TBA's BarBuzz podcast is back with a new episode featuring legal aid leaders Laura Brown, Debra House and Nick Gau as they share insight on access to justice, disaster relief efforts, and the impact of pro bono services on communities as a wrap up to October's Celebrate Pro Bono Month. The episode also explores opportunities for lawyers to get involved in pro bono work and disaster relief efforts, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. BarBuzz is a monthly show that recaps legal happenings from across Tennessee, upcoming events at the bar, attorney shout outs and more. It is available on the TBA’s website or wherever you listen to podcasts. Find past episodes at the BarBuzz archive.

The Tennessee Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims and the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board have adopted a standing order complying with the Tennessee Supreme Court’s disaster plan for trial courts in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Judicial Districts, which was put in place following severe flooding from Hurricane Helene. While the courts were created by legislation rather than the state Constitution, they are subject to the Tennessee Supreme Court and have concluded that the court’s disaster plan affects claims under their jurisdictions. The plan allows a 45-day extension of mandatory deadlines for the identified districts. Read more in a release.

The TBA is embarking on a series of articles across its communication platforms to help educate Tennessee lawyers about the state's system of indigent representation, which plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals who are constitutionally entitled to legal counsel but cannot afford to hire an attorney are provided with competent legal representation. Upcoming primer topics will cover the role of guardians ad litem, the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Court (AOC) Claims and Payment system, and examples of programs from other jurisdictions. Read today's first installment, which looks at the basics of the system, including what kinds of cases qualify for appointed counsel and what happened during the last legislative session to increase funding for indigent representation. All primer articles will be accessible from this landing page.

The 2024 Creditors Practice Forum will take place in person in Nashville on Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CST. The event will be held at the Tennessee Bankers Association, 211 Athens Way, Nashville 37228. This year’s forum will feature a case law update, a review of the Davidson County Local Rules of Court and more. Three general and one dual CLE credits are available. Creditors Practice Section members enjoy discounted registration and other benefits. Not a section member? Join here.

A U.S. judicial rulemaking panel has rejected a proposal to relax the longstanding ban on TV and audio broadcasts of federal criminal trials, Reuters reports. Media organizations had sought to loosen the ban. In a near unanimous vote, the U.S. Judicial Conference's Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules accepted a recommendation from a subcommittee to take no action and continue to disallow cameras in federal criminal trials.

The Tennessee Supreme Court heard oral arguments yesterday on whether Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Paula Skahan had the authority to vacate Pervis Payne’s death sentence in 2022 and replace it with two life sentences to be served concurrently. Payne was convicted in 1988 for the stabbing deaths of Charisse Christopher and her 2-year-old daughter. He has been in jail for 37 years and has maintained his innocence since being convicted. Payne appealed his case under a new state law that allows defendants to challenge death sentences if they are deemed to have an intellectual disability. The Tennessee Attorney General’s Office argued that Skahan had the authority to reduce Payne’s death sentence to life but not to change the structure of the sentences from consecutive to concurrent. Payne’s attorney argued the court had authority to do both since state law gives it “original and subject matter jurisdiction over all criminal matters that come before” it. Daily Memphian looks at the arguments.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has reinstated the law license of Williamson County lawyer Jason Scott Mangrum. On Oct. 4, Mangrum was suspended by the court for six months with 30 days to be served on active suspension and the remainder on probation. Mangrum filed a reinstatement petition on Oct. 28. The Board of Professional Responsibility found the petition to be satisfactory.

Tennessee lawyers gathered today at Topgolf Nashville for TBA’s 2024 Estate Planning Tee-off. Attendees heard from Charles Frazier with the Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier; Newman Bankston with Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis; Michael Goode with Lewis Thomason; Robert Malin with Pinnacle Financial Partners; and David Parsons with David Parsons Law. Topics included updates on irrevocable trusts, the Corporate Transparency Act, and estate, gift and fiduciary income tax planning. Thank you to event sponsors Pendleton Square Trust Company Inc. and the American Cancer Society. See photos from the event.

A swearing in ceremony for those who passed the July 2024 Tennessee Bar Exam was held in Memphis today. The event wrapped up a week of events held in Knoxville, Nashville and Jackson. Constance Brown and Cole Harrell-Morris from the TBA’s Young Lawyers Division were on hand to congratulate the new admittees. See photos from today's event.

The TBA Health Law Section has partnered with organizations across the state to provide free advance health care directive clinics in each of Tennessee’s grand divisions. The section is seeking volunteer lawyers to assist with the upcoming Memphis event. No previous experience is necessary and there will be experts on hand to answer questions. The clinic will take place Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST at the Memphis Medical Society, 1067 Cresthaven Rd., Memphis 38119. Contact TBA Health Law Section Immediate Past Chair Ian Hennessey with questions and/or volunteer interest at ian.hennessey@amrllc.com.