Longtime Chattanooga lawyer John M. Higgason Jr. died Thursday (Jan. 21) after a 35-year struggle with kidney disease. He was 66. After practicing for many years, Higgason closed his law practice in 2009 to become a full-time mediator focused on alternative dispute resolution with Arbitration and Mediation Services Inc. He also served as city judge for Lookout Mountain for several years. Visitation will be held Monday from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lookout Mountain. A memorial service will follow. Words of comfort for the family can be shared online. Read more from The Chattanoogan. 

The ABA Journal reports that experts believe more law firm layoffs are expected because firms “can’t keep lawyers busy with work.” The prediction comes after Reed Smith laid off 45 attorneys. In The American Lawyer (sub. req.), Eric Seeger of Altman Weil says a 2015 survey revealed 65 percent of the respondents said equity partners weren’t busy enough.

Republican lawmakers and the Tennessee Medical Association proposed a bill that would halt public release of compensation given to experts who testify, The Tennessean reports. "If attorneys are able to continue accessing and disclosing doctors’ personal financial information, which has no relevance on a trial, it will dissuade more physicians from testifying in important issues," said Dave Chaney, a spokesman for the TMA. The TBA opposes the bill because rules that deal with court procedure should be handled by an existing rulemaking commission, TBA Executive Director Allan Ramsaur told The Tennessean.

Gov. Bill Haslam’s 2016 legislative agenda includes public safety and issues related to handguns and abortion. The Republican governor also will introduce the Fetal Remains Act, which would require more reporting of the disposition of fetal remains and establish a mandatory assessment process for surgical treatment centers that annually perform more than 50 abortions. “The Fetal Remains Act strengthens accountability and transparency for surgery centers performing abortions,” Haslam said. The Tennessean also reports Haslam will also attempt to lower the cost of obtaining a handgun permit.

The Leaf-Chronicle features a profile on Roger Nell, a candidate for Circuit Court Judge Part III. Nell currently serves as 19th Judicial District Public Defender after being appointed to the position in 2000 by former Gov. Don Sundquist. “While I have broad experience in law, extensive experience in criminal law sets me apart,” Nell said.

The Defendant, Paula Shotwell, was convicted after a bench trial in the Criminal Court for Shelby County of theft of property valued at more than $500 but less than $1000, a Class E felony. See T.C.A. §§ 39-14-103; 39-14-105 (2014). The trial court sentenced the Defendant to two years? probation. On appeal, the Defendant contends that (1) the evidence is insufficient to support her conviction and (2) the State violated her due process rights by failing to preserve the stolen items as evidence. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.

The law license of Giles County lawyer Richard H. Dunavant was today transferred to disability inactive status by the Tennessee Supreme Court. Dunavant cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. Read the BPR release.

The man who climbed up onto a sign over Interstate 65 in Nashville earlier this month was sentenced to 20 days in jail -- but the Nashville Scene examines why jail was the ending to this story. While Williams Walters was self-evidently guilty of disorderly conduct and obstructing a roadway, Metro police was also aware that Walters was experiencing a mental health crisis. District Attorney spokeswoman Dorinda Carter said the decision to imprison Walters was “the best disposition to protect the community and the defendant." Metro Public Defender Dawn Deaner responded, “This leaves the criminal justice system on the hook for addressing what is actually a public health problem — something we are ill-suited to do.” 

The Tennessee Supreme Court today temporarily suspended John Philip Parsons from the practice of law after he failed to respond to the Board of Professional Responsibility regarding a complaint of misconduct. Parsons, of Putnam County, is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases and must cease representing existing clients by Feb. 20. Read the BPR release.

Property owner sought recognition that his property had a nonconforming use as a rock quarry. We have determined that the property owner‘s previous appeal before the board of zoning appeals, for which he did not file a petition for writ of certiorari in chancery court, is res judicata as to the present matter.