tennessee Bar Journal.

New Resources

Free online research for TBA members
Unlimited online legal research is now available free to all TBA members through an agreement with Fastcase, a leading online legal research firm.

TBA offers insurance services
Responding to member needs for health disability, life and professional liability insurance, the TBA now provides TBA Member Insurance Solutions. The program offers TBA members experienced agents and highly rated carriers.

Court approves first major amendments to ethics rules
The Tennessee Supreme Court has adopted the first set of comprehensive amendments to the Rules of Professional Conduct since the new rules became effective in March 2003. These amendments became effective Jan. 1, 2011. Find information about the new rules and the changes they will bring to the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.

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