The Tennessee Supreme Court on Nov. 21 suspended Maury County lawyer James Michael Marshall from the practice of law for five years, with two years to be served on active suspension and the remainder on probation. The court found that while representing a client, Marshall submitted a factually inaccurate pleading, then failed to correct the error and failed to reasonably communicate with his client regarding the error. Marshall entered a conditional guilty plea and acknowledged his conduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct, 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 3.2, 8.1(b) and 8.4(a).

On Nov. 21, the Tennessee Supreme Court suspended Davidson County lawyer Robert Joseph Turner from the practice of law for one year, with 30 days to be served on active suspension and the remainder on probation subject to Turner engaging a practice monitor. Turner was retained to represent a client in a civil matter. During the pending litigation, at least five separate associates employed by Turner were assigned to handle the litigation, although he remained counsel of record. Over a four year period, Turner, or an associate assigned to the matter who Turner was supervising, failed to appear for hearings on multiple occasions, missed multiple deadlines and failed to comply with orders to contact the court. In dismissing the matter, the trial court cited Turner’s failure to properly represent his client and comply with court orders. Turner agreed to a conditional guilty plea acknowledging his conduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional 1.3 and 5.1.

Rutherford County lawyer Mark Stephen Moore received a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court on Nov. 21. The court found that Moore entered the area of the Rutherford County Probate Court containing probate files and, without permission or authority from the clerk or court, removed one file and a portion of a second file. While the file was in his possession, he also placed two documents in the file not properly filed with the court. When the clerk contacted him later the same day to inquire about the removed file and documents, Moore initially denied his conduct. The following day, he admitted his conduct and returned all probate files or related documents in his possession. Neither removal of the files nor adding material to the files had any impact on any probate proceedings. Moore agreed to a conditional guilty plea acknowledging his conduct violated Rules of Professional Conduct 4.1 and 8.4(c).

Shelby County courts have declined extra judges to help with the increased caseload created by the Memphis Safe Task Force. According to the Commercial Appeal, on Oct. 31, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris sent a request to the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) for additional help with what he described as "never-before-seen capacity" in the county's judicial system. On Nov. 12, Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeff Bivins wrote to Harris that Senior Judges Mark Ward and Roy Morgan were available to assist through a standing order that is effective through the end of the year, and which could be extended if necessary. However, Bivins also noted that the county General Sessions Court had declined assistance, telling the AOC that its dockets were under control. According to The Daily Memphian, Bivins wrapped up his communication stating: "the Court is ready to provide additional judicial resources in addition to these senior judges, should the courts of Shelby County advise that such assistance is needed."

Jackson lawyer Jen Free has announced her intention to run for Madison County General Sessions Court judge, WBBJ reports. Free, an attorney with Byrd & Byrd, brings over two decades of courtroom experience and community involvement to her campaign. “The people of Madison County deserve a judge who is efficient, fair and deeply committed to justice,” said Free. “In General Sessions Court, every citizen should have their case heard promptly and with respect by a judge who applies the law with precision and integrity.” Free received her law degree from Nashville School of Law. The primary election is set for May 5, 2026, with the general election on Aug. 6, 2026.

The next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits is set for Nov. 20 in Nashville. The clinic, sponsored by the Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts and Bradley, provides assistance with business formation and corporate governance, review of contracts, and guidance in navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Prospective clients should register by Nov. 17. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

Death row inmate Harold Wayne Nichols has asked Gov. Bill Lee for clemency, requesting that his sentence be converted to life in prison a month before his scheduled execution. The Associated Press reports that the clemency petition argues that Nichols turned his life around in prison, becoming a model inmate who helps make the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution a safer place and even mentoring at-risk youth. The petition also quotes former corrections officers and prison volunteers who vouch for his rehabilitation. On Monday, Nichols declined to choose between lethal injection and the electric chair.

Legal Services Corporation's (LSC) Rural Justice Task Force has released a comprehensive report with recommendations to strengthen legal access in rural communities. The task force's goal is to better serve the millions of rural Americans who face unique challenges — such as limited transportation, scarce providers and geographic isolation — when seeking legal help. LSC has also expanded Heartland Disaster Help to better support Americans in areas vulnerable to natural disasters. Simply enter an address and learn about the disasters most common to that area, find recovery assistance resources and explore ways to prepare and protect homes, families and communities.

Since January, Tennessee has seen one of the nation’s largest expansions of local immigration enforcement partnerships, growing from just two to 48 law enforcement agencies under federal 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Tennessee Lookout reports that the deals now include sheriffs, small-town police, constables and state highway patrol officers, significantly widening the reach of federal immigration enforcement across the state. Supporters say the agreements promote public safety and uphold immigration law, while critics warn they encourage racial profiling and divert police from local priorities. The Trump administration and Tennessee lawmakers have offered financial incentives — including salary reimbursements, equipment funding and grants — to enter into one of three model agreements: jail enforcement, warrant service officer or task force.

An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller's Office uncovered extensive misuse of public funds in the City of Martin, leading to indictments of Mayor Randy Brundige, Economic Development Director Brad Thompson and former city employee Natalie Brundige. Investigators found that the officials collectively misappropriated more than $450,000 through unauthorized credit card use, luxury travel and unearned compensation. Additionally, Thompson's personal consulting firm billed the city for for grant-writing and administrative services that were already part of his duties. Comptroller Jason Mumpower called the case “troubling,” emphasizing the need for stronger oversight of city spending and employee accountability. The three were indicted by the Weakley County Grand Jury on Monday. WBBJ reports on the developments.