The Tennessee Bar Association is offering a “Journey to Cuba CLE” trip next March and you can sign up now to receive information on registration, itineraries and more. The TBA is collaborating with CLE Abroad, our program partner, to create the perfect itinerary for an eye-opening journey at this pivotal moment in U.S.-Cuba relations. The specially designed program will explore Cuba’s rich and varied cultural heritage and go beyond the typical tourist corridors to engage with local scholars, attorneys, entrepreneurs, musicians and artists who will offer in-depth commentary on the country’s legal and political systems, economics, art, history, architecture and religion. You do not want to miss this opportunity to experience the best of Cuba while earning CLE credit. Check out this trip brochure and make plans to join us March 2-6, 2023!

Nashville lawyers strongly recommend retaining all appellate court judges up for election this year, a new survey from the Nashville Bar Association shows. Results of the member poll released today also recommend the reelection of General Sessions Judge Lynda F. Jones. NBA President Martesha L. Johnson said the group regularly polls its members regarding judicial elections because they “have firsthand knowledge of the candidates and issues facing Nashville’s legal system” and their assessment “will be useful to the public and help to ensure that the Nashville judiciary is highly qualified and dedicated to a fair and equitable legal system.” Four hundred eighteen responses were received.

The TBA Young Lawyers Division, Belmont University College of Law and Legal Aid Society are teaming up for an expungement clinic July 16 in Nashville. The clinic will be held at 10 a.m. CDT at the law school. The Davidson County Clerk's Office will be on site to screen clients for eligibility and print out paperwork. Volunteer lawyers are needed to give advice on re-entry issues and to fill out expungement paperwork. RSVP by email to Belmont Law Public Interest Coordinator Alix Rogers. Firms interested in sponsoring donuts and coffee are also needed and can contact Rogers for more information. Access an event flyer.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue today released information about three sales tax holidays approved by the General Assembly for this year. The first, offered July 29-31, will include clothing under $100, school supplies under $100 and computers under $1,500. The second, which will run from Aug. 1-31, will include food and food ingredients. The third, which began on July 1, will run through June 30, 2023, and includes gun safes and safety equipment. Learn more about these state sales tax holidays online, by email or by phone at 615-253-0600.

Knoxville lawyer Patty Wheeler, 81, died at home surrounded by her family on June 24. After earning a doctorate degree and law degree from the University of Southern California, Wheeler moved to Knoxville, where she worked at McCampbell & Young, Lewis King, and Wimberly Lawson. During her career, Wheeler served on the Knoxville Bar Association Board of Governors, on the Tennessee Justice Center Board of Governors and as an adjunct professor of research and writing at the University of Tennessee College of Law. She also was a founding member of the East Tennessee Law Association for Women. Following her retirement, she volunteered at the Family Justice Center. Memorial donations may be made to Discover Life in America, 1316 Cherokee Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738.

Concerned that longtime Community Corrections providers were pushed out of the bidding process by Gov. Bill Lee’s administration, lawmakers are set to hold hearings to look into the issue, Tennessee Lookout reports. State Sen. Todd Gardenhire, a Chattanooga Republican who co-chairs the Fiscal Review Committee, confirmed he will schedule meetings later this summer to learn more about why the Tennessee Department of Correction modified the bid process for contracts on Community Corrections services, which he says were working well. State Sen. Ed Jackson, R-Jackson, echoes those concerns and says multiple matters need to be resolved in the state’s decision to shift offenders to state probation. He questioned whether offenders would be treated fairly and if the department would have enough staff to handle new cases.

In addition to honoring civil rights attorney Fred Gray, President Joe Biden will present the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Nashville civil rights icon Diane Nash at a ceremony tomorrow, WKRN reports. Nash came to Nashville in 1959 to study at Fisk University and became a leader in nonviolent protests that desegregated the city's lunch counters. She helped found the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and participated in the Freedom Rides. Nash also worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr., who described her as the “driving spirit in the nonviolent assault on segregation at lunch counters.”

The TBA Estate Planning Section is back with its popular Tee-Off CLE at Nashville’s Topgolf! The Aug. 31 program will feature three hours of programming, breakfast, lunch and two hours of golf. Speakers include Newman Bankston with Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis in Knoxville; Lebanon attorney James Barry Jr.; Jennifer Exum with Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel in Chattanooga; and Aaron Flinn with Waller Lansden in Nashville; and Ashley Stearns with Trail, Coleman & Stearns in Murfreesboro. Make plans now to join colleagues for this unique program. Thanks to sponsors Pendleton Square Trust Company and American Cancer Society for their support.

Columbia-based law firm Dale, Hutto & Lyle is seeking an associate attorney to handle real estate, estate planning and probate matters. The firm serves the southern Middle Tennessee region with real estate, estate planning, probate and business formation needs. The firm partners also own Maury County Title, which has provided residential and commercial closing services for almost 40 years. Up to three years of experience is preferred but candidates who are seeking licensure are welcome to apply. For consideration, submit a cover letter, resume, legal writing sample and references to bevin@muletown.law no later than Aug. 12. See the full job description on TBA’s JobLink platform.