The Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center is currently seeking community input for its Domestic Violence Needs Assessment. Interested individuals are invited to respond to the survey to help identify what resources are needed, which populations are most in need and how center can improve its support.

The U.S. Supreme Court last week agreed to hear two new cases: one dealing with a law against encouraging illegal immigration and another addressing the use of arbitration agreements. The Biden administration is seeking to revive a federal law that makes it a criminal offense to encourage illegal immigration after it was struck down as a violation of free speech rights. The 9th Circuit says the law criminalizes commonplace speech, but the administration says it is an "important tool for combating activities that exacerbate unlawful immigration." In the second case, Coinbase is seeking to halt customer class actions and send the cases to arbitration. It is asking the court to stay the suits until it appeals a lower court order rejecting the arbitration request. Reuters looks at both cases.

The city of Mount Pleasant is seeking a Judge to preside over its municipal court. The position is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the city board of commissioners. Court is typically held twice a month on Wednesday mornings for approximately 30 minutes. Cases involve traffic violations and violations of city ordinances. Those interested in being considered for the post should submit application material online and email a copy of the completed application to city Recorder Loretta Garner. Applications must be received by Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. CST. Read the job announcement. Questions should be directed to Garner.

Hamilton County circuit court judges and chancellors gathered last week to help decorate Legal Aid of East Tennessee’s Pro Bono Christmas Tree. The tree features handmade cards containing a description of a LAET case in need of a volunteer attorney. Attorneys who come and go from the courthouse are encouraged to visit the tree throughout the holiday season and select a case for representation. The tree is located on the first floor of the Hamilton County Courthouse, 625 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402.

William Joseph “Joe” Aldridge Sr. of Memphis died Dec. 7 at the age of 67. A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Aldridge practiced as a commercial real estate attorney in Mississippi and Tennessee. Most recently, he was a member at Apperson Crump. Aldridge also was active in the community serving as a board member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church of Memphis, the Ric Nuber YMCA and Christ Community Health Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Community Health Services of Memphis, 2595 Central Ave., Memphis, TN 38104.

Attorney volunteers are needed for a legal clinic and resource fair being hosted Saturday by Davidson County General Sessions Judge Rachel Bell and the Music City Community Court. The event will include an expungement clinic, legal clinic, indigency docket and resource fair. It will take place in person from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CST at the Andrew Jackson Boys & Girls Club, 916 16th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37208. View a flyer or sign up to volunteer.

The Nashville-based law firm Branstetter, Stranch & Jennings today announced the distribution of a cy pres award of $80,713.38 to the Tennessee Justice Center (TJC). The award comes from the settlement of an antitrust class action against Mutual Pharmaceutical Company Inc. The suit was filed in 2012 on behalf of individuals and entities in 29 states who purchased the muscle relaxer Skelaxin and its generic equivalent metaxalone between 2005 and 2014. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee approved a $9 million settlement with the company and selected TJC to receive the award from funds that were undistributed to class members. Read more about the settlement from the firm.

Arizona lawyer James William West, formerly known as David Martin Macaione, was reinstated to the practice of law in Tennessee on Oct. 21. His license had been transferred to disability inactive status on July 29, 2022. The court reports that the Board of Professional Responsibility reviewed the petition for reinstatement and had no objection to the action.

The Supreme Court of Tennessee last week suspended two additional attorneys for failing to complete annual continuing legal education. View the Dec. 9 order or see the full list online, which notes the attorneys who have complied with the requirements and have been reinstated to date. Access all administrative suspension lists dating back to 2005.

The 26th Judicial District Public Defender’s Office is seeking an assistant public defender to work in all three divisions of Henderson County Circuit Court. The position is funded by the state and the successful candidate will receive all state employee benefits. Pay varies based upon experience. Get the full job description and instructions for applying on the TBA’s JobLink platform.