The next installment of the TBA Intellectual Property Section's IP Webcast Series will debut April 29 with section chair Ryan Levy exploring the growing phenomenon of “zombie trademarks,” where abandoned or expired brands are revived by new owners seeking to capitalize on residual goodwill. The program will examine the legal framework governing abandonment under the Lanham Act, the role of consumer perception, and how courts and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board have treated attempts to resurrect legacy marks. The webcast also will cover risks of consumer deception, strategies for acquiring dormant brands and best practices for advising clients looking to either revive — or defend against — the undead. Register on the TBA website.

Tennessee lawyers will gather in June for the 2026 TBA Annual Convention, which will offer compelling CLE programming, networking opportunities and social events. This year's CLE lineup — which will offer 8.5 hours of credit — will focus on technology topics as part of TBA’s first-ever Tech Showcase. Programming kicks off Thursday morning with a session on evaluating technology needs and how AI products can fill the gaps, followed by a look at how technology can enhance trial presentations. Afternoon sessions will focus on conscious lawyering with AI, as well as a joint program with the Tennessee Alliance of Black Lawyers (TABL) on surveillance, safety and the cost of privacy. On Friday, don’t miss the wellness-focused Better Right Now program — back with a tech focus this year — and a presentation on how to use tech tools to master time management. Finally, TBA’s government relations team will present the ever-popular Legislative Update on Thursday afternoon. Stay tuned for more details and speakers coming soon. Learn more about this year’s Convention and register now!

The TBA International Law Section's annual forum will provide an overview of the trade and investment landscape as it concerns Tennessee in 2026 and beyond. Programming will focus on Tennessee's foreign direct investment, global health perspectives and partnerships, international financing, global sales and supply chains, and more. Participants will have the opportunity for direct interactive discussions with speakers, and the chance to network, learn about best practices and chart a path to increase capacity for internationalization. Make plans now to join colleagues on May 29 in the TBA's newly renovated CLE classroom. Get more information and register here.

The TBA Litigation Practice Section is continuing its “Perspectives From the Bench” series on May 21 at the new TBA office in Nashville. The program will feature a conversation with Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeffrey Bivins and former Supreme Court Justice and current Nashville School of Law Dean Bill Koch. Attorneys Hunter Branstetter with Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison and Todd Presnell with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings will moderate the discussion, which will focus on each justice's path to the bench, the role of mentors, the importance of the Rule of Law and more. Make plans now to join colleagues for this informative program from 3-4:30 p.m. CDT and a networking reception that will follow at 4:30 p.m. Learn more and register on the TBA website.

The TBA’s annual Immigration Law Forum will take place May 15 at the new TBA office, located at 3010 Poston Ave., Nashville 37203. In today’s rapidly evolving immigration landscape, the forum will cover key policy updates and practical topics for Tennessee attorneys, including a legislative update from Rep. Yusuf Hakeem, D-Chattanooga, practice management tips, an ethics discussion with the Board of Professional Responsibility on fee changes, and a session with Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition leadership on using court petitions for immigration advocacy. The in-person program will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT and offer up to six general credit hours. For more information and to register visit the TBA website. 

Save the date for the TBA's 2026 Business Law Forum! The full-day program will take place on May 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT at the new TBA office in Nashville. This year’s program will focus on artificial intelligence and its impact on business law, offering sessions on AI fundamentals, legal and cybersecurity considerations, contract drafting and ethics. Designed for attorneys at all experience levels, the forum will provide practical insights and strategies for integrating AI into legal practice. For featured speakers and registration information, visit the TBA website.

Elder Law Basics 2026, a virtual CLE program designed for attorneys new to elder law or seeking a refresher, will take place on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CDT. The program will cover key aspects of elder law, with experienced practitioners providing insights on recent developments and best practices. Registrants will receive connection details and course materials the week of the event. For information and to register visit the TBA website.

The TBA’s Young Lawyers Division will host the inaugural YLD Business College: Transactional Law Essentials next week on April 10 in Nashville, offering an in-person program designed as a practical refresher and foundation for new and young attorneys, as well as lawyers seeking to strengthen their transactional practice skills. The program will focus on core concepts, ethical considerations and emerging issues in business law, with sessions covering topics such as closing the deal, business ethics, business formation and hot topics, and will feature faculty including Laura Chastain of the Board of Professional Responsibility, Claire Tuley of Baker Donelson and John Wagster of Eden Firm PLLC. Registration opens at 9 a.m., with programming running from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All times Central.

Sessions from the 2026 Estate Planning & Probate Forum are available now as a 1-Click package — a comprehensive CLE bundle providing seven hours of programming, including six general hours and one dual hour. The sessions cover a range of timely topics, including probate litigation strategy, the growing role of artificial intelligence in estate planning workflows, legislative updates, ethics and conflict-of-interest considerations, public receiverships and a probate panel featuring experienced practitioners, judges and court officials. The programming aims to equip estate planning attorneys with immediately applicable tools and help them stay current on developments impacting the field. Purchase the package or individual sessions.

The TBA Intellectual Property Section will present its 2026 CLE offerings as a series of one-hour webcasts scheduled throughout the spring. The series kicks off on April 1 with a session on post-grant patent strategies. Rhett Sexton of Merchant & Gould will discuss the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO)'s recent procedural updates and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of different post-grant proceedings. The series will continue on April 8 with Elizabeth Shah of Bookoff McAndrews discussing changes to the obviousness test for design patents. Then on April 29, section chair Ryan Levy will present on zombie trademarks. Looking for more topics? Watch for more sessions coming in May on copyright issues with AI deepfakes and an IP 101 presentation.