The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands will continue its weekly Facebook Live Q&A Wednesday at noon CDT. LAS attorney Patricia Jones will host this week’s show, which will cover mortgage payments. LAS launched the show earlier this month to answer frequently asked questions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands will hold two legal clinics by phone this week. On Wednesday, LAS will hold a clinic specifically for veterans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then on Thursday, a general legal clinic will be held from 3 - 4:30 p.m. Those needing assistance can call 800-238-1443 during any of these times. Lawyers interested in volunteering for the clinics should email Kendra Cheek. 

The country is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution this year, and the TBA’s virtual convention, being held entirely online the week of June 15, will include a special program marking this milestone and celebrating the role Tennessee played in the ratification process. Join us Thursday, June 18, for a conversation with noted book author and speaker Elaine Weiss. Then in the afternoon, attend the virtual Lawyers Lunch and watch as TBA President Sarah Sheppeard passes the gavel to Michelle Greenway Sellers and Sellers talks about her upcoming year. That event will be available on Zoom and live streamed on TBA’s Facebook and YouTube pages. Make sure to register to take advantage of all these great free programs.

The council of the ABA's Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar would have more authority to enact short-term, emergency policies and procedures for schools under a proposed rule change endorsed by the group today. The move comes after law school deans expressed concerns that teaching online for the fall term might run afoul of Standard 306, which allows for only up to one-third of credits to be taught online unless a variance is given. The proposal would allow the council to adopt emergency policies and procedures in response to “extraordinary circumstances” to waive those limitations for all law schools. The rules change will need to be approved by the ABA House of Delegates at its Annual Meeting in August before taking effect. The council also considered several other proposals related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ABA Journal has the details.

The Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims announced today that it will continue to handle settlement approvals by telephone through July. The court reports that this new, temporary process is working well and keeping everyone safe. It will reevaluate its decision in the coming weeks and make another announcement regarding proceedings for August and into the fall.

Nashville-based law firm Bass Berry & Sims has been recognized with Profiles in Diversity Journal’s inaugural Diversity Team Award, the Nashville Post reports. The award recognizes those whose work supports and advances diversity and inclusion within their respective industries. “Our entire firm is our diversity team, as we are all ambassadors, allies and active participants in our inclusion and diversity initiatives and programs,” said Michele Bendekovic, director of diversity and inclusion at the firm. “Fairness, equal opportunity and responsibility guide us in building and sustaining a firm and culture that is inclusive and diverse. Embracing these principles strengthens who we are as a firm and enhances the services we provide to our clients and our communities …”

The Tennessee Supreme Court yesterday transferred the law license of New Jersey lawyer Deon Devall Owensby to disability inactive status pursuant to Section 27.4 of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9. Owensby may not practice law while on inactive status. He may return to the practice of law after reinstatement by the court by showing clear and convincing evidence that the disability has been removed and he is fit to resume the practice of law.

The Tennessee Supreme Court today disbarred Shelby County lawyer Paul James Springer and ordered him to pay restitution to three clients in the amount of $59,250. The court took the action based on three petitions for discipline that contained five complaints against him. The court found that Springer misappropriated settlement funds belonging to a client; engaged in criminal conduct as well as conduct involving dishonesty, deceit, misrepresentations and fraud; made material misrepresentations to clients; failed to reasonably communicate with clients; engaged in the unauthorized practice of law; failed to notify clients of his suspension; and failed to withdraw as attorney of record. His actions violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.7, 1.15-16, 4.2, 5.5, 8.1 and 8.4 (a), (b), (c), and (g).

An in-person plea hearing will be held on May 27 at 2:30 p.m. for Danny Weld-Ebanks, who was indicted in September 2019 for vehicular manslaughter by recklessness for a crash that killed Matthew Kenigson, the spouse of Nashville General Sessions Judge Lynda Jones. The hearing will take place at the Montgomery County Court Center and will be presided over by Rutherford County Circuit Court Judge Barry Tidwell. The case was moved by agreement of the parties because of COVID-19 travel restrictions set by Fort Campbell, where Weld-Ebanks is stationed. Access to the courthouse will be limited pursuant to the judicial emergency order, but the Supreme Court is offering two options to media interested in covering the proceeding: a video recording available one hour after the hearing or one pool camera that would record from the courtroom. Media outlets should express their preference to Barbara Peck, 615-440-2555. A final decision about access will be made by noon on May 26.

Apperson Crump PLC, the oldest continuously operating law firm in Memphis, is seeking an associate attorney with two to five years experience in general litigation. Medical malpractice experience is a plus. The successful candidate will have excellent people skills and a proven ability to work in a deadline-driven environment. The firms says it offers a professionally challenging workplace, competitive compensation package and pleasant working environment. Please send resume, references and salary requirements to tbutler@appersoncrump.com.