In this practical, hands-on program, attendees will learn how to regain control of their time and attention before the new year begins. Topics will include the real-world challenges of distraction, email overload and constant task switching (the average lawyer switches screens hundreds of times a day!). Speakers also will share proven systems to reduce mental clutter, improve concentration and manage priorities effectively. Learn to set boundaries with technology and design focus blocks that actually work, and start the new year with clarity, control and confidence. Register on the TBA website.

It's not too late to register for the TBA’s 2025 Health Law Primer and Health Law Forum, taking place next week in Nashville. The primer will take place Nov. 12 at Barnes & Thornburg. Designed for those new to health practice, the program will provide a general health law overview and practical tips to avoid the pitfalls in the heavily regulated health care industry. Then on Nov. 13 and 14, the forum will take place at the Music City Center. The two-day event will dig deeper into topics such as regulatory fraud and abuse, medical malpractice, controlled substances enforcement, legislative action, AI contracting, ethics and more. The premier program for Tennessee health care lawyers, the forum provides all necessary CLE requirements for the year — 12 general hours and three dual hours — while providing opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the state. Get more information and register here.

The American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL) recently installed Nashville-area attorney John A. Day as its 76th president. “It is an extraordinary privilege to serve as president of the American College of Trial Lawyers,” said Day. “The College stands at the forefront of supporting an independent judiciary, ensuring access to justice and advancing the rule of law — principles that are essential to our democracy. I look forward to building on the College’s proud legacy of leadership and service to the profession.” In addition to his role as president of ACTL, Day has served as president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association and president of the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a regular contributor to the Tennessee Bar Journal with the Day on Torts column. Read a press release from the ACTL and see photos from the event.

The Tennessee Judicial Conference Foundation (TJCF) set up a legacy scholarship to honor the late Judge James Curwood Witt Jr. over ths summer. The foundation will match funds up to $12,500, which will yield a $1,500 annual scholarship to the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law. Knoxville attorneys Ann Short and Eric Butler serve as scholarship chairs and are continuing to work diligently to raise funds. Donations may be made online or by check, payable to the TJCF, with a notation to fund the Judge Curwood Witt Scholarship. Checks should be mailed to the Tennessee Judicial Conference Foundation, c/o Suzanne Keith, 629 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206. Questions may be directed to Ann Short, 865-637-2142 or Eric Butler, 865-546-4646.

TBA's "Raising the Bar" program will be held Nov. 19 at Baker Donelson in Nashville. Breakfast will begin at 9:15 a.m. with programming from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This CLE will address the age-old concept of "the grass is greener on the other side," challenging attendees to think instead that "the grass is greener where you water it." The program will encourage participants to live their best life as a lawyer by re-focusing their energy. Adriana Linares — founder of LawTech Partners, nationally recognized legal tech consultant and host of the New Solo podcast — will lead a session on “Tech Tips to Optimize Efficiency and Reduce Stress for Lawyers.” Other speakers will include Meera Ballal, Heidi Barcus, Julie Bennett, Rebecca Blair, Dixie Cooper, Jackie Dixon, Sherie Edwards, Psonya Hackett, Rachel Lawson, Sarah Beth Myers and Laquita Stokes. A networking reception will follow from 4:30 to 6 p.m. All times CST. Click here to register for this annual favorite produced by the Women in the Profession Committee.

The federal public defender’s office in Memphis is being overwhelmed by cases stemming from the Memphis Safe Task Force, The Daily Memphian reports. The situation has prompted a federal judge to warn that private attorneys on the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel will need to take on more indigent defense work. The strain also comes as CJA attorneys nationwide have not been paid since July due to funding lapses and the federal shutdown, leaving them to work without compensation for now. Despite these challenges, local CJA attorneys say they remain committed to providing legal representation according to the paper. In related news, the surge in arrests from the task force also has pushed the Shelby County Jail beyond capacity, forcing officials to find alternate housing for inmates. Action News 5 reports on new data tracking arrests since the task force's implementation.

Tennessee has shelved plans to purchase and demolish the Capitol Towers residential high-rise in downtown Nashville, The Tennessee Journal reports. The state had considered using about $32 million in bonds and reserves to buy the property and convert the site into green space near the Capitol and Cordell Hull buildings. Officials now say there have been no discussions with the property’s majority owner, and the acquisition will not proceed.

The TBA was recognized with a major award from the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE) at the annual Communications Section Workshop in Boise, Idaho. The association earned a Luminary Award for Excellence in Special Projects for its Indigent Representation Education Campaign. Judges who reviewed the award submission remarked, “This campaign is an outstanding example of how bar communications can directly impact public policy and access to justice. Faced with a complex, urgent issue, the team created a comprehensive strategy that informed, engaged and mobilized members across multiple platforms. The campaign stood out for its breadth and sophistication — weekly primers, podcasts, Q&As, interviews, social media and event preparation all worked together seamlessly.” TBA staff Stacey Shrader Joslin and Azya Thornton were on hand to accept the award. Tennessee Bar Journal Editor Julia Wilburn co-chaired the award committee but recused herself from this award category. See photos from the event.

Join colleagues for this year's Disability Law Forum on Oct. 23 via Zoom for three virtual sessions that will cover a variety of topics applicable to disability law practitioners. These include a session with Jennifer Cronenberg from the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), a course dedicated to preparing for an administrative law judge hearing, and a Disability Determination Services/Office of Hearings Operations update with Kim Joseph and James Stanfield. Other speakers include Lena Beal, John Dreiser, Christopher George and Emma Drozdowski Webb.

Cris Helton, former Chattanooga attorney and East Ridge judge, was arrested in Panama City, Florida, on the felony count of making a written threat to kill or do bodily harm to his wife and her friend. Chattanoogan.com reports that on Sept. 28, Helton texted a death threat and a photo of a knife to his wife, Kimberly Helton. Helton is free on a $50,000 bond and is due back in court on Nov. 3. Helton was suspended from the practice of law in 2024 for five years after he failed to file required federal income tax returns for several years and willfully attempted to avoid his tax liabilities.