Tennessee Youth Courts are fully operational again after the pandemic forced their closure. The program needs the support of lawyers to volunteer to assist youth court members for their roles before the courts. Volunteer lawyers will receive Youth Court Training (CLE) without charge. Visit tnyouthcourts.org to learn more about the program. Please register to volunteer with Denise Bentley via email with the subject line VOLUNTEER.

Tennessee is investing millions in upgrading the Wilder Youth Development Center in Fayette County, which serves juveniles found guilty of violent crimes and posing significant risks to their communities. The new hardware-secure facility will have 72 beds with the potential to expand to 96 beds in the future. WREG reports that this move comes in response to a history of issues at the center, including fights, riots, staff members being locked in cells and multiple incidents that required state troopers' assistance, which has prompted the Tennessee Department of Children's Services to make changes and improvements. The expansion will also allow juveniles in Shelby County to serve their sentences closer to home instead of being sent across the state — or out of state, in some cases — to another facility. Memphis Shelby Crime Commission President Bill Gibbons is concerned that the new beds may not be enough to address the high number of juveniles charged with violent crimes, and he emphasizes the need for intensive supervision and services.

New Nashville Mayor Freddie O'Connell has hired Rep. Darren Jernigan to be his director of legislative affairs. Jernigan served Old Hickory, Donelson and Hermitage while on Nashville's Metro Council and has represented District 60 in the state house since 2012. Axios Nashville reports that Jernigan will serve out his current term but will not seek reelection.

A report by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession reveals that mothers in the legal field are more likely than fathers to experience negative workplace experiences, such as disparaging comments, lower compensation and fewer advancement opportunities. The report highlights that 61% of mothers in law firms have encountered demeaning comments about being a working parent, while 60% of mothers in other practice settings also faced such comments. It emphasizes the need for legal employers to address these challenges to retain and advance women lawyers with children and suggests best practices and policies to support female lawyers with families, including flexible work arrangements and comprehensive family health insurance.

Nine Shelby County corrections officers, indicted for their alleged roles in the death of inmate Gershun Freeman, appeared in court for the first time. The Daily Memphian reports that the officers were charged in connection with Freeman's death following an altercation in the Shelby County Jail in 2022. Two of the officers, Courtney Parham and Stevon Jones, face second-degree murder and aggravated assault charges, while the others face charges of aggravated assault resulting in death. The officers are set to return to court on Dec. 1 for a report date. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Freeman's family, emphasized the significance of video evidence in obtaining the criminal indictments.

Tennessee's Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee chairman has warned against rejecting federal K-12 education funds, arguing that doing so would send Tennessee taxpayer money elsewhere. While he supports a thorough review of federal requirements tied to education funds, Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, stresses that these federal dollars are, in fact, taxpayer funds from Tennessee. The Tennessee Lookout reports that a group of House and Senate members is set to study federal education funding, examining the mandates and the possibility of recommending their rejection. Federal funds account for more than a third of Tennessee's budget, making this a significant issue for the state.

The newly created 19th Judicial District in Montgomery County has a new judge. Ashleigh Travis was sworn in as circuit court judge on Oct. 6 by Judge Jill Ayers of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. The Administrative Office of the Courts reports that Travis, most recently a child support magistrate judge, joins Judges Katy Olita, William R. Goodman, Robert Bateman, Joel Wallace Jr. and Adrienne Fry in representing Montgomery and Robertson counties as circuit court judges.

Tennessee has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Dr. Michelle Fiscus, the state's former top vaccine official. Fiscus was terminated in 2021 after facing criticism over her department's promotion of the COVID-19 vaccine for minors. WKRN has more details.

The upcoming Knoxville municipal runoff election features three competitive races. In the race for municipal judgeship, incumbent Judge John Rosson Jr., with over three decades on the bench, faces challenger Tyler Caviness, a former public defender advocating for fresh perspectives and better accessibility to justice. The city council at large, Seat B race pits community advocate Debbie Helsley against homebuilder R. Bentley Marlow, with both candidates focusing on addressing housing shortages and increasing homelessness resources. In the city council at large, Seat C race, incumbent Amelia Parker faces real estate developer Tim Hill, with Parker emphasizing progressive causes and affordable housing while Hill advocates for increased public safety and using density and public-private funding to address housing shortages. The election is on Nov. 7, following early voting through Nov. 2. The Tennessee Lookout has in depth coverage on the race.

Public speaking is a core leadership skill and in today’s business environment, attorneys are expected to be comfortable with everything from moderating a panel discussion to leading a virtual meeting. Mimi Bliss of Bliss Communications has updated her highly-rated CLE on virtual presentations to cover a range of professional situations, from virtual courtrooms to professional conferences, panel discussions and informal communications. In this on-demand workshop, you’ll learn how to sharpen your message; engage your audience; master the virtual presentation, including technology tools, lighting and set-up; and use voice, gestures and eye contact to speak effectively. Attorneys who participated in last year’s workshop said the speaking tips were actionable and relevant to lawyers. Join us online Nov. 15 from noon to 1 p.m. CST for this CLE and receive one dual credit hour.