The online version of the  May/June issue of the Tennessee Bar Journal inadvertently omitted two standing columnists when it launched on Monday: Eddy Smith, author of “Where There’s a Will,” and Marlene Eskind Moses, author of “Family Matters.” The page has now been updated.

Shelby County lawyer Mary Margaret Cross was reinstated to the practice of law after being on inactive status since March 24, 1999. The Tennessee Supreme Court issued the reinstatement order today but made it effective as of April 14.

Knox County lawyer James Kidwell Scott received a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court on April 27. The court found that Scott did not (1) provide his client with a copy of the discovery propounded to the client for four months, (2) inform the client when two separate motions to compel discovery were filed, (3) comply with court deadlines for the production of discovery and (4) inform his client of deadlines and other court orders. In a second suit filed for the client, Scott failed to provide a copy of the discovery propounded to the client. His actions were determined to violate Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2 , 1.3, 1.4, 3.2, 3.4 and 8.4(d).

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has filed public comments in response to proposed new federal efficiency standards for refrigerators, refrigerator-freezers, freezers and washing machines. The comments, joined by a coalition of state attorneys general, argue that the proposals will have negative effects on consumers, particularly low-income individuals. Access the comments here.

Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk has joined a motion filed by NewsChannel 5 to unseal court documents related to a search of his office by the Tennessee Attorney General’s office. In his motion, Funk argues there is a conflict between the attorney general’s office representing him in cases while conducting an on-going criminal investigation into his office. In the motion, he also says that accessing the documents will reveal whether he has an obligation to report the attorney general to the Board of Professional Responsibility, request an advisory opinion from the board, and/or request court orders requiring the attorney general to withdraw from representing his office in all pending and future matters.

A new statewide poll released by Vanderbilt University shows that Tennessee residents across the political spectrum agree on some measures to curb gun violence. The poll found broad support (75%) for so-called "red flag" laws that separate people from guns if they pose a threat to themselves or others, while about two-thirds supported penalties for people who do not securely store their firearms. The advocacy group Voices for a Safer Tennessee published a poll last month that also found support for keeping guns away from dangerous people. Axios Nashville reports on the poll. Watch a video from poll takers explaining the findings.

The Tennessee Firearms Association has filed a public records lawsuit against Metro Nashville in an attempt to access the writings of the Covenant School shooter. The papers are currently in the custody of the Metro Nashville Police Department as part of an open investigation, according to NewsChannel 5. Gov. Bill Lee said last week the writings would be released to the public "very soon."

The American Bar Association Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility released a formal opinion today examining a lawyer’s ethical obligations for fees paid in advance for legal work to be performed in the future. Formal Opinion 505 explains the differences between advance fees and retainers and warns against characterizing an advance fee as nonrefundable and/or earned upon receipt. Read more about the opinion.

The Memphis Public Interest Law Center recently received a grant from the American Bar Endowment’s Opportunity Grant Program, the ABA Journal reports. The funds will be used to develop a new app to help renters in Tennessee document, gather and organize facts and evidence for their own advocacy efforts or for their legal counsel to use. The grant is one of 12 innovative projects funded by the program to improve access to legal assistance and provide resources to underserved communities. Read more about the grants.

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberland (LAS) will hold a free legal clinic in Antioch Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT. The clinic will take place at the southeast branch of the Nashville Public Library, 5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy, Ste. 202, Antioch 37013. The general civil clinic will assist clients with issues such as landlord/tenant disputes, family law, estate planning and debt collection. Those in need of assistance should register online. Contact Kendra Cheek at 800-238-1443 or kcheek@las.org to volunteer. See all clinics planned for May.