The Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission kicked off its #Help4TNMonth celebration earlier in April to provide civil legal services to communities in need. This year’s theme is “Uniting Communities in Need” and is aimed at helping Tennesseans who continue to struggle with legal issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ATJ Commission has assembled a team of over 65 professionals to develop resources and create and promote pro bono service opportunities. The #Help4TNMonth website has information on events that are occurring throughout the month. Attorneys may also volunteer to help clients remotely through TN Free Legal Answers, an online platform that allows those who qualify to email a legal question to a lawyer, who responds with free legal advice. The Administrative Office of the Courts has more on how you can get involved in honor of #Help4TNMonth.   

Brewer, Krause, Brooks & Chastain PLLC of Nashville has an immediate opening for a licensed Tennessee attorney with at least two years of litigation experience. The position would handle depositions, hearings and trials, along with the discovery and pleading practice. Applicants must have a strong academic record and excellent research and writing skills. Salary commensurate with experience. Send résumé, writing sample and cover letter to Parks T. Chastain or by mail to Brewer, Krause, Brooks & Chastain PLLC, 545 Mainstream Drive, Suite 101, Nashville, TN, 37228.

A group of Democratic lawmakers today introduced legislation that would expand the U.S. Supreme by four justices, the ABA Journal reports. The bill, called the Judiciary Act of 2021, was introduced by Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-NY, Sen. Edward Markey, D-MA, Rep. Hank Johnson, D-GA, and Mondaire Jones, D-NY. “Thirteen justices for 13 circuits is a sensible progression,” Nadler said of the legislation. The Supreme court has had nine justices since 1869, according to Reuters. At other times, Congress has changed the size of the high court, ranging from six to 10 justices. President Joe Biden has previously indicated he is not a fan of “court packing.”

The Metro Nashville Criminal Court Clerk’s office will begin accepting e-filings through Eflex on April 20. You can access the filing portal through the court clerk’s website. There will be a training session on the new platform tomorrow and on April 21 at 3 p.m. CDT. A video of the training will also be posted on the same site.

TBA member and University of Tennessee College of Law alum Reggie Hill of Nashville has given a gift to his alma mater that will be used to fund a junior faculty position. The College of Law will offer the award annually and will designate the recipient as the John Reginald Hill Faculty Scholar. “The College of Law prepared me for a rewarding career, and I am fortunate to be able to give back through this gift,” Hill said. The award will be offered beginning in January. Hill served as a senior vice president and chief compliance and policy officer with Lifepoint Health prior to his retirement last year. He is a member of the TBA and its Health Law and Business sections.

A new episode of the TBA’s Legislative Updates podcast is streaming now. TBA Public Policy and Government Affairs Director Berkley Schwarz and Adams and Reese attorney and TBA lobbyist Brad Lampley explain what happens to TBA-sponsored bills as the General Assembly begins to wind down this year’s session. They also walk listeners through the legislature’s budget process and Gov. Bill Lee’s annual budget amendment, which this year includes funds to reduce the professional privilege tax by $100. Legislative Updates can be found on the TBA’s Facebook page, website and anywhere you listen to podcasts.  

A bill that would require police to record interrogations of juveniles was unanimously approved by the Tennessee Senate yesterday, the Daily Memphian reports. Sen. Raumesh Akbari, D-Memphis, and Rep. London Lamar, D-Memphis, sponsored Senate Bill 1435/House Bill 340, which they say would increase transparency and end both coerced confessions and false accusations against police. General Assembly budget analysts estimated the bill would cost about $40,200 for law enforcement agencies across the state to buy equipment in the first year, and $6,700 thereafter for data storage and equipment maintenance. The House Finance, Ways and Means Committee will hear the measure after the legislature handles budget bills.

TBA CLE will present the virtual 2021 Communications Law Forum on April 16 from 9 a.m. until noon CDT. Attendees will hear presentations on anti-SLAPP, liable defamation, the Public Records Act, a U.S. and Tennessee Supreme Court update and more. Remember, members of the Communication Law Section will receive discounted pricing on this CLE. Not a member? Sign up today.

The TBA’s Tax Law Section will host Tax Law CLE Series 2021: Update on CARES Act, PPP Round 2, ERC, and Other Abbreviations We Hoped We Would Never Need on May 12 from noon until 1 p.m. CDT. Get current updates on issues regarding the tax related COVID-19 relief measures currently in place. Register for this virtual program using the three prepaid CLE credits you receive when renewing your TBA membership.

Gov. Bill Lee this week presented his annual budget amendment to legislators, the Tennessean reports. The amendment includes a $42.6 billion spending plan featuring several additional programs and initiatives. $16 million of that plan is allotted to reduce the professional privilege tax by 25%, which would result in attorneys paying $300 per year, instead of the current $400. The TBA will continue to lobby the legislature to eliminate the tax entirely. Additionally, the spending plan would be used to offset two weeks of tax-free meals at restaurants and tax-free groceries in Tennessee. TNJ: On the Hill has a full breakdown of the governor’s plan.