The U.S. Judicial Conference is asking Congress for $36.6 million in funding to make the majority of temporary judgeships permanent and add more judges across the nation in anticipation of a backlog of cases due to COVID-19. Writing to lawmakers, the group said, “It has been decades since the Judiciary’s judgeships needs were comprehensively addressed by Congress, and the pandemic has further highlighted the strain many courts are experiencing due to overwhelming caseloads and an inadequate number of judges.” Read more on Law.com.

Nelson Mullins, with an office in Nashville, has implemented a temporary 9% salary reduction for associates starting with the May 15 paycheck and continuing through December, Above the Law reports. However, the firm is providing a way for associates to “earn” back their reductions. Those who meet collections goals will receive the lost wages within a month of meeting the goal.

On April 2, attorney Williamson County David D. Harris filed a petition for reinstatement. On April 29, he filed a “Voluntary Non-Suit of Petition for Reinstatement,” stating that he erroneously filed the petition. On May 1, the Tennessee Supreme Court dismissed the petition without prejudice.

The Tennessee Supreme Court issued an order on May 1 removing the disability inactive status imposed on McNairy County attorney Bobby Gene Gray Jr. Gray had filed a petition for reinstatement but the court stopped short of reinstating him noting that pending disciplinary proceedings must be resolved prior to any reinstatement. A temporary suspension imposed on July 27, 2017 remains in effect until further orders from the court.

The Tennessee Supreme Court reinstated Williamson County lawyer Natasha N. Hazlett to the practice of law on April 15. Hazlett was placed on inactive status in March 2012. She filed a petition seeking reinstatement, which the Board of Professional Responsibility found to be satisfactory. She was reinstated retroactive to Feb. 28.

The University of Memphis School of Law has announced it will hold its spring commencement online at 10 a.m. CDT on May 9. The program will be live streamed on the school’s YouTube channel. Those interested in watching are encouraged to subscribe to the channel to receive updates and notifications about the event.

A new ABA Legal Fact Check posted today examines how COVID-19 is raising questions and legal challenges about employers’ actions related to keeping their workplace safe, and workers’ rights to seek reasonable accommodation under federal and state law. The resource seeks to help the public and media find dependable answers and explanations to sometimes confusing legal questions and issues. Read more in a release from the organization.

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands will hold its May legal clinics over the phone due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Local attorneys will offer advice on questions about housing and renters’ rights, bankruptcy, medical bills, debt collection, domestic violence, SNAP benefits and unemployment benefits. Those needing assistance may call 800-238-1443 on one of these dates to speak to an attorney. Please contact Andrae Crismon or Kendra Cheek, 615-780-7131, for more information or to volunteer. Phone clinics planned for this week will take place tomorrow from 4:30-6 p.m. and Friday from 8:30-11 a.m.

Part two of the HealthyBar podcast episode Path to Lawyer Well-Being is now streaming! Mary Griffin and Julie Sandine of the TBA’s Attorney Well-Being Committee and Lindsey O’Connell from the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) are back to talk about wellness skills and tips for overcoming stress. Make sure to check back with the TBA’s Lawyer Well-Being Resources page for a full rundown of resources, episodes and virtual events happening this week in celebration of attorney wellness. Are you interested in joining the Attorney Well-Being Committee? Sign up now to advocate for wellness with other healthy-minded attorneys!

Attorneys for 59-year-old Harold Nichols asked the Tennessee Supreme Court last week to delay his execution due to the COVID-19 threat, the Tennessean reports. The filing states the COVID-19 health crisis creates a dangerous environment for carrying out an execution and prevents necessary work and preparation to apply for clemency and pursue court challenges. The state Supreme Court has already postponed inmate Oscar Smith’s execution from June to February because of the virus threat. Byron Black has also asked to have his Oct. 8 execution delayed. The Dec. 3 execution date of Pervis Payne is the last execution Tennessee has scheduled.