Tennessee's unemployment rates declined in nearly half of its counties in August, with Sevier County recording the lowest rate at 2.5%, according to a report from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Moore County and Williamson County followed with rates of 2.6% and 2.7%. Houston County had the highest rate at 5.7%. The statewide unemployment rate remained below 5% in all but three counties. A breakdown of the August data is now available.

Hamilton County saw historically low turnout in its August election, with only 15% of eligible voters participating, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Since then, the county has added about 8,000 new voter registrations, representing 80% of the voting-age population. As of last week, roughly 3,500 residents had requested absentee ballots. Tennesseans must register to vote by Oct. 7 to participate in the November general election, which will determine state and local representatives and decide a number of ballot issues.

Morgan & Morgan, a Florida-based injury law firm with offices in Memphis, Nashville and Murfreesboro, has sued Morgan Law Group, another Florida law firm, for allegedly violating a settlement agreement regarding keyword advertising. The lawsuit claims Morgan Law paid Google to appear at the top of search results for “Morgan & Morgan,” which Morgan & Morgan argues violates a 2020 settlement. Morgan & Morgan previously sued Morgan Law in 2017 over alleged deceptive advertising practices. The lawsuit alleges that the settlement agreement prohibits Morgan Law from using a variety of advertising words and keywords on Google and other search engines. Morgan & Morgan is seeking unspecified damages, Reuters reports.

TBA is returning to Cuba for a five-day program Feb. 6-10, 2025. This uniquely designed program will explore Cuba’s rich and varied cultural heritage and feature local scholars, attorneys and entrepreneurs, all while providing six hours of CLE credit. Activities include an Ernest Hemingway tour, tour of Cuba’s classic cars, visit to the Museum of Cuban Art and more! Get trip details and instructions for registering.

TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr. expressed support for Tennessee attorneys and the communities affected by Hurricane Helene, as well as colleagues in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and North Carolina, saying, “We are saddened by the devastation to our communities and the losses sustained by so many. Many lawyers across the southeast have been affected by the flooding and other wind damage. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected. We will be looking at ways to assist in the weeks to come.” In Tennessee, significant flooding and power outages have affected the eastern part of the state. Gov. Bill Lee issued Executive Order 105 on Friday, declaring a state emergency. A federal disaster declaration followed, providing public assistance in eight counties, primarily focused on emergency work and repair or replacement of damaged facilities. For those impacted by the storm, the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services' website Help4TN has legal information and resources, and individuals with disaster-related legal questions may call 844-HELP4TN. Resources for lawyers interested in helping are available on the TBA website. Tennessee lawyers in need of assistance may contact TBA Access to Justice Director Liz Todaro. The American Bar Association lists opportunities to help lawyers in other states on its disaster webpage.

Acadia Healthcare, a Franklin-based company, has reached a $20 million settlement with the U.S Department of Justice (DOJ). The company was the subject of a New York Times investigation earlier this month and had been accused of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid. According to a press release, prosecutors found that Acadia held patients for longer than necessary and admitted people who did not need in-patient care. Acadia also was accused of failing to provide adequate staffing, training and/or supervision of staff, which resulted in assaults, elopements, suicides and other harm. According to the Nashville Business Journal, a company spokesperson denied any wrongdoing and said Acadia cooperated with investigators.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced actions against five companies this week, accusing them of using artificial intelligence (AI) in deceptive and unfair ways. Reuters reports that three companies were suspended for falsely claiming to help consumers generate passive income through e-commerce storefronts. Two other companies settled. DoNotPay agreed to pay $193,000 and notify customers about the limitations of its legal services and Rytr, a writing tool, agreed to stop providing review generation services. Both companies denied wrongdoing. The FTC emphasized in a statement that AI tools cannot be used to trick, mislead or defraud consumers.

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and Cumberlands is hosting a housing law summit for attorneys on Oct. 1 from 4-5 p.m. CDT at 501 Commerce St. in Nashville. The event will focus on housing issues in the Nashville metropolitan area, with Legal Aid’s Eviction Right to Counsel Program providing insights and guidance on addressing housing-related questions such as conditions and evictions. Get more information and register.

TBA staff members attended the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center’s 7th Annual Mediation Matters Luncheon yesterday. The event honored Davidson County Juvenile Court Deputy Clerk Kathy Alspaugh and former Nashville Conflict Resolution Center Executive Director Sara Figal for their contributions to the field of mediation. The event also featured a keynote speech by Davidson County Juvenile Court Judge Sheila Calloway. See photos from the event.

U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson has ruled the Swan Ball’s trademark belongs to the group that has traditionally produced the annual event for Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Richardson found that SB Initiative Inc. (SBI), the group overseeing the event, provided "sufficient evidence" of ownership. The decision comes after the group filed a lawsuit against Cheekwood. Richardson also denied Cheekwood’s request for a temporary restraining order, finding that it had not met the necessary requirements. He stated that Cheekwood was unlikely to prove it was the first user of the Swan Ball mark or that it maintained control over the goods and services offered under the mark. He then ordered the two parties to engage in mediation beginning on Oct. 11. The Nashville Post has more on the ruling.