The Tennessee Bar Association closed at 2 p.m. CDT today and remain closed through Monday in observance of Labor Day. The TBA's office will reopen on Tuesday at 8 a.m. CDT. Visit the TBA.org website for information on CLE or other TBA programs and for staff contact information.

The University of Tennessee College of Law has received a $2 million gift in the name of the Chattanooga-based law firm of Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers PC, a longtime supporter of the law school. The gift will support UT Law’s Center for Advocacy and Dispute Resolution, Legal Clinic, the Douglas Blaze Professorship, and scholarships for students interested in pursuing legal careers in advocacy. Dean Lonnie Brown said, “Because of the firm’s generosity, we have been able to build and sustain a first-rate advocacy program that consistently produces graduates who are distinctly prepared to hit the ground running once they begin practice. We are profoundly grateful for the firm’s continued commitment and support.”

It’s time for another round of #TeamTBA! Meet the people behind the scenes and learn more about the moving parts, projects and staffers of the Tennessee Bar Association. Digital Media and Leadership Development Coordinator Paul Burch handles the TBA’s social media, shares writing duties for the TBA Today newsletter, coordinates the Leadership Law (TBALL) program and produces the Bar Buzz podcast. He’s also a talented singer/songwriter who recently played the Kennedy Center! Paul says the most unique part of his job is writing the TBA Today newsletter. “The attention, care and (sometimes) organized deadline drama that goes into creating every issue is not far off from newsroom dramas I grew up watching in film and TV, especially when state and federal courts are preparing decisions that are typically released at 5 p.m.” Stay tuned through September as we introduce you to new staff members!

The September/October issue of the Tennessee Bar Journal is now available online and arriving in mailboxes next week! In this issue, get to know Sheree Wright, the TBA’s new executive director, learn about her background and experiences and why she knew that TBA was the next right move for her career. Also, Christy Tosh Crider helps readers attain balance and John Floyd breaks down the requirements for issuing a subpoena out of state under the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act as well as practical suggestions. Columns in this issue include Eddy Smith’s “Where There’s a Will,” focusing on developments to select trusts and estates, and Marlene Eskind Moses’ “Family Matters,” taking a look at alcohol prohibition during parenting time in shared custody situations. Also enjoy two book reviews, some updates from the TBA and much more!

The Tennessee Supreme Court is unfamiliar territory for most lawyers and success in this court requires not only thorough preparation, but mastery of oral and written advocacy as well. The Tennessee Supreme Court Boot Camp allows lawyers to observe oral arguments in real cases being presented to the court, followed by analysis and discussion on the preparation and considerations for deciding to seek review in the court. Join colleagues at the Tennessee Supreme Court in Nashville Oct. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT and earn one dual and 3.75 general credits.

The American Bar Association (ABA) released a statement today from President Mary Smith in response to "recent efforts of some elected officials and advocacy groups to attack diversity programs at law firms." Smith argues that, "Diversity, equity and inclusion programs help remove the barriers that block the recruitment and retention of legal talent from underrepresented groups" and that efforts to expand the legal field would be "significantly damaged by the loss of diversity and pipeline programs." Forbes has a breakdown of two lawsuits challenging corporate diversity programs at law firms in Dallas and Miami.

The corruption trial of former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada and his Chief of Staff Cade Cothren has been rescheduled from October to March 5, 2024, following their request for more time to review evidence. The pair is alleged to have engaged in a kickback scheme through Cothren's company, Phoenix Solutions, which profited from House members' mailers. Former Rep. Robin Smith, who was involved in the case, has pleaded guilty and is cooperating with authorities. Additionally, former Sen. Brian Kelsey is appealing a 21-month prison sentence for federal campaign finance violations. The Tennessee Lookout reports on both developments.

Tennessee conservatorship attorneys are reflecting on the "unusual nature" of the conservatorship at the center of Michael Oher's lawsuit against Shaun and Leigh Anne Tuohy. The Washington Post reports that local experts agree the choice of a conservatorship was, at the very least, unusual when there are other options available, and possibly more appropriate to the situation. Patrick McKenrick, a Knoxville attorney and adjunct professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law says, "Tennessee conservatorships were designed for people with mental or physical disabilities," but in the 2004 filing, the Tuohys acknowledge Oher has no known disabilities.  Nashville attorney Barbara Moss says there are "several other 'unusual' aspects of the conservatorship agreement, including a request that Oher be declared 'a resident member of [the Tuohys’] household' as part of the conservatorship." Moss noted that it was also “strange” that the petition was signed by an out-of-state attorney, a family friend of the Tuohys who was later listed as Oher's attorney in the contract for "The Blind Side" movie.

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee will host a public reading of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 15 to celebrate Constitution Day. The event will be held on the steps of the James H. Quillen United States Courthouse, 220 W. Depot St., Greeneville 37743, from 11:30 a.m. to approximately 1 p.m. EDT. Members of the public, school groups and members of the bar are invited to join the celebration by reading the Constitution in segments of one minute or less. Those interested in participating should check in at the bottom of the courthouse steps upon arrival.

Davidson County General Sessions Court Judge Lynda Jones will be the keynote speaker for the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center's (NCRC) Mediation Matters Breakfast. NCRC will host the annual event on Sept. 7 at 7 a.m. CDT at Hillwood Country Club. A brief program outlining the organization’s service to the community and recognizing community heroes will begin at 7:30 a.m. “We look forward to honoring this year’s community heroes ...” said NCRC Executive Director Sara Figalof. “This event is always a celebration of great accomplishments.” Read a press release from the group for more details.