CASA agencies across Tennessee will mark Child Abuse Prevention Month with events, fundraisers and educational programs throughout the month of April. To get involved contact the appropriate invidual below. Don't see your area listed? Find a CASA agency near you at the Tennessee CASA website.

TBA Public Education Committee Legal Handbook for Seniors Is Ready, Free

A book full of valuable information for Tennessee seniors is now available from the Tennessee Bar Association — and it’s free.

The Legal Handbook for Tennessee Seniors launched Feb. 24 and is available via website download, electronic flashdrive or printed copy.

Nearly 150 Judicial Candidates Sign Code of Conduct

Nearly 150 judicial candidates running for election this year have signed the Tennessee Fair Judicial Campaign Code of Conduct.

Tennessee Is a Pilot Site

A new campaign to educate voters about the judicial system, the importance of fair and impartial judicial elections and how to evaluate judicial candidates launched in mid-January with a live webcast and video presentation by former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

Foundation Awards $548K Through IOLTA Grants

The Tennessee Bar Foundation has awarded $548,030 to 25 organizations across the state as part of its 2014 Interest On Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) grants. Gifts range in size from $3,000 for Catholic Charities’ Immigrant Services to $122,153 for the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee and the Tennessee Bar Association conducted a multi-city panel discussion series on the issue of Civil Right to Counsel last fall. This year is the 50th anniversary of Gideon v Wainwright, which established the right to counsel in criminal cases. There has been a great deal of discussion nationally about the lack of a right to counsel in critical civil cases where the risk of harm is greater than that in many criminal cases, including domestic violence, custody and foreclosure.

Court Seeks Comments on Changes to CLE Rule

The Tennessee Supreme Court filed an order yesterday soliciting comments on amendments to Supreme Court Rule 21, which have been proposed by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Education. Comments should be filed by March 20, 2014. Download the order, petition and appendix.

The Tennessee Bar Association is pleased to have this opportunity to join the pro bono programs in honoring those lawyers who participated in pro bono activities during the past year. More than any other profession, lawyers give of their time and talents to serve those who need their services.

Haslam Appoints 17-Member Group

Gov. Bill Haslam named members to the Governor’s Commission for Judicial Appointments, which will consider applications from those seeking to fill court vacancies. The new 17-member commission will send a panel of three nominees to the governor to make an appointment when a vacancy occurs or is impending.

In October, the Tennessee Attorney General issued an opinion confirming the governor’s authority to continue making judicial appointments after the termination of the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) on June 30. The JNC also had 17 members.

Haslam Appoints 17-Member Group

Commission for Judicial Appointments Begins Duties

Gov. Bill Haslam named members to the Governor’s Commission for Judicial Appointments, which will consider applications from those seeking to fill court vacancies. The new 17-member commission will send a panel of three nominees to the governor to make an appointment when a vacancy occurs or is impending.