Tennessee Bar Association Talks About Proposed Changes

On Dec. 2, 2011, the Tennessee Supreme Court devoted more than three and a half hours to what the court characterized as a “discussion” of the Tennessee Bar Association’s petition to update the state’s Code of Judicial Conduct and adopt new procedural rules to address disqualification of judges.

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.

Tennessee Bar Association Public Service Awards

Each year the Tennessee Bar Association recognizes outstanding service by attorneys who have donated their time to help others. The four awards given are the Ashley T. Wiltshire Public Service Attorney of the Year, the Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year, the Law Student Volunteer of the Year and the YLD/CASA?Volunteer of the Year. Read their stories here.

The Tennessee Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee offers many ways for you to help, including:

Law firms from across Tennessee interviewed more than 60 law students in October during the Tennessee Bar Association’s Diversity Job Fair at the Tennessee Bar Center. Just in its first year, the Job Fair drew students from 21 law schools, ranging from those in Tennessee to historically black institutions as far away as Texas, Louisiana and Michigan.

Campaign puts focus on pro bono needs, contributions

Tennessee lawyers will offer free legal services to those unable to afford a lawyer throughout the month of October as part of the national Celebrate Pro Bono initiative. More than 40 events — including legal advice clinics, CLE training and public education programs -- are planned across the state during the month. Gov.

Public education

Tennessee judges and attorneys have partnered to create a new program for educating students, community groups and business organizations about the legal system. The Tennessee Judicial Conference (TJC) and Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) developed the GAVELS program, which stands for Gaining Access to Valuable Education about the Legal System, to fill the growing knowledge gap about the legal system and the important role it plays in our government.

Court makes certain forms universally accepted

The Tennessee Supreme Court today adopted a new rule that allows it to make certain forms universally accepted in lower courts across the state. It also invoked the rule for the first time and approved eight forms that can be used in uncontested divorces without minor or dependent children. The forms, which will be accepted for use beginning on Sept. 1, were vetted by the TBA's Access to Justice Committee, Family Law Section and House of Delegates.

Get involved in October

Following on the success of last year’s “Celebrate Pro Bono Month” when nearly 300 Tennessee lawyers assisted more than 1,100 clients on topics ranging from domestic violence protection to estate planning, lawyers are again stepping up to provide legal clinics, education programs, public presentations and other events.

Activities kick off with a Franklin legal clinic on Oct. 1 and continue throughout the month at cities and towns across the state. See a complete listing of programs and learn how to volunteer at www.tba.org/celebrateprobono/cpb_events.html

Court makes certain forms universally accepted

The Tennessee Supreme Court today adopted a new rule that allows it to make certain forms universally accepted in lower courts across the state. It also invoked the rule for the first time and approved eight forms that can be used in uncontested divorces without minor or dependent children. The forms, which will be accepted for use beginning on Sept. 1, were vetted by the TBA's Access to Justice Committee, Family Law Section and House of Delegates.