The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) has awarded Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) a "green light" rating for free speech protections, the Tennessean reports. FIRE, a national free-speech advocacy organization that routinely reviews both public and private universities’ campus speech policies, says the green light rating is reserved for institutions with "no written policies that seriously imperil student free speech rights." MTSU revised its policies earlier this year having previously received a "yellow light" rating from the organization. MTSU is home to both the John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies, which promotes awareness of the First Amendment and quality journalism in Tennessee, and the Free Speech Center, a nonpartisan, nonprofit public policy center that seeks to further First Amendment education.

Virginia lawyer Justin Grey Woodward has been censured by the Tennessee Supreme Court. The court found that while representing a client in a contract dispute, Woodward failed to take prompt action after filing a lawsuit, resulting in a significant delay in the proceedings. He also failed to keep his client updated regarding the status of the proceedings or respond to his client’s requests for information. These actions were determined to violate Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4, 1.16(a) and 3.2.

Wilson County lawyer Lindsey Leigh Lawrence has received a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court. The court found that in the representation of clients in a civil proceeding, Lawrence failed to file a reply to a counterclaim in compliance with applicable rules, failed to respond to written discovery (resulting in dismissal of her clients’ claims) and failed to keep clients advised of case status. In another case, Lawrence failed to pay an adult ward’s ongoing expenses, resulting in her removal as conservator by the court. Her actions were determined to violate Rule of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4 and 3.2.

Davidson County lawyer Sheryl D. Guinn has received a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court. The court found that she filed a health care liability lawsuit against a psychiatrist who treated her client at the urging of the client even though she did not believe there was a good faith basis for the suit. Guinn charged her client a $3,000 retainer and filed the suit. The other side was successful in getting the suit dismissed and the court awarded sanctions against Guinn. These actions were determined to violate Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.5, 3.1 and 8.4(d).

Knoxville lawyer Kenneth M. Gresham Jr. died July 18 at the age of 97. Gresham served in the Navy in World War II. After his service, he graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law and began practicing with his father in the firm of Gresham and Gresham Attorneys. In the mid-1950s, he served as part time assistant attorney general. He later joined Howard G. Hogan in the practice of law and finished his legal career as “of counsel” in firm of Testerman, Warren and Roden. For 50 years, Gresham also was co-owner and president of Warranty Title Insurance Co. He retired in 2007. He also served for a time on the Federal Land Commission, deciding numerous federal condemnation actions. A graveside service took place today at Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville. Memorial donations may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 4904 Asheville Hwy., Knoxville, TN 37914.

The next legal clinic for veterans in Knoxville will take place Aug. 14 from 12-1 p.m. EDT at the Knox County Public Defender's Community Law Office in Knoxville. This is a general advice clinic sponsored by the Knoxville Bar Association, KBA Barristers, Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law, the University of Tennessee College of Law, the Knox County Public Defender’s Community Law Office and the local Veterans Affairs office. Sign up to volunteer here.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) will hold a free event with the Tennessee Innocence Project (TIP) tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. EDT. It will feature a conversation with Joyce Watkins, a TIP client, who became the first Black woman to be exonerated in Tennessee after spending 27 years in prison for a crime she did not commit. The event will be held at the Landing House, 1147 Sevier Ave., Knoxville 37920. Members of the public are invited to attend. To RSVP, complete this registration form.

The Shelby County General Sessions Civil Court is seeking commitments from lawyers to volunteer as special judges when other sitting judges are not available to preside over a case. Those interested in serving in this capacity must meet the basic qualifications of TCA 8-18-101, be at least 30 years of age, a resident of the state for five years, a resident of the circuit or district for one year, and licensed to practice law in Tennessee. To be considered submit a letter of interest by email to Michelle McElhaney or by fax to 901-222-3415.

Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon recently told The Daily Memphian that the court is opposed to taking over management of the county’s youth detention facility from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. He says the court does not have the budget to take over the facility after an outside entity estimated it would cost $30 to $40 million to make the transition. Sugarmon also expressed concern about the lack of clarity regarding the court’s role if the transition were to take place. In April, Sheriff Floyd Bonner proposed handing over the facility — which it has run since 2015 — to the court by Dec. 31, a timeline Sugarmon has questioned. In June, county commissioners rejected a nonbinding resolution requesting mediation between the two about the transition.

Sean Williams, a former Johnson City businessman linked to scores of suspected sexual assaults, is expected to face his first trial this week in a federal court in Greeneville, Tennessee Lookout reports. Williams will stand trial on charges related to two alleged escape attempts from custody. He is expected to represent himself after a fourth attorney appointed to represent him withdrew from the case last week. Williams will face federal charges for production of child pornography in August. He has not been charged with any crimes related to the alleged assaults or seeking to interfere with police business. The Johnson City Police Department is facing multiple lawsuits alleging that officers took kickbacks in a scheme to protect Williams and thwart his victims from pursuing justice.