Legal aid organizations across Tennessee are seeking help with online notarizations and other alternatives for in-person legal services. Because of health risks associated with the COVID-19 virus, they are unable to perform in-person notary services for powers of attorney, wills or other issues. They are asking law firms or organizations that have online notary services or other technology support to consider donating services for use by legal aid organizations. If your firm has those services available to donate, please contact the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services at help@tals.org.

Legal research service Fastcase today announced the launch of the Fastcase Peer Resource Center for COVID-19. Fastcase says the site was created to “provide real-time data about how COVID-19 is impacting our community and reveal relevant trends in legal data as they emerge.” The site features a curated grouping of free resources, including real-time COVID-19 litigation through Docket Alarm, a live feed of Law Street Media coverage of the pandemic and additional free resources from legal publishing companies.  

Updates from the legal community include extension of new procedures at Davidson County Chancery Courts Parts I and II, a new order from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee allowing interim payment vouchers from CJA Panel Attorneys, a new executive order from Gov. Bill Lee to mobilize healthcare workers, a new date for the Nashville Bar Association’s Law Day celebration (July 10) and a new date for the TBA Bankruptcy Forum (Nov. 13-15). Get these and other updates from the TBA’s Pandemic Resource Center, which includes sections dedicated to legal resources; cancellations, postponements and closures at courts and other legal organizations; changes in policies and procedures at courts and other legal organizations; health and wellness resources; and updates about TBA events.

Presentations from the TBA’s 2020 Construction Law Forum are now online! This year’s program covered all aspects of commercial litigation from A-Z and is beneficial for lawyers both new and experienced in the practice area. Purchase any of the eight videos or buy the whole package through our 1-Click offerings.

Knox County Administrator of Elections Cliff Rodgers announced his retirement on Monday, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports. Rodgers, who previously practiced in civil law, has overseen 24 elections during his nine years on the job. His term is not set to expire until April 2021, but in a statement Rodgers said he did not have the energy to deal with another “highly polarized” presidential election. His last day will be May 30.

The historic $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill passed by the U.S. Senate on Wednesday night includes more than $1 billion for criminal justice needs, the ABA Journal reports. The U.S. Justice Department will receive $1 billion, the federal judiciary will get $7.5 million and $50 million will be given to the Legal Services Corporation. The bill would also temporarily allow for more video and audio conferences in several federal court settings, authorize the Justice Department to extend the time cap on home confinement and allow the Bureau of Prisons to quickly create new rules to allow free video and telephone visitations with inmates. The bill will now head to the U.S. House of Representatives.  

The Tennessee Supreme Court is soliciting comments on proposed changes from the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners to Rule 7, which governs the admission and licensing of attorneys in the state. The primary changes relate to the standard for character and fitness in section 6.01, conditional admission in section 10.05 and various technical changes and corrections. Comments on the amendments are due by April 22 and may be emailed to appellatecourtclerk@tncourts.gov or mailed to James M. Hivner, Clerk, Tennessee Appellate Courts, 100 Supreme Court Building, 401 7th Avenue North, Nashville, 37219-1407.

The TBA today adopted a policy that calls for legal services to be designated as essential services and remain available to the public if any additional prohibitions or restrictions are implemented in Tennessee in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Legal services are essential to the administration of justice in this state and are critically necessary to the well-being of the citizens of Tennessee. In times of crisis and uncertainty, lawyers play a vital role in the preservation of society,” the policy states in part. Read the full policy adopted by the TBA’s Executive Committee here.

The COVID-19 pandemic means that many are working from home for the first time, isolated from co-workers, friends and family. Disruptions to our daily routines also are causing anxiety, stress and strain — physically, mentally and financially. During this time, it is especially important to take care of our mental health and well-being. The Center for Workplace Mental Health has a number of tips to follow, including keeping a regular schedule, staying connected to family and friends through technology, and continuing to be active. Read more of the center’s recommendations here.

Legal Aid of Middle Tennessee will hold its monthly Belmont Free Legal Clinic over the phone this Saturday. Local attorneys will offer advice on issues ranging from family problems and unemployment to housing and government benefits. Those needing assistance should call 615-780-7131 on Saturday between the hours of 8:30 and 11 a.m. Email Kendra Cheek for more information.