The state registry of election finance board voted to audit and investigate the finances of state Rep. Jeremy Durham, The Tennessean reports. Attorney General Herbert Slatery, who is already investigating the Franklin Republican for alleged inappropriate conduct, believes Durham moved money between the title company he owns and his campaign committee. The board will also ask for subpoenas to be issued for Durham, his campaign, his business and various bank accounts.

This appeal arises over a dispute regarding the terms of a trust. Bruce Chapman Bower (“Decedent”) died having executed a trust (“the Trust”), the primary asset of which was a lake house. Decedent?s son, Christopher R. Bower (“Successor Trustee”), served as Successor Trustee. Decedent?s widow, Denise Bower (“Widow”), objected to the appointment of Successor Trustee, and the parties engaged in litigation over various terms of the Trust.

The 2016 Law Practice Conference For New Lawyers on June 29 will offer advice on solo and small firm practice, best practices in billing and how to form successful client relationships. The course is scheduled from noon to 4:15 p.m. at the Tennessee Bar Center. The program, approved for four dual credits, will also be available in a live webcast.   

Knoxville attorney Robert Lee Vogel died Saturday (June 4), according to the Knoxville Bar Association. He was 56. Vogel graduated from Rutgers Law School and was licensed in Tennessee in 2004. The family will receive friends this evening from 5-7 p.m. at Berry Highland West Funeral Home, 9913 Sherrill Blvd. in Knoxville. A memorial service will follow at 7 p.m.

Belmont University College of Law was granted full American Bar Association accreditation on June 4. The College of Law, which enrolled its first class in Fall 2011, achieved full accreditation in the earliest possible timeframe and represents the first fully accredited law school in Tennessee in more than 50 years. “We have built a first-class law school with a focus on practical skills and the ethics and professionalism expected of all lawyers,” said Belmont Law Dean Alberto Gonzales.

In an attempt to “extinguish a blazing political fire,” Nashville Councilman Bob Mendes has prepared two amendments that seek to remove $40 million from Mayor Megan Barry’s proposed $475 million budget regarding funding for reconstruction of the downtown Criminal Justice Center and the sheriff’s office. The Tennessean reports one amendment would remove $20 million requested by the mayor to to improve jail facilities on Harding Place, where inmates will be housed as the Criminal Justice Center is renovated into a new jail facility. Barry and Sheriff Daron Hall filed a joint statement urging the council to approve the $40 million request. 

Nashville attorney Gerald “Gerry” D. Neenan died Monday (June 6) at the age of 62. Neenan, a graduate of Vanderbilt University Law School, was a member at Neal & Harwell PLC. A visitation is planned for Thursday, 6 - 8 p.m., and Friday, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Woodlawn Roesch-Patton Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Ln. in Nashville. A memorial service will follow Friday’s visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Salvation Army of the Nashville area, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation or the charity of your choice. Friends may share condolences online. 

This is a Rule 3 appeal of an order requiring the Appellant to post security for the care of three horses. Appellant was charged with cruelty to horses and ordered to post security for the care of the horses pending the resolution of her criminal charges. Appellant appealed. We determine that this is a criminal matter and therefore dismiss this appeal for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.

This is a Rule 3 appeal of an order requiring the Appellant to post security for the care of three horses. Appellant was charged with cruelty to horses and ordered to post security for the care of the horses pending the resolution of her criminal charges. Appellant appealed. We determine that this is a criminal matter and therefore dismiss this appeal for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.

This appeal involves the termination of a mother?s parental rights. The trial court found by clear and convincing evidence that the mother abandoned her four-year-old son by willfully failing to visit him and that it was in the best interest of the child to terminate the mother?s parental rights. The mother appeals. We affirm.