Former Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Suzanne Bailey is enjoying retirement after 30 years on the bench. In an editorial in the Hamilton County Herald this week she reflects back on her career. A 1975 graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, Bailey began working with juveniles on one of her very first cases. She was so touched by the experience, she asked to be placed on the appointment list at juvenile court. “I enjoyed taking appointments there. We didn’t get paid...but my heart attached to juvenile court and the children who came through there,” she says. Bailey went on to become the first woman elected to any judgeship in the county when she became juvenile judge in 1982. Bailey, who retired in April, says her only advice to successor Judge Rob Philyaw is simple: “Have the heart of a servant.”

Gov. Bill Haslam will conduct a joint investiture ceremony for two newly appointed judges in the Third Judicial District. Circuit Court Judge Mike Faulk and Chancellor Doug Jenkins will be sworn in next Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Church Hill Middle School, 211 Oak Street, Church Hill. The event is free and open to the public. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony.

The White House said President Barack Obama would today sign a bipartisan bill lowering the costs of borrowing for some 11 million students. The legislation links student loan interest rates to the financial markets. It has been awaiting the president's signature since it was given final approval by the U.S. House of Representatives following a lengthy process to forge a compromise. The Memphis Daily News has the story.

Robert E. Oglesby, who currently serves as state architect, will become the new commissioner of the state Department of General Services, the Memphis Daily News reports. Oglesby will replace Steve Cates who is stepping down effective Aug. 20 to return to private business.

The Administrative Office of the Courts is making approximately $200,000 in grant funding available through its Access and Visitation Grant for the development or continuation of initiatives that help self-represented litigants deal with child support issues. To receive funding, initiatives must address the needs of divorced or never-married parents, and focus on services to help them resolve issues related to parenting, visitation and child support. Proposals must be received by Sept. 13. Click here for more information and to download the grant application.

After announcing a wellness plan aimed at getting Tennesseans to eat better, exercise more and avoid tobacco products yesterday, Gov. Bill Haslam said he is still talking with federal officials about a deal to provide health care coverage to more low-income individuals. Haslam said he is planning a trip to Washington, D.C., later this month to figure out whether the two sides can come to an agreement on a way to expand coverage without growing the state’s TennCare Medicaid program. “We’re very serious about trying to see what the best long-term answer is for Tennessee,” Haslam said. The Nashville City Paper has the story.

The 13th Judicial District is partnering with the Children’s Advocacy Center in Cookeville and other organizations to bring the comfort of a dog to those involved in the stressful experience of the legal process. It is the second district in the state to utilize a dog at the courthouse. “This is an incredible tool for us," said Ellen O'Neill-Stephens, a former Washington state prosecutor and Courthouse Dogs member. "The dog offers emotional support to everyone involved in the process." The Crossville Chronicle has the story.

Earn your entire 15 hours of CLE required for the year at the 2013 General Practice Summit Aug. 15-17 in Nashville. The program offers education for general practitioners on 28 topics that matter most to them. Register online at TennBarU or contact CLE Director Mindy Fulks for more information. If you are unable to attend the summit, don’t miss the Fast Track 15-hour programs in Knoxville and Memphis on Aug. 23.

Nashville attorney William Alan Alder was suspended on Aug. 7 for two years, with the suspension to run consecutively with a one-year suspension imposed on Dec. 28, 2012. The Tennessee Supreme Court found that Alder failed to diligently handle two lawsuits, failed to communicate adequately with clients and made a misrepresentation to one client. In addition to imposing the suspension, the court directed him to make restitution to a client, consult with Tennessee Lawyer Assistance Program and pay the Board of Professional Responsibility’s costs in this matter. Download the BPR notice.

Jimmy Vallejo Delgado, an attorney licensed to practice law in Tennessee and Texas, was disbarred by the Tennessee Supreme Court and ordered to make restitution in the amount of $96,826 to former clients. On June 1, 2012, the Board of Professional Responsibility filed a petition for discipline against Delgado based on his representation of clients in a Georgia wrongful death case. A hearing panel found Delgado never informed his clients that he was not licensed to practice law in Georgia. The court also found that he never met with his clients personally, settled the case without his clients’ knowledge or consent, and failed to promptly remit settlement funds to his clients. Download the BPR notice.