The Tennessee Supreme Court yesterday issued an order extending the deadline for comments on a proposal to change the requirements for comity. Comments for all parties, except the Board of Law Examiners, is now Aug. 12. Under a previous order, the board has until Aug. 19 to file its comments. The proposal, submitted by The Network of Enlightened Women, would amend Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7, Section 5.01(c) to remove the requirement that a lawyer maintain a full time law practice or full time law school teaching position. Comments should reference the docket number and be e-mailed or mailed to: James M. Hivner, Clerk, Tennessee Appellate Courts, 100 Supreme Court Building, 401 7th Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37219.

The practice of law is a high stress profession that often creeps into life outside of working hours. When workdays get busy, it can become difficult to set aside time for yourself. But taking time at the end of the workday to unwind and be creative has proven to improve your mental health, which in turn is good for professional performance. Legal Innovators offers three activities to try. First, journaling in the evening can help you process the day and get down any worries before bed, so you are less anxious and have a more restful sleep. To start, try writing three things that you were grateful for today, and three things you would like to accomplish tomorrow. Second, listening to a guided meditation podcast is a great way to start practicing mindfulness. And third, try a new hobby that lets you be creative such as drawing, knitting or working on a home improvement project.

A number of lawyers have been reinstated after being suspended for various administrative violations. Four were reinstated after completing required CLE hours: three from 2021 and one from 2013. In addition, 11 were reinstated after paying their annual professional privilege tax: eight from 2022, one from 2021, one from 2020 and one from 2018. Finally, 26 were reinstated after paying their annual BPR fee and/or notification that funds are held in IOLTA-approved accounts: 19 from 2022, three from 2021, and one from each of the years 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2009. The TBA has records of all administrative suspensions and reinstatements going back to 2005. See all lists here.

Tallahassee, Florida, lawyer Melissa Ellen Dembicer was reinstated to the practice of law on June 27. She had been placed on inactive status on Nov. 23, 2010. The Tennessee Supreme Court found that her petition for reinstatement was satisfactory and reinstatement was appropriate. The court made the reinstatement retroactive to June 13.

The Tennessee Supreme Court this week suspended 15 attorneys for failure to pay the annual registration fee; 11 of them also failed to file proof that client funds are held in an IOLTA-compliant account. View the June 28 fee suspension order and IOLTA suspension order. See the list of all lawyers suspended for fee and IOLTA violations in 2022 or access all administrative suspensions dating back to 2005.

Young lawyers in Tennessee and other Southeastern states are invited to attend the Southeastern States Young Lawyers Regional Summit in Orlando on Sept. 22-24. The event, which will be held at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club, will bring together young lawyers for compelling continuing education programs, collaboration and networking opportunities. Programming will focus on marketing your practice, managing non-attorney staff, handling finances and promoting diversity and inclusion in the profession. Social events include an opening reception on Thursday night and an optional “Network Around the World” at Epcot’s International Wine & Food Festival on Saturday. The $250 early registration fee includes up to five hours of CLE credit, materials, admission to Thursday's Welcome Reception, and breakfast, beverage break and lunch on Friday. Register for the conference and be sure to book through the room block for discounted room rates. For questions, contact TBA Young Lawyers Division Coordinator Ateia Aldridge.

The voter registration deadline for the upcoming Aug. 4 election is Tuesday. Early voting will take place July 15 through July 30. Races on the August ballot include primaries for governor, U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee General Assembly and Democratic State Executive Committee. General elections will also be held that day for state judicial offices and applicable county offices. Get registration information and an election calendar on the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue will host a free webinar on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. CDT focused on tax issues for new businesses. Participants will learn about state tax obligations and other resources that may help their businesses. Register here or see other upcoming webinars.

Lynn Paula Talley of Knoxville died Sunday after a long battle with cancer. Talley, a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, spent most of her career as an attorney with the Social Security Administration in Knoxville. She loved spending time with family and friends, traveling and volunteering in the community. She will be remembered for her involvement with the YWCA of Knoxville and her Cancer Support group. A viewing will be held on July 8 from 4-6 p.m. and a family viewing on July 9 from 10-11 a.m. at Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors, 2500 Clarksville Highway, Nashville TN 37208. A celebration of life will take place on July 9 at 11 a.m. All times central.

Tennessee’s longest serving judge, Montgomery County General Sessions & Juvenile Court Judge Wayne Chavis Shelton, will retire tomorrow, the Administrative Office of the Courts has announced. Shelton has served on the court since being appointed by Gov. Lamar Alexander in 1979. He earned his law degree in 1973 from Memphis State School of Law (now University of Memphis). He first worked with a law firm in Memphis and then moved to Montgomery County where he practiced with the late Thomas E. Stamper. Among his accomplishments, Shelton has served as president of the Tennessee Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, received the Judge Elizabeth McCain Memorial Award for service to the state juvenile courts, and received the council’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Read more about his career and tributes from colleagues.