More than a month after a series of deadly tornadoes hit West and Middle Tennessee, the legal community continues to provide support and advice to those affected. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that over 5,000 registrations have been filed by affected Tennesseans, and while on-site Disaster Resource Centers have closed to minimize risks from the COVID-19 virus, applicants can still register online or by phone in advance of the May 4 deadline. Legal assistance is available via multiple remote options, including the toll-free helpline 1-844-HELP4TN (1-844-435-7486), the Tennessee Free Legal Answers online service and remote clinics sponsored by legal aid organizations and bar associations. Information about all of these resources is available at www.HELP4TN.org. Attorneys interested in volunteering to help disaster survivors can complete this online form.

The Lawyers’ Association for Women Marion Griffin Chapter in Nashville has named its 2020 award recipients. 20th Judicial District Chancellor Anne C. Martin was named the Martha Craig Daughtrey Award recipient. Michelle “Shellie” Handelsman was named the 2020 Rising Star Award recipient. Martin is presiding judge of Tennessee’s Business Court. She has served on the bench since 2018 and previously worked at Bone McAllester Norton and Dodson Parker & Behm. Handelsman runs her own firm where she handles estate planning, probate, entertainment, sports, IP and business law.

The results of the February bar exam results are scheduled to be released by 2 p.m. CDT on Monday, according to the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners. The list of successful candidates will be posted on the TBA.org website as soon as it is available.

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.”

Vanderbilt Law School student Kevin Witenoff and University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law student David McIntyre have been selected by the American Constitution Society (ACS) as 2020 Next Generation Leaders. Only 26 law students nationwide are selected for the honor, which is awarded based on leadership qualities and engagement with ACS. Both students will receive access to quarterly trainings and career advancement calls, invitations to press and donor calls and individualized career support.

A new episode of the Tennessee Court Talk podcast from the Tennessee Supreme Court is out and it features an inside look at the state’s chancery courts. The podcast features Chancellor J.B. Cox, Chancellor Pam Fleenor, Chancellor John Rambo, Chancellor Tony Childress and Chancellor John Weaver who discuss what chancery courts are, what unique remedies they can order and what it is like to serve as a chancellor. Listen online.

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.

Attorney General Herbert Slatery today announced he has joined a bipartisan coalition  of attorneys general from 39 states and the District of Columbia to hold companies accountable for defective products in their home-state courts. The Minnesota and Montana Supreme Courts ruled that Ford Motor Company may be sued in those states for defects in Ford vehicles that led to serious accidents. Ford appealed both decisions to the U.S. Supreme Court, prompting Slatery and the other AGs to file an amicus curiae brief asking the court to uphold the decisions made in Minnesota and Montana. Read the AG’s press release for more information.

The Tennessee Justice Center (TJC) will host a “MOMentous” weeklong celebration later this month in honor of mothers and the organization’s 2020 Hall of Fame inductees. Around lunchtime during the week of April 27, TJC will share stories from Hall of Fame inductees Sadiatou Jallow, Tony Garr, Judge William J. Haynes Jr., Carol Westlake and Robert Ashford, who will be honored posthumously. As a grand finale, Bill Purcell will emcee a virtual live gathering on May 1 at noon CDT to celebrate heroic moms and those who champion them. Watch the luncheon on Facebook live or RSVP to attend the Zoom meeting.

A few days before the COVID-19 pandemic closed down much of Nashville’s regular business activity, the Nashville Conflict Resolution Center hosted its third annual "Mediation Matters" Breakfast. The event celebrated the past, present and future of the organization, which was launched 20 years ago. Former District Attorney Torry Johnson was the event’s keynote, while Sara Figal, the center’s executive director, emceed. The Nashville Post has photos from the event.