Davidson County lawyer Hugh Edward Garrett received a public censure from the Board of Professional Responsibility Nov. 6 for failing to render competent representation; failing to act with reasonable diligence; failing to maintain reasonable communication with his client; and failing to take reasonable steps to expedite litigation. He essentially abandoned his client’s case on appeal and ignored the requests of the Court of Criminal Appeals to either file a brief or dismiss the matter, the court said. Download the BPR notice.

The Memorials and Resolutions Committee of the Knoxville Bar Association is sponsoring an opportunity to honor the members of the bar who have passed away in the last year. Hon. Gary R. Wade, Hon. Sharon Lee and Rev. Charles W.B. Fels will lead the service this Friday at 3 p.m. in the Tennessee Supreme Court Courtroom, located at 505 Main St. in Knoxville. A reception will follow the service.

Washington County commissioners interviewed seven attorneys today vying for a new judgeship created to alleviate overcrowded criminal and civil dockets. The Johnson City Press reports that the finalists include four private practice attorneys -- Don Arnold, Doug Carter, Steve Darden and Dan Smith -- two assistant district attorneys general -- Ken Baldwin and Michael Rasnake -- and one assistant public defender, Bill Donaldson. Commissioners will hold a special meeting Jan. 3 at 10 a.m. to select the judge.

A diverse jury was selected to hear evidence against defendant Vanessa Coleman in the retrial of the 2007 Christian Newsome case, Knoxnews reports. The panel will consist of four black women, three black men, three white men, and two white women who were summoned from Madison County. There will be six alternates -- three white women, one black woman, a white man, and a black man.

Child abuse survivor Nancy Little shared with attendees at a luncheon hosted by CASA Works, Inc, the harrowing experiences that led her to becoming a social worker and advocate for abused children. She received the G.F. Bett Bettinesky Child Advocate of the Year award for her seven years as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, and was the guest speaker at Monday’s luncheon. CASA Works, Inc is a Manchester-based branch of CASA that recruits volunteers to serve as court-appointed advocates for abused and neglected children in the area. Read more at the Herald Chronicle.

The Board of Professional Responsibility (BPR) has named four finalists for the position of chief disciplinary counsel, the Nashville Post reports. The candidates, who will be interviewed in December, are: Sandy Garrett, the BPR’s current senior litigation counsel; William J. Haynes III of Bone McAllester Norton; Melinda Krissann Hodges, the BPR’s current disciplinary counsel; and Alan D. Johnson, attorney at law.

Eight attorneys have applied to fill the Knox County Circuit Court seat now held by Wheeler A. Rosenbalm, whose retirement will become effective Jan. 1. The Judicial Nominating Commission will hold a public meeting on Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. Eastern time to interview the following candidates: William T. Ailor, attorney at law; Judith Elaine Bruke of Toppenberg & Burke; Kristi M. Davis of Hodges Doughty & Carson; William Andrew Fox of Gilbert & Fix Law Firm; Ray Hal Jenkins of Computer Sciences Corporation; Mary Elizabeth Maddox of Frantz McConnell & Seymour; Glenna Walker Overton of the Glenna W. Overton Law Firm; and Deborah C. Stevens of Lewis King Krieg & Waldrop.

International human rights lawyer and media commentator Arsalan T. Iftikhar will speak about “Global Muslims in the Post-Osama Era” Tuesday at 7 p.m. in Middle Tennessee State University’s Tucker Theatre as part of the school's International Education Week. All events are free and open to the public. Learn more from the Murfreesboro Post.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean filed legislation today to create a buyout program for eligible Metro employees, the Tennessean reports. Human resources director Rita Roberts-Turner told council members that the program will “provide eligible employees a retirement incentive equal to $700 for each year of credited service with the Metropolitan Government.”

A joint study committee of the Tennessee General Assembly on Tuesday will discuss the proposed Fairness in Ticketing Act and a competing proposal related to ticket regulation sponsored by state Sen. Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) and state Rep. Charles Sargent (R-Franklin). The Fairness in Ticketing Act, sponsored by state Rep. Ryan Haynes (R-Knoxville) and state Rep. Mike Faulk (R-Church Hill), would require ticket brokers to register with the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance and to disclose the face value of tickets, exact location of seats, and refund policy, among other things. The Tennesseean has the story.