The indigent representation proposal from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) on behalf of the Tennessee Supreme Court is designed not only to ensure that the state meets its obligations under the law, but also provides for a phased implementation to strategically address the special needs of some communities and case types. During last year's effort to increase the compensation rate for appointed attorneys, the AOC was encouraged to consider alternatives, including ones that would better address the needs of smaller and rural communities. This proposal seeks to respond to those concerns by providing flexibility and stability to focus on building capacity in those areas, as well as for contracts that require tailored solutions such as those for complex cases. The proposed plan requires a recurring appropriation of $17 million, and over time, the dollars used to pay today’s claims would be used to expand contracting options. Learn more about the plan and indigent representation in Tennessee.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has upheld the suspension of Shelby County lawyer Daryl A. Gray’s law license. Two complaints were filed against Gray. The first alleged that he improperly handled funds after he settled a client’s personal injury lawsuit by refusing to pay a medical provider’s valid lien and falsely asserting that other medical providers had filed claims. The second, stemming from a different personal injury lawsuit, alleged that Gray filed the action against the wrong defendant, never served the amended complaint on the correct defendant, failed to adequately communicate with his client about a motion to dismiss, and failed to timely withdraw from representation. A Board of Professional Responsibility hearing panel determined that Gray violated professional conduct rules and recommended a six-month suspension, with two months to be served on active suspension and the remainder on probation. Gray challenged the recommended discipline, claiming it was unfounded, arbitrary, capricious and excessive. The court rejected his arguments and imposed the suspension. Read the BPR's press release.

The Tennessee Supreme Court on March 7 issued an order amending Rule 9, sections 26.4 and 33.1. The court had sought comments on the proposed changes in January and noted that the 45-day comment period expired on March 3. In section 26.4, the court changed the rule governing suspension of lawyers for failure to pay the professional privilege tax to clarify that the suspension “be effective immediately” after the court files a suspension order, and that the suspension “shall” remain in effect until the taxes are paid. In section 33.1, the court made four changes to the process for appealing the judgment of a disciplinary hearing panel or a trial court. The amendments took effect immediately upon adoption of the order. Review a redline version of the changes.

The Tennessee Supreme Court on Feb. 27 suspended 16 attorneys for failure to pay the annual registration fee; eight of them also failed to file proof that client funds are held in an IOLTA-compliant account. View the fee suspension order and IOLTA suspension order. Recent reinstatements for fee or IOLTA violations include 11 in 2025, three in 2024, one in 2023 and one in 2015. See the list of all lawyers suspended and reinstated for fee and IOLTA violations in 2025 or access all administrative suspensions dating back to 2005.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has reinstated four lawyers who were placed on inactive status more than five years ago: South Carolina lawyer John Errett Buis was reinstated on Feb. 26; Virginia lawyer Shannon H. Chierichella was reinstated on Feb. 18; Georgia lawyer Courtney Christian Sharp was reinstated on March 3; and Shelby County lawyer John Rolfe Windsor Jr. was reinstated on Feb. 27.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has amended Rule 21, section 4.08, subsections (a) and (c) to clarify how continuing legal education (CLE) credit may be earned for various activities. The rule currently allows the CLE Commission to award up to half of the required credits to attorneys who serve on governmental commissions, committees or other governmental bodies involved in formal sessions for review of rules or regulations. The new language specifies that the commission may award up to six general credits and up to three ethics credits for this work. It also expands eligible activities to include service on local commissions, committees or other governmental bodies and to work involving the drafting of legislation. The new language also requires that CLE hours earned for pro bono work must be done with a Tennessee organization approved by the court.

Registration is now open for the next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits, set for March 20 in Nashville. The clinic, sponsored by the Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts and Bradley, provides assistance with business formation and corporate governance, review of contracts and guidance in navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Register by March 17 to participate. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

President Donald Trump on Thursday signed an executive order naming one law firm, Perkins Coie, for specific activities and directing a federal review of other law firms over diversity and inclusion initiatives. The order directs the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to “review the practices of representative large, influential, or industry leading law firms for consistency with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, including whether large law firms: reserve certain positions, such as summer associate spots, for individuals of preferred races; promote individuals on a discriminatory basis; permit client access on a discriminatory basis; or provide access to events, trainings, or travel on a discriminatory basis.” It also directs the U.S. attorney general, in coordination with the EEOC, to investigate the “practices of large law firms who do business with federal entities for compliance with race-based and sex-based non-discrimination laws and take any additional actions” deemed appropriate "in light of the evidence uncovered."

The Tennessee Supreme Court on March 5 suspended 52 attorneys who did not pay the annual professional privilege tax as required. The attorneys include those living in Tennessee as well as 11 other states. View the order or see the list with reinstatements noted.