The law firms of Mary Alexander & Associates and Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein have filed a federal class action suit on behalf of more than 2,000 cruise ship passengers, alleging they were exposed to the coronavirus due to gross negligence by Carnival, Princess Cruise Lines and Fairline Shipping International Ltd. The group includes those who traveled on Carnival's ship, the Diamond Princess, and Princess’ ship, the Grand Princess. In related news, the family of a Chicago-area Walmart employee who died from the virus have filed a wrongful death suit alleging the store failed to protect workers, ABA Journal reports.

U.S. Attorney General William Barr is ordering federal prison officials to intensify their efforts to release vulnerable inmates at three prison complexes that are struggling to contain major outbreaks of the novel coronavirus, Politico reports. Barr is asking facilities in Danbury, Connecticut; Oakdale, Louisiana; and Elkton, Ohio to move elderly prisoners and those with pre-existing health conditions to home confinement. Seven federal prisoners have died from COVID-19 so far: five at the Louisiana prison and two at the Ohio facility. As of last week, 91 federal inmates and 50 staff had confirmed cases.

TBA CLE is offering two new webcasts next week as part of the TBA's on-demand series "Navigating the Pandemic." The first, Remote Mediation and Ethics Issues, will take place Tuesday from noon to 1 p.m. and offer one dual credit. Brentwood lawyer Rebecca Blair will discuss effective modes of remote mediation, preparing for a remote mediation, ethical issues to consider and determining whether it is worth the time and money to participate in a remote mediation. The second, Pro Bono for Lawyers During the Pandemic, will be offered later that day from 2 to 3 p.m. and also offer one dual credit. Representatives from the state’s legal aid organizations will talk about how lawyers can continue to provide pro bono assistance during this time. All times are central.

Gov. Bill Lee today issued Executive Order No. 26 suspending current law to facilitate remote notarization and witnessing of documents. The Executive Order temporarily suspends all statutes requiring a physical presence for a notary public and witness(es), under certain conditions such as real-time audio and visual communication including Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc., among others. With COVID-19 impacting more and more people, many have prioritized setting up wills and healthcare directives. Gov. Lee’s executive order will allow the execution of wills and other legal documents without the in-person contact that risks exposure to COVID-19. The TBA had established a Remote Notary/Witness Task Force and has been in touch with the governor’s office and the Tennessee Supreme Court on this issue. "The The TBA sincerely appreciates the governor and the Tennessee Supreme Court allowing our organization to provide input on this very important issue," TBA President Sarah Sheppeard said. "Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have benefited from the judicial and executive branches allowing us to weigh in and provide our members’ input on critically important issues, and we sincerely appreciate that courtesy and the consideration that our input has been given.”

Judges from the Davidson County Criminal Court and General Sessions Court have denied a blanket release of many inmates from Nashville jails, the Tennessean reports. Nashville public defenders wanted the courts to issue an order immediately releasing almost all nonviolent inmates amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the district attorney’s office argued that the order would “imperil public safety” and potentially violate the Victim’s Rights Amendment and pushed for the release of those whose cases have been approved by a judge. Criminal court judges agreed with the DA’s office on Wednesday and denied the motion in that court, instead ordering hearings for each of the more than 1,000 inmates. General Session judges held a hearing on the matter this morning and released an order denying the motion. One inmate and one staff member from a Davidson County Sheriff's Office facility have tested positive for COVID-19.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) has created a resource guide to assist attorneys who might be dealing with extra stress and pressure because of the outbreak and related closures. The guide includes resources for mental health, recovery and professional needs. TLAP is free and confidential and available to provide consultation, referral, intervention and crisis counseling for lawyers, judges, bar applicants and law students who are struggling with substance abuse, stress or emotional health issues. View the guide online. You can find more on TLAP and other resources on the TBA's Health and Wellness page.

The University of Memphis School of Law notified students today that this year’s graduation ceremony will be held virtually. The school is using a company called Marching Order to host the virtual ceremony. Those who are interested in participating should register by April 14. The school also reported that it is working on options for how graduates can celebrate their class in person once it is safe to do so, and will provide updates as they become available.

Gov. Bill Lee announced Monday that $200 million in grants will be distributed across the state to every county and city government for one-time, local expenses, AP News reports. At least $500,000 will be given to each county, and each city or municipality will receive at least $30,000. The grant money can be spent on certain tornado recovery and COVID-19 response costs, road projects, IT upgrades, capital maintenance, utility system upgrades and public safety projects. Lee’s office will begin accepting applications for the grants on April 30.

A coalition of statewide organizations are urging Gov. Bill Lee to roll back certain state laws so that local officials can meet the needs of residents during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Tennessean reports. The organizations, which include the Tennessee Justice Center, Stand Up Nashville, Memphis For All and others, wrote an open letter on Monday asking Lee to use emergency powers to suspend laws that limit localities from requiring employers to provide paid sick days and repeal anti-sanctuary cities measures to ensure immigrants feel safe getting medical treatment. The coalition argues that local governments must have “every tool in the toolbox” to meet the needs of the community during the state of emergency. The group is also looking to expand property tax freeze eligibility and to allow “inclusionary zoning” polices to make housing affordable and provide incentives for new affordable units as some cities rebuild from the March 3 tornadoes.   

The TBA today sent Tennessee attorneys a survey to learn about their needs during the current coronavirus pandemic. "We are working with the courts and other institutions to ensure lawyers are able to continue their work and serve their clients during this difficult time," TBA Executive Director Joycelyn Stevenson said. Attorneys can respond anonymously at https://www.tba.org/Pandemic_Survey