From 2008 to 2019, incumbent state supreme court justices running for re-election in non-partisan elections won 93% of the time, according to a new report by Ballotpedia. The study also found that only six incumbent justices lost in a single year, and among the 38 states that elect supreme court justices, only 11 saw incumbents lose. In 2020, 35 states will hold state supreme court elections with 84 of the nation’s 344 state supreme court seats on the ballot.

Over the last three weeks we have looked at 10 tips to cope with anxiety from psychologists Matthew McKay and Jeffrey C. Wood. As a wrap up today, the doctors encourage individuals to pick strategies that work best and practice them regularly; remember that different situations might call for different strategies; and overall try to maintain a flexible mindset. If one technique isn’t helpful, reach for something else. And, if you’re finding it especially hard to cope, don’t hesitate to work with a therapist. Each of us can benefit from professional help at different points in our lives.

House lawmakers continue to push back against Gov. Bill Lee’s decision to allow resettlement of refugees in the state. Yesterday, a resolution objecting to the decision passed a House subcommittee by voice vote, the Nashville Post reports. Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver, the Lancaster Republican who sponsored the measure said it’s not personal or mean spirited. A number of bills to chastise the governor or overturn his decision are making their way through the state legislature. Lee said in December that he would consent to continued participation in the federal resettlement program.

Early voting for Tennessee’s presidential primary has officially begun, WRCBtv reports. Voters will be able to cast their ballots ahead of the March 3 presidential primary today through Feb. 25. Voters can find information about early voting and Election Day voting locations by using the GoVoteTN app or by visiting the Secretary of State's website.

State Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, made his anticipated congressional run official this week when he filed for the First Congressional District seat. The Nashville Post reports that Crowe is seeking to replace retiring Republican Phil Roe. Crowe was elected to the Senate as a Democrat in 1990 but switched parties in 1995, giving Republicans their first majority in the chamber since Reconstruction. Former Kingsport Mayor John Clark is also seeking the Republican nomination, while state Rep. David Hawk, R-Greeneville, has said he is leaning toward a bid.

The Tennessee Department of Human Resources is seeking attorneys to serve on its Board of Appeals, which hears appeals from preferred services employees who were demoted, suspended or dismissed. Board members are appointed by the governor and are paid a per diem and reimbursed for travel expenses to participate in hearings. Applicants should be licensed attorneys or human resource professionals. To apply, email a resume or contact Board of Appeals Administrator Nichelle Dorroh, 615-741-1859.

The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments will meet Feb. 25-26 to interview 16 candidates who have applied for a Court of Appeals position in the Eastern Division. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. EST on Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. EST on Wednesday at the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy’s Toyota Auditorium (Room 103). The vacancy on the court was created by the retirement of the Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr. Information on the candidates is available online.

The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is accepting nominations for the Second Annual Sue Ann Head Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation. Nominees must have been involved in the Tennessee workers’ compensation system for a minimum of five years and will be judged on overall service and impact. Nominations will be accepted until April 17. The 2020 recipient will be announced on June 11 at the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Education Conference Reception. Questions about the nomination process should be directed to Janie Dorris. Head (pictured at left) was the former administrator of the Division of Workers’ Compensation and worked at the agency for 30 years. She retired in February 2011 and died in May 2018. The award honors her service.

A free legal clinic will take place tomorrow at Greenhouse Ministries, 309 S Spring St., Murfreesboro 37130. The clinic, hosted by the Rutherford-Cannon County Bar Association, will run from 3 to 5 p.m. Contact Kendra Cheek, 615-780-7131 for more information.

Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison has formed a government compliance and investigations practice group that will bring together litigators with federal and state investigations experience and transactional and regulatory counsel with experience in an array of compliance issues. The group will provide guidance on issues ranging from key contractual protections, initial compliance and construction of compliance programs, to internal investigations, responses to subpoenas or civil investigative demands, self-disclosure, settlement and litigation. Christopher Sabis, a former assistant U.S. attorney, will serve as group chair. He is also immediate past chair of the TBA Federal Practice Section. Read more from the Tennessean.