Tomorrow, June 24, The Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division will join a Bar Unity March hosted by the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association, the Memphis Bar Association and the Association for Women Attorneys.  The march is to symbolize the Memphis legal community’s unification against racism and to address racism within the legal community.

The Bar Unity March will begin at 8:46 a.m. CDT at the Walter Bailey Criminal Justice Center near 201 Poplar in Memphis on the corner of Washington Avenue and B.B. King Boulevard.  In case of rain, the Bar Unity March will be held on Wednesday, June 25, at 8:46 a.m. CDT.

Attorney leaders from the Walter L. Bailey Jr. Criminal Justice Center will speak, followed by 8 minutes and 46 seconds of silence.  The march will move down Washington Avenue to N. Second Street, then to Adams Avenue, to N. Orleans Street, and back to Washington Avenue to end at the starting point. Professional dress is encouraged. Masks are required and everyone is asked to stand six feet apart.

For those who cannot march, a virtual march option will be available where people may make their support and virtual presence known via social media by posting the virtual march graphic. People may virtually "march" for eight hours and 46 minutes to raise awareness and support.

“Courage is the most important attribute of a lawyer. It is more important than competence or vision. It can never be an elective in any law school, and it should pervade the heart, the halls of Justice and the chambers of the mind.”- Robert F. Kennedy

The Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division stands with the countless leaders across our nation, including lawyers, business people, police chiefs and others who are denouncing acts of racial injustice and brutality against any person by law enforcement, as well as systemic challenges and biases experienced by many in our local communities.

Throughout history, lawyers have been the agents of vast social change through activism, legislation and litigation. All lawyers, especially young lawyers, must step up with our collective voices and help facilitate communication and education to create systemic change in our profession and the lives of the people that we serve. The TBA Young Lawyers Division is committed to working with our local, state and national leaders to initiate meaningful reforms and positive solutions to end discrimination and injustice in our communities.

Attorney Amanda Tonkin shares her favorite podcast

Attorney Tonkin’s favorite podcast — and actually the only one she listens to — is My Favorite Murder.  My Favorite Murder is the hit true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Since its inception in early 2016, the show has broken download records and sparked an enthusiastic, interactive “Murderino” fan base who come out in droves for their sold-out worldwide tours.

The Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) has created an incredible resource to assist lawyers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please take a look at the two-page brochure and share it with your colleagues. 

The TBA YLD is excited to announce the members of its 2020-2021 Board.  The new board is cast with a diverse spectrum of backgrounds, experiences and skills. Needless to say, we can’t wait for the new board to begin serving the Tennessee legal community in July, managing the various YLD programs and initiatives and offering new resources for young lawyers. Those in leadership should be on the lookout for information about Spring Board Planning alternative virtual meetings. 

Lawyers in the 15th Judicial District will hold a free legal clinic in Wilson County this Saturday, April 11, from 1-5 p.m. Local attorneys will offer free advice on legal issues for those affected by the tornado. This advice will be given over the phone in response to concerns regarding COVID-19. To talk to an attorney during one of the times below, please sign up here. Can’t sign up with a computer? You can also sign up by calling 615-451-1880.

Being judged by your appearance, last minute docket call surprises, building up other female attorneys — Professor Michelle Kwon has some stories to tell! Don't miss the latest episode of the TBA YLD Presents: War Stories podcast. Available on TBA's website and anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Communities across the United States are experiencing significant impacts from the spread of COVID-19. One of these impacts is an increase in unique, urgent legal needs. Attorneys across the country are working nearly non-stop to ensure that those impacted by COVID-19 have access to appropriate legal services. 

In support of these efforts, over 300 law students, paralegals, and student paralegals have offered to provide remote pro-bono support for COVID-related matters. These students stand ready to provide research, drafting, and other support to attorneys. Examples of projects students may assist on include: 

• research regarding paid leave policies 
• drafting for bail motions 
• supporting efforts to seek release from immigration custody

If attorneys are interested in receiving student support on their COVID-19 related matters, they should fill out this form. If students are interested in providing support, they should fill out this form. 
 
Questions and concerns can be directed to Alyssa Leader, a student helping to coordinate this pro bono effort. 
 

Get legal and other resources for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic from TBA’s Pandemic Resource Center. While the TBA’s physical office is closed, staff members are working remotely. Find direct phone numbers and emails here.