Most users of the judiciary’s PACER electronic court records platform would receive refunds for fees they incurred under a $125 million settlement agreement between three nonprofits and the U.S. government, Bloomberg Law reports. Under the agreement, the government must reimburse “the vast majority of PACER users in full” for past charges. The deal still must be approved U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman. This week’s action comes after the parties announced a tentative deal last November. The nonprofit groups first filed suit arguing that the fees being charged by Pacer were excessive.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee launched a $100 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund this week and invited local law enforcement agencies to apply for grants that can be used to reduce violent crime and strengthen public safety. The fund was a cornerstone of Lee’s crime prevention agenda and funding was included in this year’s state budget, Chattanoogan.com reports. Eligible uses include evidence-based crime intervention models, hiring and training of specialized violent crime units, purchase and application of technology and equipment, and law enforcement-led partnerships with community organizations. Law enforcement agencies can apply for funding through January 2023.

Knox County lawyer Daniel Forrest Wilkins was reinstated to the practice of law yesterday. On Sept. 15, Wilkins was temporarily suspended for failure to respond to the Board of Professional Responsibility. On Oct. 3, Wilkins provided a response that the board deemed sufficient for dissolution of the suspension.

Davidson County lawyer Charles Martin Duke received a public censure yesterday from the Tennessee Supreme Court. The court found that Duke violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 and 1.4. While representing a client in probating an estate, a guardianship was created, which required that realty within the estate be sold and the proceeds deposited with the court. Through an inadvertent error, the proceeds were deposited into a bank account opened and maintained by the client. After becoming aware of the error, Duke failed to take proper action to facilitate the transfer of the funds to the court or to amend the guardianship. The court also found that Duke failed to maintain good communication with his client during the representation.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti is leading a coalition of 13 state attorneys general demanding U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland respect the First Amendment rights of those who criticize "irreversible transgender treatments" for minors. The letter, according to the group, is in response to a letter from medical organizations calling on Garland to investigate and prosecute those who commit, threaten or provoke violence against adolescent gender clinics. The attorneys general argue that targeting those who “provoke” such threats is a violation of the Constitution’s free speech rights.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee is seeking a full-time staff attorney in its Johnson City office. Candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to exceptional legal work and equal access to justice and be admitted to the Tennessee Bar or admitted to the bar of another state with the ability to waive into Tennessee. The position, which is anticipated to begin immediately, is contingent on continued grant funding. Learn more about how to apply on the TBA’s JobLink platform.

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands will hold a clinic tomorrow in Murfreesboro from 3-4:30 p.m. CDT. The event will take place at Greenhouse Ministries, 309 S. Academy St., Murfreesboro 37130. To volunteer for the clinic, contact Kendra Cheek, 615-780-7131. See all October clinics.

Don't miss this year's 34th Annual Health Law Forum, taking place in person next Thursday and Friday at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville. This year's program will include a keynote address by Interim Health Commissioner Dr. Morgan McDonald and sessions on fraud and abuse, current and future issues in artificial intelligence and machine-based learning, the latest on research and clinical trials, and post-Roe concerns for healthcare workers. For those interested in learning more about the health law field, the 22nd Annual Health Law Primer will take place Wednesday from noon to 4:30 p.m. CDT at the Nashville office of Bass, Berry & Sims. Thanks to Carnahan Group, presenting sponsor for both programs.

The Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts is joining the law firm of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in providing free legal services for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits at a clinic on Oct. 20. Issues to be covered include questions about business formation, corporate governance, contract review and navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Eligible businesses may receive up to one hour of assistance but must register by Oct. 17. Clients may sign up online. To volunteer, email vlpa@abcnashville.org.

Memphis leaders are urging the Tennessee General Assembly to prioritize clearing the state’s backlog of rape kits, Tennessee Lookout reports. Last week, the Shelby County Commission unanimously adopted a resolution calling for increased funding to staff the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. The Memphis City Council is expected to vote on the resolution tomorrow. TBI officials previously requested 40 more special agent/forensic scientist positions and 10 more technicians but only received enough funding from the state to staff half of the requested personnel. In response to nationwide criticism, Gov. Bill Lee announced that the TBI would receive fast-tracked funding to hire 25 additional forensic lab positions to decrease the state’s turnaround times in processing sexual assault kits.