David Michel of Telford confirmed on Tuesday his plans to run for Tennessee’s 6th House District, the Johnson City Press reports. Michel has been a leading voice of the Tri-Cities chapter of Safe Access, a nonprofit group advocating for safe and legal access to medical marijuana. Michel’s decision to run was influenced by his success in helping the group grow to become the state’s largest chapter. In addition to legalizing marijuana for medical use, Michel says he would also focus on improving infrastructure and bringing in more “blue-collar jobs." He plans to run as an independent.

Each year the Tennessee Bar Association recognizes outstanding service by attorneys and law students who have dedicated their time to helping others. The awards given are the Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year, the Ashley T. Wiltshire Public Service Attorney of the Year and the Law Student Volunteer of the Year. Read the stories of those recognized here. This year, a special Access to Justice Champion Award is presented to Allan F.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission met Friday to consider seven applicants for the Circuit Court vacancy in the 16th Judicial District, serving Rutherford and Cannon Counties. The vacancy was created by the death of Judge M. Keith Siskin. Following a public hearing and public interviews, the commission selected Ben E. Bennett of Milton, Aaron J. Conklin of Murfreesboro, and Barry R. Tidwell of Murfreesboro. The three names now go to Gov. Bill Haslam for consideration.

The TBA will conduct an Inventor Legal & Business Boot Camp on Sept. 20 in Knoxville to educate all attendees about the legal and business aspects of Intellectual Property and its role in starting a business. This program is designed for those who create or own intellectual property (inventors, makers, artists, licensing organizations, etc.) and the attorneys who represent them. Click here for more information and to register.

Nashville attorney Kevin Teets Jr. says the Tennessee Equality Project will sue the city of Portland if an ordinance that would ban drag shows passes, the Tennessean reports. This comes after the Portland City Council voted earlier this month to amend its adult-oriented business rules, which would ultimately ban Elite Drag Star Productions from holding drag shows. In a letter to the Portland city attorney and the Board of the Mayor and Alderman, Teets claims banning the show is a violation of free speech. The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee also wrote the city saying "Because the Ordinance would be adopted to further the city's desire to restrict impersonators from performing or because of its disagreement with the message they convey, the regulations would be content-based and, therefore, unconstitutional." A second vote on the ordinance will be held this evening.

On Sept. 21, this year’s Court Square series kicks off in Chattanooga at Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel. Kevin Christopher will address common intellectual property issues for general practitioners. Jay Elliott will cover issues attorneys may encounter when handling matters with in-house counsel and Chris Varner will provide a summary of litigation updates. The last session will be a roundtable discussion offering point and counterpoint scenarios in connection with various contract provisions. For more information or to register.   

The disability inactive status of Walter F. Williams of Hamilton County was removed today by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Williams was placed on inactive status on Aug. 25, 2015. In May, Williams filed a petition to be reinstated to active status, which was granted on Sept. 15.

The TBA Young Lawyers Division is seeking attorneys to volunteer at a Wills for Heroes legal clinic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Scott County Justice Center in Huntsville on Sept. 22. The clinic will provide free wills, powers of attorney and advance directives for Tennessee’s firefighters, law enforcement officers and other emergency responders. Please contact TBA YLD District 2 Representative Amanda Howard for more information or to volunteer.

The Senate has confirmed that Belmont University College of Law professor Donald Cochran and District Attorney General for the 25^th Judicial District Mike Dunavant will serve as U.S. attorneys for Middle and West Tennessee, respectively. Cochran will cover Nashville and surrounding counties while Dunavant will serve the 22-county Western District, including Memphis and the surrounding area, the Tennessean reports. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said Cochran "served our country in the U.S. Army and as a former prosecutor, and I am pleased he has answered the call to do so again." He also said that Dunavant “has shown great commitment to promoting public safety and enforcing the law throughout his career, and I know he will serve West Tennessee well,”. 

On Sept. 19, a TBA CLE webcast presentation by Yarnell Beatty will touch on the capabilities of telemedicine, licensure requirements for providers, state and federal regulation as to how it is delivered, billing and payment, barriers to delivery, and future trends. Emphasis will be placed on helping lawyers develop a checklist for advising health care professionals, with some guidance for counseling facilities. Learn more and register.