Court Launches Pro Bono Recognition Program

The Tennessee Supreme Court is launching a volunteer recognition program to honor lawyers who provide at least 50 hours of pro bono service annually. The program is entirely voluntary and based on self-reporting. Attorneys are encouraged to begin tracking their work this year. Those who meet the goal will be named “Attorneys for Justice” by the court and will be honored at regional events across the state.

‘aLEGALz’ Phone Line Premieres

A coalition of Tennessee legal groups and Memphis-based International Paper have joined forces to fund and operate a toll-free phone line offering free legal information and referrals to low-income Tennesseans.

New Rule Requires Electronic Tax Filing

All professional privilege tax returns filed on or after Jan. 1, 2013, must be filed electronically. The Tennessee Department of Revenue says returns can be filed by individuals, or by companies who file and pay for multiple individuals. For a step-by-step guide to electronically filing an individual return visit the department's website.

Learn about Tennessee's new Anti-SLAPP statute in the September issue. Also, Collaborative Family Law is in the news, with a feature and a column about this new Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 53. TBA President Sarah Y. Sheppeard writes about the importance of being a mentor and having a mentor -- even long into her career. Columns include torts and the duty to mitigate, and the book Empty Mansions is reviewed. In this edition of Spark! we look at the making of the TBA's new podcasts, as well as discuss other podcasts you will like.

Original Constitutions on Display

Original handwritten copies of the state’s three constitutions were unveiled together in December at the new Tennessee Judiciary Museum in Nashville at a celebration attended by all five members of the current Supreme Court, three former chief justices, judges, legislators and many lawyers. Former Chief Justice Robert Cooper attended with his son, Attorney General Bob Cooper, along with former chief justices Frank Drowota and Micky Barker. Chief Justice Gary Wade, Appellate Court Clerk Michael W. Catalano, and Appeals Court judges Frank G. Clement, Patricia J.

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.

Judiciary Museum Opens at Supreme Court Celebration

Original handwritten copies of the state's three constitutions were unveiled together this morning at the new Tennessee Judiciary Museum in Nashville at a celebration attended by all five members of the current Supreme Court, three former chief justices, judges, legislators and many lawyers.

When the Tennessee General Assembly convenes in January, the State Senate will have eight lawyers, five fewer than the last session. The only lawyer winning in a seriously contested general election race was John Stevens (R-Huntingdon), who will take over the District 24 seat vacated by lawyer Roy Herron (D-Dresden).

A Life Well-Lived and Documented

In his new book, Wartrace, Tenn., lawyer Allen Shoffner gives readers a taste of what it was like growing up on a local farm during the Great Depression and his work in the courtroom for more than 56 years.

Events Help Those Who Need Legal Advice But Can’t Afford It

More than 300 Tennessee lawyers gave free legal services at more than 50 events to those unable to afford a lawyer throughout the month of October as part of the national Celebrate Pro Bono initiative. Activities included legal advice clinics, education programs, public presentations and other events.