Former Hawkins County Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge James Franklin “Jay” Taylor was transferred from Davidson County to the Sullivan County jail to serve out the final stretch of his sentence for felony theft. Taylor has been incarcerated since May 2012, when he pleaded guilty to theft charges in Davidson and Hawkins counties, the Kingston Times-News reports.

A couple going through a divorce had just left a mediation session at a law firm near the Manchester town square when one spouse allegedly shot the other. WSMV News 4 reports that the victim was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The building that housed the Coffee County Drug Court sustained heavy damage in a fire that investigators believe was intentionally set. News Channel 5 reports that Manchester Police suspect arson, saying that it looked like the duct work had been pulled near the central heating unit and gas poured into the system. The Drug Court will have to move to a temporary office while repairs are made.

The Department of Justice on Tuesday filed a lawsuit in federal court against Stephanie Edmond of Tax Factory, a Memphis tax preparation business, WREG reports. The complaint alleges Edmond and workers at the Tax Factory submitted returns with bogus credits, phony businesses and fabricated expenses in order to get clients higher refunds or lower their taxable income. The complaint says that a federal agent identified more than 2,300 returns with potential problems, with an estimated tax loss of $9.7 million over the last three years. Edmond’s husband, Kevin Williams, has denied the allegations.

The TBA Criminal Justice Section is presenting a program that provides an advanced analysis to the practice of criminal law. “Advanced Analysis for Competency, Evaluations & Sex Crimes” will be held Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will provide insight into psychological evaluations and competency testing for juveniles and adults, with special consideration given to cases involving sex crimes. The program also will discuss how to deal with a handwriting expert during trial.

Attorney Larry Roddy said he will seek election as Rhea County General Sessions/Family Court judge. He is running as an independent in the Aug. 7 county general election. Roddy, a Soddy-Daisy native, earned his law degree from the University of Memphis and is licensed to practice in all Tennessee courts. He has also practiced in federal district courts in Chattanooga, Atlanta and Birmingham and the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. The Chattanooga Times Free Press has more.

The American Bar Association (ABA) has announced it is accepting applications and nominations for 2014-2015 Presidential Appointments to ABA standing committees, special committees, commissions and other entities and initiatives. The online application process opened this week and is available until Feb. 28.

The Putnam County Bar Association recently elected the following officers for 2014: President Shawn Fry, Vice President Jason F. Hicks, Secretary Kelsy Austin Miller, Treasurer Dale Bohannon and Immediate Past President Rachel Moses.

Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Donna Fields has announced that she will seek re-election. Appointed to the bench in February 2004 by Gov. Phil Bredesen, Judge Fields has run unopposed and been re-elected twice. “I am grateful to have the honor of serving the people of Shelby County. I look forward to asking the voters to allow me to serve another term on the bench,” she said in a press release. A reception to kick off her campaign will be held Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Local on Madison in Memphis.

A new survey by the attorney rating company Avvo Inc. says that consumers want a lawyer who is confident and realistic, but reality show fans want lawyers who are aggressive and attractive. The three lowest-ranking characteristics people want in their lawyers are ambitious (12 percent), friendly (15 percent) and reassuring (18 percent). The Nashville Business Journal notes that responsiveness was the top factor, cited by 92 percent of respondents, followed by track record (80 percent).