The TBA will host its 2026 Federal Practice Forum as a live virtual program on July 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT. The program will feature three sessions covering First Amendment issues, ethical rules governing communications with judges and immigration law developments. Speakers will include Audrey Calkins of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee; Michael Holly of the Office of the Federal Public Defender; U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee Judge Eli Richardson; and Joseph Jackson of Spears, Moore, Rebman & Williams. The forum is designed to provide practical guidance and timely updates for attorneys practicing in federal courts. For more information and to register visit the TBA website.

Two programs from the 2025 TBA Convention will replay as webcasts as part of TBA's Christmas in July CLE series. On July 9, tune in for Trailblazing Women, a panel featuring retired Court of Appeals Judge Martha Craig "Cissy" Daughtrey, Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Camille McMullen and U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger, moderated by Margaret Behm of Dodson Parker Behm & Capparella. On July 10, Russell Fowler of Legal Aid of East Tennessee presents a countdown of the landmark cases that shaped Tennessee’s legal landscape with Famous Tennessee Trials. Each webcast will air at noon CDT, offering 0.75 hours of general credit.

Two programs from the 2025 TBA Convention will replay as one-hour webcasts as part of TBA's Christmas in July CLE series. On July 7, tune in for AI in the Life of a Lawyer with Baker Donelson attorneys Bruce Doeg, former TBA President Ed Lanquist and Clinton Sanko. The panel will provide practical examples and demonstrations of AI tools currently used by attorneys, along with real case studies to highlight their application. They also will address the ethical considerations and potential risks of using AI in legal practice, with guidance relevant to Tennessee attorneys. On July 8, watch an in-depth examination of one of Tennessee’s most controversial political and legal events as panelists Lamar Alexander, Hal Hardin and Keel Hunt discuss the Blanton Pardon Scandal. Each webcast will air at noon CDT, offering one hour of dual credit and one hour of general credit respectively.

Join Nashville lawyer Sunny Eaton for a one-hour webcast on July 6 as she explores how unconscious influences can affect legal outcomes and contribute to disparities within the system. Through real-world examples and engaging discussions, she will examine practical ways to identify and address these challenges to ensure the legal system serves every individual fairly and impartially. The webcast will air at noon CDT and offers one hour of dual credit. Learn more or register for the course on the TBA CLE website.

TBA will offer a unique ethics program on July 3 — Taylor Swift's rumored wedding day — featuring legal educator Stuart Teicher, who uses lyrics from Swift songs to explore the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct. During the webcast replay, "Lyrical Lessons from Taylor Swift: An Ethics Program," Teicher will examine topics including assisting client fraud, attorney-client confidentiality and lawyers' professional obligations through songs such as "I Did Something Bad," "Blank Space" and "Look What You Made Me Do." The one-hour program begins at noon CDT and is part of TBA's Christmas in July summer CLE lineup. For more information and to register for this event, visit the TBA website.

As a part of its Christmas in July programming, TBA will highlight popular sessions from the 2026 Annual Convention. Watch for five webcast programs during the week of July 27. The lineup includes "Before You Buy the AI: A Practical Framework for Evaluating Your Firm's Technology" on July 27, focusing on evaluating legal technology investments; "Don't Outsource Your Mind: Conscious Lawyering with AI" on July 28, examining the ethical use of artificial intelligence in legal practice; the annual "Legislative Update 2026" on July 30, covering recent action by the Tennessee General Assembly affecting attorneys; a July 31 program, "From CCTV to AI: Surveillance, Safety, and the Cost of Privacy," exploring constitutional issues surrounding surveillance technology, privacy and artificial intelligence; and "12 Time Management Things Attorneys Should Do, But Don't" on July 31, offering practical strategies for improving productivity.

The TBA is gearing up for “cool” CLE programming throughout the month of July. Take a break from the heat and earn those CLE hours now so you are not left “sweating” compliance deadlines later this year. Daily offerings will include webcasts, on-demand programs and in-person courses. Don’t miss new Stuart Teicher titles, the YLD’s free “Working in Legal Deserts” program, 1-Click packages from section forums, and in-person programs such as the Federal Practice Forum and Elder Law Forum. TBA also is offering a special discounted package featuring four general and 11 dual hours. The Christmas in July Package includes ethics, law practice management, leadership development, skills and wellness topics. TBA Members receive $100 off for July only! Whatever you choose, make plans now to join colleagues in July and make December a little less stressful. Watch for daily promotions in TBA Today and on social media or check out everything available now.

Online video recordings from the 2026 TBA Annual Convention will be available next week, giving lawyers who did not attend the event an opportunity to view select CLE sessions. Watch for programs on evaluating AI products before buying, conscious lawyering with AI, privacy issues, tips for time management and a 2026 legislative update. Looking for something else? Visit cle.tba.org for upcoming webcasts, in-person and virtual CLE programs, and other TBA events.

The Houston Bar Association and University of Houston Law Center are hosting a virtual CLE program regarding the status of ABA accreditation of law schools. The program, which is being held June 29 from 2-5 p.m. CDT, will begin with an update from law school deans in five states, including Tennessee. Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law Dean Matthew R. Lyon will address recent developments. “A Conversation on the Accreditation of Law Schools” also will include an institutional perspective on ABA law school accreditation with representatives from the Association of American Law Schools, National Association for Law Placement Foundation and ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar. Finally, a number of deans and law professors will address the ABA’s removal of the diversity standard for accreditation and other issues. Read more about the event and register here.

Attorneys who attended the TBA’s Annual Convention are reminded to certify their attendance and complete program evaluations through the links on the Convention CLE page by Friday to receive CLE credit. Credits will be filed within 30 days. Visit cle.tba.org for upcoming webcasts, in-person and virtual CLE programs, and other TBA events.