In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) has created a resource guide to assist attorneys who might be dealing with extra stress and pressure because of the outbreak and related closures. The guide includes resources for mental health, recovery and professional needs. TLAP is free and confidential and available to provide consultation, referral, intervention and crisis counseling for lawyers, judges, bar applicants and law students who are struggling with substance abuse, stress or emotional health issues. View the guide online. You can find more on TLAP and other resources on the TBA's Health and Wellness page.

The Tennessee Supreme Court censured three lawyers today. The court found that Fayette County lawyer Angela Lashanda Jenkins-Hines notarized a document, but did not witness the signature nor did she have personal knowledge of the individual or her signature. The court found that Rutherford County lawyer Stephen Walker Pate engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a client, risking his independent professional judgment and attorney-client privilege. The court found that Nashville lawyer John Terence Tennyson failed to comply with the conditions of a prior censure requiring him to reimburse funds to a former client. While he did ultimately reimburse the funds, he was 100 days delinquent in doing so.

The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion is hosting free daily mindfulness session for those seeking connection and calm during this time of uncertainty. People from all over the world are joining these Zoom sessions, providing the benefit of meditating in community and connecting with others while we are mostly living in isolation. Each session runs 45 minutes with brief introductory remarks, a meditation exercise for about 20-25 minutes, and a chance to encourage one another at the end of the session. They are offered four times each day. Sign up here!

The University of Memphis School of Law notified students today that this year’s graduation ceremony will be held virtually. The school is using a company called Marching Order to host the virtual ceremony. Those who are interested in participating should register by April 14. The school also reported that it is working on options for how graduates can celebrate their class in person once it is safe to do so, and will provide updates as they become available.

After serving 26 years as a Memphis Democrat in the General Assembly, Rep. John DeBerry has been removed from the party’s Aug. 6 primary ballot, the Daily Memphian reports. The state Democratic Party Executive Committee voted 41-18 today to uphold a challenge to DeBerry’s status as a Democratic candidate. The move focused on DeBerry’s vote for Gov. Bill Lee’s education savings account program and bills restricting abortion, and accepting campaign contributions from Republican supporters. Torrey Harris, who ran against DeBerry in 2018, and hair salon owner Anya Parker are running as Democrats.

Retired Georgia Judge Gary Blaylock Andrews died Saturday at 73. Originally from Chattanooga, he graduated from the University of Georgia Law School in 1971 and joined the Georgia Attorney General’s office as an assistant attorney general. From 1976 to 1980, he served as a special assistant attorney general while also maintaining a private law practice. In 1980 and again in 1984, he was elected superior court judge for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit of the Seventh Superior Court District. He later served on the Georgia Public Service Commission and the Georgia Court of Appeals. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gordon Lee Alumni Association, 402 Cove Road, Chickamauga, GA 30707.

The U.S. Supreme Court made it easier for federal employees 40 and older to sue for age discrimination in a decision handed down Monday, the Associated Press reports. The justices ruled 8-1 that federal workers have a lower hurdle to overcome than counterparts in the private sector. However, the court made it clear that an employee could not expect to win back pay or the promotion sought if discrimination was not the key factor in the employment decision. The decision came in the case in which Chief Justice John Roberts, a 65-year-old baby boomer, invoked the "OK, boomer" meme during arguments in January.  Read more in the Times Free Press.

The Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission kicked off its annual Help4TNDay celebration today. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and tornadoes that impacted Middle Tennessee in early March, the theme of this year’s initiative has shifted to “Innovation and Responsiveness.” Throughout the month of April, the commission will promote virtual and telephonic legal clinics as well as other ways to provide legal help. It also will release online resources for volunteer attorneys and the general public. Read more in a release from the commission and watch for updates on the commission’s website and Facebook and Twitter accounts @JusticeForAllTN.

Attorneys are encouraged to provide pro bono service however they can during the month. Two great ways to get started are signing up to answer civil legal questions on TN Free Legal Answers or signing up with the TBA to help tornado victims. 

The Nashville law firm of Rogers, Kamm & Shea announced this week that it will now be known as Rogers, Shea & Spanos. The move comes after Lawrence Kamm transitioned into a new role as “of counsel” and George Spanos became a partner last year. The firm is located at 2205 State St., Nashville, TN 37203 and can be contacted at 615-320-0600.

Lawyers in the 15th Judicial District will hold a free phone legal clinic in Wilson County this Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Local attorneys will offer free assistance on legal issues for those affected by the March tornadoes. Those needing assistance may sign up here or call 615-451-1880 to schedule a time.