The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law has been ranked as 13th best school in the nation for African Americans by preLaw magazine, the Daily Memphian reports. The school also received an A- for its trial advocacy program and was recognized for its out-of-state tuition reduction. The magazine cited the school’s first-year classes, which are consistently 30% diverse, overall African American enrollment, percentage of minority faculty and services provided to minority students. See the full rankings.

The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission will have to make certain records available to the public following a court settlement, the Memphis Business Journal reports. In 2017, the commission issued a four-year, $6.1 million grant to the city to help recruit and retain police officers. While some donors were disclosed, the information did not include all of the entities or dollar figures. That prompted The Marshall Project and MLK50: Justice Through Journalism to sue the commission for the information. A settlement agreement entered this week requires the commission to disclose (1) donors and the amount each gave, (2) grants made or received and (3) board meeting and executive board meeting agendas and minutes.

The Tennessee Supreme Court today suspended Georgia lawyer James A. Dunlap from the practice of law in Tennessee for one year. The court found that Dunlap failed to provide an administrative law judge with material information regarding related federal claims, misled the judge regarding the status of those claims, attempted to influence the judge by threatening to sue her if she did not grant the remedies he was requesting, impeded in the administrative appeal process by engaging in conduct that was duplicitous and bullying, was unapologetic and saw nothing improper in his conduct. His actions were found to violate Rules of Professional Conduct 3.3, 3.5(a), 8.4(c) and 8.4(d).

The Tennessee Supreme Court today transferred the law license of Kentucky lawyer Shelly R. Fears to disability inactive status. Fears may not practice law while on disability inactive status. She may return to the practice of law after reinstatement, which requires a showing of clear and convincing evidence that the disability has been removed and she is fit to resume the practice of law.

The TBA Corporate Counsel Section will hold its first “Knowledge Nibbles” of the year with training on how to provide pro bono assistance on the TN Free Legal Answers website, lunch and an opportunity to network with colleagues. Laura W. Anderson of Baker Donelson also will provide information on how legal counsel can prepare their employer for when a partner departs the company. Join us for this lunchtime program and earn 1.5 hours of CLE credits.

West Tennessee Legal Service will host its Military Monday legal clinic on Feb. 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Jackson Starbucks, 2034 N. Highland Ave., Jackson 38305. The clinic provides general civil legal advice for U.S. veterans, military members and their families. For more information, call 800-372-8346.

Those interested in running for an elected office in the Tennessee Bar Association have until Feb. 15 to quality for the 2020 ballot. Candidates must file a nominating petition with the executive director of the TBA by emailing barED@tnbar.org, by certified mail or by hand delivering it to 221 4th Ave. North, Suite 400, Nashville, 37219. The TBA’s website has more information on the election process and a list of available positions.

The Memphis Bar Foundation, Community Legal Center and Memphis Area Legal Services today announced an initiative that will allow low-income residents to access legal aid on civil matters through an online shop, the Daily Memphian repots. The 901 Legal Connect website will help residents of Fayette, Lauderdale, Shelby and Tipton counties determine whether they qualify for free or reduced-cost legal aid.  The three legal aid agencies applied for and received grant money to fund the project through the Tennessee Bar Foundation’s Legal Initiative Fund.  

Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Robert Philyaw has been appointed to serve on the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth (TCCY). The commission is a 21-person policy-making body that seeks to improve the quality of life for children and families and provide leadership and support to child advocates. “That’s what I do in my day job as a judge, so I think this is just another way to try to better serve the residents of Hamilton County,” Philyaw said. “And also hopefully have a broader impact as well.” Philyaw was appointed by Gov. Bill Lee to the TCCY in December for a three-year term. Read more from Administrative Office of the Courts.

A reception to celebrate the retirement of Magistrate Judge Joe Brown has been set for Feb. 21 in Nashville. The event will begin at 4 p.m. in courtroom 873 of the U.S. District Court, 801 Broadway.