A coalition of 22 East Tennessee localities has filed suit against three opioid producers and five pharmacies, citing years-long practices that fueled a deadly and illegal drug trade through the marketing, over-prescription and diversion of opioids. The suit, filed Friday in Sevier County Circuit Court, targets Endo, Par, Teva, CVS, Food City, Rite Aid, Walgreens and Walmart. Lawyers for the plaintiffs argue the companies can be held liable under Tennessee’s Drug Dealer Liability Act, and are seeking $25 billion to cover increased law enforcement needs; housing, care and rehabilitation of opioid-dependent adults and babies; special education needs; additional jail space; and drug treatment programs. Gerard Stranch, managing partner of Branstetter, Stranch & Jennings, is leading the effort, according to a press release from the firm.

The Knoxville Bar Association on Friday released the results of its Candidate Member Survey for 20 judicial races that will appear on the local May 3 primary ballot. The survey asked each member to assess whether the candidates have demonstrated the knowledge, skill, experience, training, education, professional ethics and temperament to fulfill the duties of the offices to which they aspire. The KBA also recently launched a “Get To Know Your Judicial Candidates” section on its website to provide information about state court candidates in Knox County. The site includes educational resources, biographical profiles and a link to a video interviews with candidates.

Madison County lawyer Jack Colin Morris received a censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court today. The court found that in representing a client in a detainer action, Morris did not appear at a hearing, resulting in the case being dismissed. The court did find, however, that Morris made a timely and good faith effort to rectify the consequences of his misconduct. His actions were determined to violate Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3 and 8.4(a) and (d).

Shelby County lawyer A. Sais Phillips Finney was suspended from the practice of law today after the Tennessee Supreme Court found that she failed to respond to the Board of Professional Responsibility concerning two complaints of misconduct. The court also determined that she posed a risk of substantial harm to the public. The suspension takes effect immediately and will remain in force until modified or dissolved by the court.

The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is now accepting nominations for the fourth annual Sue Ann Head Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation. Nominees must have a minimum of five years of involvement with the state’s workers’ compensation system in one of the following categories: employer or employer’s representative, employee representative, service provider, claims professional, medical provider or legal professional. Nominees will be judged on their positive contributions to the state workers’ compensation system, including reflecting the bureau’s mission of fulfilling the promise of workers’ compensation. Nominations, which will be judged by a panel of leading industry professionals, are due by April 4. Read more about the award and nomination process on the bureau’s website.

Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk’s office has concluded that a dog muzzle sent to the state’s former vaccine chief Dr. Michelle Fiscus was sent by someone else who fraudulently obtained a credit card in her name, WPLN reports. Last summer, Fiscus was fired from the Tennessee Department of Health. Commissioner Dr. Lisa Piercey said the firing was due to job performance. Fiscus has claimed it was political retribution for comments about vaccinating some teenagers without parental consent. In the weeks before Fiscus was fired, someone sent a muzzle to her office. It was purchased with a credit card in her name, leading some to assume that she sent the item to herself. In the report, the district attorney’s office says it is too soon to tell whether the muzzle was meant to be a political statement, but that the events appear “too coincidental to be random.” The report recommends further investigation by federal authorities.

President Joe Biden has granted a major disaster declaration for seven Tennessee counties as a result of a winter storm last month, the Associated Press reports. The declaration will give local jurisdictions and some private, nonprofit organizations access to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance Program. Counties included in the declaration include Crockett, Fayette, Haywood, Lauderdale, Shelby, Tipton and Weakley. Gov. Bill Lee requested the declaration, while the state’s congressional delegation supported it.

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands will hold a clinic on Wednesday specifically for veterans. The clinic will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT at Operation Stand Down, 1125 12th Ave. S. Nashville 37203. Masks are required. To volunteer contact Kendra Cheek, 615-780-7131. See all March clinics.

The Immigration Law Section will host Immigration Law Basics virtually on May 23 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. CDT. Attendees will learn helpful tips on immigration court practice and explore the basics of family, naturalization and U visa practice with regional experts. The program also will feature a session on business and entertainment aspects of immigration law in Tennessee. The course offers up to three CLE hours, including one dual hour.

Hamilton County lawyer Katherine Teresa Farrar was reinstated to the practice of law yesterday. She had been placed on inactive status more than five years ago, on Oct. 12, 2015. The court made her reinstatement effective as of Feb. 14.