Hendersonville resident Wesley Somers, 26, has been sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to burn down the Metro Courthouse in 2020 after protests that followed the death of George Floyd, the Associated Press reports. Somers pleaded guilty to federal arson charges last summer. The courthouse was graffitied, some of its windows were smashed and a fire was set inside following the gathering. Tips from citizens helped Nashville police identify Somers in video clips and photos from the incident. U.S. Attorney Mark H. Wildasin said his office would “always defend” an individual’s First Amendment rights, but “will not tolerate the actions of those who choose to exploit peaceful protest by resorting to violence and intimidation.”

Three attorneys were interviewed this week to be the new bond counsel for the Metro Industrial Development Board as it works to expand downtown Nashville across the Cumberland River, the Tennessean reports. Former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee Doug Overbey, Waller Law’s Alex Buchanan and the father-son team leading Carpenter Law were interviewed by members of the board. The quasi-governmental agency expects a wave of bond applications for public-private deals. Officials say they will work with private developers to rebuild and lease more than 100 acres of industrial east-bank land owned by the city and its affiliates. The Industrial Development Board will next meet March 31 to discuss whether to make an offer.

Belmont University College of Law recently hosted a panel discussion on State Constitutionalism: A Justice’s View. The event featured perspectives from Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Bivins, Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick and Belmont Law Dean Alberto Gonzales, a former member of the Texas Supreme Court. The panel was moderated by Belmont Law Professor Jeffrey Usman and sponsored by the Federalist Society and the Student Bar Association.

U.S. Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson on Tuesday defended her record as a federal judge during the second day of confirmation hearings before the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Associated Press reports. Jackson strongly pushed back against suggestions that she was too lenient on child pornographers. In response to accusations that her rulings have endangered children, Jackson said, “nothing could be further from the truth.” Tuesday’s hearing was the first of two days of questioning after Jackson and the 22 members of the panel gave opening statements on Monday. On Thursday, the committee will hear from legal experts before an eventual vote to move her nomination to the Senate floor. Watch a live stream on the committee’s website.

A state Senate Committee was today set to take up a bill that would create a polling place pilot program in Davidson County jails to ultimately provide eligible inmates with easier access to vote, NewsChannel 5 reports. The measure, Senate Bill 1957/ House Bill 2101, would allow only eligible inmates who are residents of Davidson County to vote at a satellite voting location. The jail would be required to provide voter registration applications to inmates who request them and are found eligible to vote and also to make available resources with information on the voting rights of those with criminal convictions. The program is estimated to cost $110,000 over two years. That money would come from the county and would cover pay for poll workers and equipment. The program would run until Dec. 31, 2023.

Only four races on Montgomery County’s May 3 primary ballot are contested, including the race for county mayor, district attorney, Circuit Court Part I, and General Sessions & Juvenile Court Division II. Candidates in the race for 19th Judicial District include incumbent District Attorney Robert Nash, 23rd District Assistant DA Steve Powers and Assistant City Attorney Neil Stauffer, all running for the Republican nomination. Appearing on the ballot for judge in circuit court is incumbent Judge Amy Fry and attorney John Holt, both running for the Republican nomination. Attorneys Reid Poland and Eric Yow will vie to be the Republican nominee for judge on the General Sessions & Juvenile Court. Finally, Wes Golden will face Wallace Redd for the Republican nomination for county mayor. The county primary will take place May 3, with early voting running from April 13-28. Read more from Clarksville Now.  

Germantown law firm Dowden, Worley, Jewell & Olswing PLLC is seeking an attorney to take referrals from firm on a fee split arrangement. According to the posting on the TBA’s JobLink page, the attorney would be considered an independent contractor with the firm providing legal assistance. To apply, send a resume to kwallace@dwjlawfirm.com. See all job postings on TBA JobLink.  

Nashville activist and divinity student Justin Jones has announced he is running for the state’s District 52 House seat, the Nashville Post reports. Jones will run as a Democrat, joining Metro Councilmember Delishia Porterfield in the race. If elected, Jones says he would focus on fighting extremism, including extremism related to immigration. “People want to know how we are resisting these extreme bills,” Jones said. “It’s the same concerns, and I think people are united in that conversation.” Jones has frequently protested at the state legislature on behalf of voting rights, racial justice and other issues. He seeks to replace outgoing Rep. Mike Stewart.

Knoxville attorney Thomas G. Slaughter died Sunday. He was 64. Originally from New Jersey, Slaughter stayed in Knoxville after earning his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. He entered private practice in 1988, concentrating primarily in criminal defense. Slaughter joined the Anderson County Public Defender’s Office in 2020. Visitation will take place on Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. EDT at Click Funeral Home, 9020 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37923. Mass will be Thursday at 1:30 p.m. EDT at All Saints, 620 N. Cedar Bluff Rd., Knoxville, TN 37923. A reception will follow.

The Coalition for Mediation Awareness in Tennessee (CMAT) has announced that Supreme Court Justice Sharon G. Lee is this year’s recipient of the Grayfred Gray Public Service in Mediation Award. According to a CMAT press release, Lee was chosen for the honor based on her “innovative and lasting contributions to the field of mediation.” Those contributions include her leadership in implementing the Supreme Court’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Plan, which aimed to help reduce case backlogs by encouraging the courts to refer cases to mediation. “I am honored to receive this award,” Lee said. “Mediation is an integral and valuable part of our system of justice which allows people to resolve disputes efficiently and effectively.” Lee will receive the award during the Tennessee Association of Professional Mediators annual meeting on April 8. Gov. Bill Lee proclaimed April 2022 as Mediation Month in Tennessee to recognize the contributions of mediation and to encourage its further growth in the state.