Pass rates on the February 2024 bar exam are trending up, following what has been a multi-year slide in many states. Reuters reports that among the 42 jurisdictions that have reported February results thus far, 31 have a higher overall pass rate than in February of 2023 according to data, compiled by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). However, only 15 had pass rates above 50%, according to the NCBE data. Tennessee had a 40% pass rate. Nationwide, 19,496 people took the February bar.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced that it will move to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug (like heroin and LSD) to a less dangerous Schedule III drug (like ketamine and some anabolic steroids). The Associated Press reports that the proposal would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than some of the most dangerous drugs. However, it would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use. Schedule III drugs are controlled substances and subject to rules and regulations, and those who traffic them without permission still can face federal criminal prosecution.

Attorneys from Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (LAS) joined representatives from several other partner agencies for an expungement clinic on April 13. Held at Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Hermitage, the event provided free legal assistance to nearly 100 attendees. LAS representatives Savannah Quintero, Tomi Robb, Shelby Dodson and Mustafa Enver took part in the clinic, partnering with Judges Robin Kimbrough Hayes and Cynthia Chappell, as well as representatives from the Tennessee Justice Center, Napier-Looby Bar Association, the Office of Howard Gentry, Davidson County Criminal Court and District Attorney General Glenn Funk’s office. A total of 324 expungements were handled during the clinic, resulting in thousands of dollars in court costs being waived for the participants. Read more in a news release from LAS.

A portrait of U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Julia Smith Gibbons will be unveiled May 30 and presented to the 30th Judicial District Circuit Court. The event will take place at 3 p.m. CDT at the Judge D'Army Bailey Courthouse, 140 Adams Ave., 2nd Floor, South Corridor, Memphis 38103. A reception including drinks and light hors d'oeuvres will follow. Gibbons announced last August that she would take senior status on the court. View the invitation or RSVP to alaina_vandeventer@cab.uscourts.gov.

The Tennessee Bar Association is now accepting applications from candidates interested in the position of Communications Coordinator. This full-time position is responsible for maintaining an effective TBA presence on social media, gathering news and court opinions for the TBA Today e-newsletter, contributing content for the TBA website and other publications, and producing TBA’s podcasts. The TBA currently works in a hybrid arrangement. To apply, send a cover letter explaining interest in the position and a resume by email to Human Resources and Administrative Coordinator Tanja Trezise. The full job description can be accessed here.

Presented by the Women in the Profession Committee, this webcast — the third in a series of wellness programs — will cover mental health and substance abuse issues among women in the legal profession and the help they received. Join colleagues May 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT to learn more.

The 23rd Judicial District, which consists of Cheatham, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys and Stewart counties, will soon have a new circuit court judge. HB1830/SB2855, sponsored by Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, creates Division IV in the 23rd Judicial District and adds a judicial seat to serve that court. The judges serve in all capacities — circuit, criminal, civil and chancery — including all domestic relations, according to the Cheatham County Exchange. Gov. Bill Lee will appoint a judge to serve beginning Sept. 1. The seat will then be subject to an election in August 2026.

Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright is calling on General Sessions Court Judge Bill Anderson to resign based on his leadership of the court’s judicial commissioners. The Daily Memphian reports that Wright's call for resignation is specifically in response to Anderson’s report to county commissioners in March about the decisions judicial commissioners make regarding who should be released on bond or on their own recognizance, and who should remain jailed while awaiting trial.

Register by 11:59 p.m. CDT on April 30 for TBA's Annual Convention in Memphis, June 12-15, to take advantage of Early Bird pricing! The Peabody Hotel has special room rates for convention attendees, so make those reservations by May 22.

In the final days of the 113th General Assembly, the House passed SB2763/HB2035, which would block local governments from passing their own version of an extreme risk protection order. According to the Tennessean, Democrat members criticized the legislation as a power grab over local control and pointed out that Republicans blocked any substantive debate on the issue during the legislative session. Bill sponsor Rep. Jody Barrett, R-Dickson, said he brought the bill to maintain "consistency," but also noted an ideological opposition to red flag laws. The Senate passed the bill earlier this month. It now goes to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration. In 2023, Lee had proposed an order of protection but the legislature did not consider it during a special August session that year.