Yesterday was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) marked the day by highlighting the work of the state’s Coordinated Community Response (CCR) program. The CCR program, a collaboration with 20 other government and non-profit agencies, is designed to streamline the response to allegations of abuse and reduce the number of abusive unlicensed facilities. Neglect remains a concern for seniors across the state. The department says it received more than 15,000 reports of neglect last year. Common signs of neglect include unusual weight loss, untreated physical problems, unsanitary or unsafe living conditions or unsuitable clothing for the weather. Suspected elder abuse can be reported online or by calling 888-277-8366.

An Anderson County lawyer, who is now on disability inactive status, has been charged with stealing several thousand dollars from a Campbell County client, WBIR reports. Kevin C. Angel faces two counts of theft over $10,000. He was arrested a few weeks ago and booked on a $20,000 bond. The thefts are alleged to have occurred between November 2016 and November 2017. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says it began looking into the matter in January.

As part of its lifestyle benefits for members, the TBA is now offering a one-year subscription to the Calm app for $29.99 plus tax — a discount of $40! Billed as the number one app for sleep, meditation and relaxation, Calm has been named the "the world's happiest app" by the Center for Humane Technology. It has been downloaded more than 100 million times and has more than 1.5 million 5-star reviews. Learn more here.

The Environmental Law Section will host its annual forum on Dec. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CST. The program will offer four hours of CLE credit, including one hour of dual credit. Jennifer Brundige with the Tennessee Valley Authority is the program producer. Watch for more details about topics and speakers coming soon.

The Tennessee Supreme Court today adopted an interim rule for special three-judge panels. Gov. Bill Lee signed into law late last month legislation that creates a three-judge panel to hear constitutional challenges to state laws, executive orders, regulations and legislative redistricting cases. Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 54 lays out the applicability, composition, location and other procedures for the new panel.

The U.S. Senate yesterday voted 53-44 to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the Associated Press reports. Jackson is the first appellate court judge appointed by President Joe Biden. She replaces Merrick Garland, who left the role to serve as Biden’s attorney general. Jackson is considered by many to be a leading contender for the U.S. Supreme Court. Jackson has written nearly 600 opinions as a district judge in Washington, worked as a federal public defender and served as vice chair on the commission that sets the guidelines judges consult when sentencing federal offenders.

Applications are now being accepted for 24th Judicial District Circuit Court judge, covering Benton, Carroll, Decatur, Hardin and Henry counties. The vacancy was created by the retirement of Judge C. Creed McGinley. Those interested should complete the Trial Court Vacancy Commission application and submit to the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) by noon CDT on June 29. Applicants must be at least 30 years of age, residents of the state for at least five years and current residents of the 24th Judicial District. The commission will hold a public hearing to consider applicants on Aug. 3 at 9 a.m. CDT in a 24th Judicial District location that will be announced later.       

State of Tennessee Deputy Budget Director Mike Dedmon, who worked closely with the judicial branch on state budget issues, has died. He was 54. Dedmon worked with multiple directors of the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and members of the judiciary during his nearly 20 years with the state budget office. Visitation will take place tomorrow from 5 to 7 p.m. and again on Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. CDT, immediately followed by funeral services. Visitations and funeral will take place at Sellar’s Funeral Home in Lebanon. Interment will be held at Crossville City Cemetery. More information can be found on the AOC’s website.

The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) is now accepting nominations for its annual access to justice awards. The Janice M. Holder Award, the B. Riney Green Award and the New Advocate of the Year award recognize those who have contributed to Tennessee’s equal justice community and will be awarded during the annual Equal Justice University (EJU) virtual conference on Sept. 21-23. According to TALS, registration for EJU will open in mid-July. Nominations are due by July 16. Visit TALS’ award nomination page for nomination instructions, the awards nomination form, and specific eligibility and criteria for each of the three awards.

Programming continued during the virtual portion of the Tennessee Bar Association Annual Convention, with an agenda that included virtual law school alumni mixers, a virtual section roundtable, a local bar meeting and a civility roundtable.  Day two wrapped up with a virtual practice management roundtable. The in-person portion of the event is now set to begin at The Peabody in Memphis with the TBA's registration desk opening at 1 p.m. CDT. You can find the full schedule of events on TBA’s website.