Stay current with legal news in Tennessee. This page features the latest news for and about the Tennessee legal community, either produced by the Tennessee Bar Association or collected from news sources.
The Tennessee Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division has announced the 2012 class of its Diversity Leadership Institute -- a six-month leadership and mentoring program for Tennessee law school students. Participants will learn leadership skills, work with an attorney mentor and participate in public service and legal education programs. Learn more about the 2012 class
The Tennessee Supreme Court today (Dec. 2) devoted more than three and a half hours to what the court characterized as a "discussion" of the Tennessee Bar Association's petition to update the state's Code of Judicial Conduct and adopt new procedural rules to address disqualification of judges. TBA Task Force Reporter Sarah Sheppeard (left) joined Task Force Chair and Chattanooga attorney Max Bahner and judges Walter Kurtz and Angelita Blackshear Dalton from Nashville in appearing before the court.
The Tennessee Supreme Court heard oral arguments today (Dec. 2, 2011) on proposed changes to the Tennessee Code of Judicial Conduct.
The Tennessee Supreme Court, from left, Justice William Koch, Justice Janice Holder, Chief Justice Connie Clark, Justice Gary Wade and Justice Sharon Lee.
New rules update campaign and recusal policies for state’s judges
NASHVILLE, Jan. 4, 2012 — The Tennessee Supreme Court today adopted the first comprehensive rewrite of the rules governing judicial conduct in more than 20 years. The rules changes, effective July 1, come as a result of a two and a half-year process initiated by the Tennessee Bar Association including a public comment period and hearing.
How does the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee work with attorneys and the public in protecting consumers from the unauthorized practice of law? Former Committee Chair Sean Lewis provides the answers.
The TBA’s Estate Planning Section's Annual Forum has grown to become a major event for Tennessee attorneys who work with clients on their estate and probate planning. This year's event -- this Friday, February 24, at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Nashville -- will feature some of Tennessee's top attorneys speaking on estate planning techniques and probate considerations, as well as providing insight into new legislation and case law rulings affecting these areas. There is still time to register. Late fees have been waived!
35 lawyers from across the state join six-month training program
NASHVILLE, Dec. 19, 2011 — The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) announces that 35 attorneys from across the state have been selected for its 2012 Leadership Law program.
An environmental showdown in Maryland pits the governor against the dean of the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law. This week, Gov. Martin O'Malley sent a harshly worded letter to Dean Phoebe Haddon calling the school's environmental clinic's involvement in a lawsuit an "ongoing injustice." The governor asked Haddon to end the school's connection to the suit filed in March 2010 against poultry giant Perdue Farms Inc. and a chicken farm that supplies the company. The suit, which claims the groups are illegally discharging pollution into several waterways, has rankled lawmakers who said it hurts local industry. Legislators threatened to cut $250,000 from the university's budget unless every one of the law school's clinics turn over information about the clients they have represented during the past five years. Read more in the National Law Journal
Collaboration among lawyers resulted in 40-plus events across the state
NASHVILLE, Nov. 4, 2011 — Tennessee lawyers helped 1,109 state residents by providing free legal advice throughout the month of October as part of the Tennessee Bar Association's Celebrate Pro Bono initiative.
Parternership to bring civics education to schools, community groups
NASHVILLE, Oct. 3, 2011 — Tennessee judges and attorneys have partnered together to create a new program geared to educate students, community groups and business organizations about the legal system.
Tennessee lawyers to offer free legal services across the state in October
NASHVILLE, Sept. 29, 2011 —Tennessee attorneys will offer free legal services to those unable to afford a lawyer throughout the month of October as part of the national Celebrate Pro Bono initiative. Activities will include legal advice clinics, education programs, public presentations and other events. The initiative kicks off with legal clinics in Franklin and Johnson City on Oct. 1, with more than 35 events planned across the state during the month.
NASHVILLE, Aug. 26, 2011 — Reflecting on the passing of former Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Adolpho A. Birch Jr., Tennessee Bar Association President and Memphis lawyer Danny Van Horn today made the following statement:
Urges comprehensive system for compensating appointed counsel
NASHVILLE, Aug. 23, 2011 —Tennessee Bar Association President and Memphis lawyer Danny Van Horn today submitted the following letter to the editor of the Knoxville News Sentinel in response to several articles about the fees lawyers charge to represent indigent criminal defendants, which ran in the paper on Aug. 21.
NASHVILLE, July 27, 2011 — Tennessee Bar Association President Danny Van Horn today applauded the Tennessee Supreme Court's adoption of new rules aimed at making access to the courts easier for Tennesseans who may not be able to afford an attorney.
Class of 32 graduates at TBA convention in Chattanooga
NASHVILLE, July 14, 2011 — Thirty-two attorneys from around the state graduated from the Tennessee Bar Association's Leadership Law program during the association's annual convention in Chattanooga.
Lawyers take office, honored at TBA convention in Chattanooga
NASHVILLE, July 14, 2011 — The Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division named new officers and recognized award winners during the TBA's annual convention in Chattanooga.
New senior counselors named at TBA convention in Chattanooga
NASHVILLE, July 14, 2011 — Fifty-one attorneys from around the state were honored as "senior counselors" for their service to the legal profession during the Tennessee Bar Association's annual convention in Chattanooga. Senior counselors are those Tennessee Bar Association members who, during the coming membership year, will reach 75 years of age or complete 50 years of practice.
Recipients honored at TBA convention in Chattanooga
NASHVILLE, July 14, 2011 — A select group of Tennessee lawyers were honored for their work in serving the legal profession and the public during the Tennessee Bar Association's recent convention in Chattanooga. Award recipients include Judge John J. Maddux Jr. of Cookeville, Howard H. Vogel of Knoxville, Taylor C. Berger of Memphis, Harold L. North of Chattanooga and Jimmie Lynn Ramsaur of Nashville.
Will lead group that supports work of the TBA's young lawyers
NASHVILLE, July 14, 2011 — The Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (TBA YLD) Fellows met during the association's annual convention in Chattanooga to elect new officers and induct new members.
