Free Legal Answers — the pro bono platform that allows clients to post legal questions online and receive answers from volunteer attorneys — is approaching its 10th anniversary and almost 500,000 questions answered. In an article published by the ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section, Memphis lawyer and past TBA President Buck Lewis recaps the Tennessee origins of the platform and how it has expanded to 43 states nationally and several countries internationally. Lewis also highlights new and innovative capabilities, including an AI component, coming to the platform in the near future. Learn more in “Freelegalanswers.com: Then, Now, and Tomorrow” or in an interview Lewis gave to Memphis TV station WMC-TV, and watch for more information coming soon about how the ABA plans to celebrate these milestones.

Tennessee Attorney General (AG) Jonathan Skrmetti on Thursday announced a $7 million settlement with property management company LivCor LLC over allegations that it participated in a scheme that used RealPage’s rent-pricing software and competitors’ confidential data to increase apartment rents. The settlement is part of a bipartisan lawsuit brought by the U.S. Department of Justice and nine states against RealPage and several large property managers. Subject to court approval, LivCor has agreed to stop using rent-pricing software that relies on competitors' nonpublic pricing information, cooperate with the states' ongoing case and strengthen its antitrust compliance practices. “Tennessee renters deserve a housing market driven by competition—not by secret agreements and shady algorithms that raise prices for everyday families,” said Skrmetti. Read more in a press release.

The Tennessee Supreme Court on June 18 permanently disbarred Putnam County lawyer James Nathan Hargis from the practice of law after Hargis stated that he could not successfully defend himself against disciplinary charges. The court found that Hargis misappropriated and converted client and third-party funds in violation of Rule 8.4 of the Rules of Professional Conduct. On April 13, the Supreme Court temporarily suspended Hargis from the practice of law after finding that he misappropriated client and third-party funds and posed a threat of substantial harm to the public. The temporary suspension was dissolved on June 11 in light of the disbarment.

The Nashville School of Law (NSL) honored two distinguished members at its Annual Recognition Dinner on June 5. Professor Kimberley Reed-Bracey Johnson received the Faculty Honoree Award for her dual legacy as an inspiring teacher and humanitarian, having taken over 50 mission trips to Haiti, establishing a school there and helping two Haitian brothers relocate to the U.S. for greater opportunities. Alumni Honoree Tim Ishii was recognized for his remarkable resilience. After a training injury left him paralyzed from the chest down, he earned his law degree and built a distinguished career as a trial and appellate attorney, becoming known as much for his character and compassion as his legal skill, according to the school. Read more and see photos from the event.

The Tennessee Supreme Court reinstated Arizona lawyer Katrina Ann Jewett to the practice of law in Tennessee on June 17. Jewett had been placed on inactive status more than five years ago, on June 19, 2013. She filed a petition for reinstatement, which the court found satisfactory. The court issued the order on June 18.

Davidson County lawyer Sornavidya Saba Sankar on June 17 received a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court. Sankar admittedly abused substances, experienced mental health issues, failed to communicate with her clients about their cases being reset, failed to appear in court and failed to respond to the court’s inquiries into her status — all of which delayed litigation. Her failure to appear at a hearing also resulted in multiple cases being reset and new attorneys being appointed to replace her. The court found that Sankar failed to act competently in representing her clients and made multiple misrepresentations to a colleague about self-reporting to the Board of Professional Responsibility. Sankar was found to have violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3, 1.4(a)(3), 3.2, 8.4(c) and 8.4(d).

Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer was suspended on June 17 after being charged on six federal counts including wire fraud, money laundering, theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, and interstate travel in aid of racketeering enterprises. The Daily Memphian reports that all 15 General Sessions Court judges signed the order suspending Sawyer. She will be paid and receive benefits during the 60-day suspension, which began at the end of the day Wednesday, but must forfeit her badge, keys and access to computer systems. “The outcome of your legal matters will determine whether or not these items and access will be returned and restored,” judges wrote in the order. The judges also appointed Ed Stanton Jr., a former General Sessions Court clerk, to run the office in the immediate interim.

Federal Judge Katherine Crytzer denied fired University of Tennessee (UT) professor Tamar Shirinian's request for immediate reinstatement to her position, citing a shifted legal landscape following her February firing and a new state law expanding chancellors' disciplinary authority. Meanwhile, Magistrate Judge Jill McCook approved Shirinian's amended lawsuit naming UT officials, state Rep. Chris Todd, R-Jackson, and U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Knoxville, as defendants over claims including First Amendment violations and defamation. Knox News reports that Shirinian was fired after a Facebook comment about Charlie Kirk's assassination drew online backlash and pressure on UT leadership, including a donor's threat to pull a $10 million gift unless she was terminated. Shirinian also is seeking to unmask that donor's identity. A trial in the case is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027.

Memphis attorney Adam Remsen snagged his fifth straight Jeopardy! win on Thursday, earning $27,000 and bringing his four-day total of winnings to $99,601. According to the Commercial Appeal, Remsen was the only contestant to answer the Final Jeopardy question correctly. With this win, he has qualified for the game show's Tournament of Champions. He will try for a sixth victory on Friday.

The TBA offices will be closed Friday for Juneteenth, a federal and state holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Specifically, it marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. The TBA will reopen on Monday at 8 a.m. CDT. Staff information, including emails and direct phone lines, is posted on the TBA website and TBA CLE can be accessed at any time!