The National Legal Aid and Defender Association (NLADA) yesterday announced that Memphis-based Baker Donelson is among its 2014 Beacon of Justice Award winners. The 25 firms were recognized for devoting significant time and resources to creating and implementing innovative strategies to improve life outcomes for low-income individuals. Award winners will be formally honored at the NLADA Exemplar Award Dinner this June in Washington D.C.

The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) has agreed to pay $7.73 million in a settlement over Law School Admission Test (LSAT) policies concerning the disabled. The council will also stop flagging test scores of those who were given extra time, among other policy revisions, the ABA Journal reports. The U.S. Justice Department intervened after the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing brought suit on behalf of 17 disabled individuals in 2012, alleging that they were subjected to cumbersome and unreasonable requirements to document their disabilities after requesting LSAT accommodations. The money will be used to compensate some 6,000 test-takers nationwide who had asked for accommodations under the ADA over the past five years.

Harper Lee, author of the iconic trial novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” wants to reinstate a federal lawsuit she had earlier agreed to settle, the ABA Journal reports. Lee's suit against the Monroe County Heritage Museum in her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, alleged that the institution was profiting from using her name and the book's title without authorization on souvenirs it sells. A settlement of the 2013 legal action was announced earlier this year, but it isn't known whether a settlement agreement was actually signed.

Outgoing district attorney general Torry Johnson today said he is not going to run for mayor, the Tennessean reports. Johnson, who announced his retirement in January after nearly 27 years as Davidson County’s top prosecutor, had been on a short list of potential candidates to succeed Mayor Karl Dean when the mayor’s term ends in 2015. At least two people have already declared they will run for the spot, Metro Councilwoman Megan Barry and longtime attorney and Democratic fundraiser Charles Robert Bone. Others rumored to be exploring the possibility of succeeding Dean are Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry, real estate veteran Bill Freeman, State Rep. Mike Turner, Metro Councilman Jerry Maynard, LEAD Academy founder Jeremy Kane and former school board president David Fox, WSMV reports.

Recent University of Tennessee law graduate Brooke Boyd has been awarded the inaugural Black-Pierce Award, created to honor professors Jerry Black and Carl Pierce who are retiring from the College of Law this summer. Boyd provided 531 hours of pro bono work during her three years of law school and also served as director of UT Pro Bono for 2013–2014. She created a popular pro bono project that provides students the opportunity to work with Knoxville's CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and spent each summer during law school working with the Tennessee Department of Children's Services. 

The law license of Arun Ratan was transferred to disability inactive status on May 20. Ratan cannot practice law while on disability inactive status. He may return to the practice of law after reinstatement by the Tennessee Supreme Court upon showing of clear and convincing evidence that the disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law. View the BPR notice.

The CLE Committee is looking for new members to present at CLE programs and to assist with program planning. This is a great opportunity to help educate attorneys across the state. If you are interesting in becoming involved, please contact CLE Director Mindy Thomas Fulks at mfulks@tnbar.org

Do you have any suggestions for how we can improve the annual retreat? What would entice you to attend? We would love to improve and increase attendance! E-mail any suggestions to Brittany Sims.

Mark your calendars, the annual alumni meeting will take place at the TBA Annual Convention in Gatlinburg on Friday, June 13, at 2:30 p.m. in the Park Vista Hotel. TBALL alumni also are invited to the Class of 2014 graduation party at 9 p.m. later that night at Ripley’s Aquarium. Don’t miss out on the fun! Please RSVP to Leadership Law Coordinator Brittany Sims.

The TBA Leadership Law Class of 2014 just completed all program sessions leading up to graduation on Friday, June 13. The 11th TBALL class maintained tradition by enjoying the Catfish Buffet of Love and Hospitality Suite during the Opening Retreat at Montgomery Bell State Park (Jan. 9-11). They also blazed their own path by being the first class to have all two-day programs. In Nashville (Feb.18-19), Chattanooga (March 31-April 1) and Memphis (May 1-2), class members learned more about policy and politics, the federal courts system, and the importance of community leadership. They heard from amazing, inspirational speakers, such as perennial program favorites Janice Brown, Rep. Jim Cooper, and Mike Cody, just to name a few. Join us at the graduation party to welcome the newest alumni into the fold!