Nominations are being accepted for the TBA’s Public Service and Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Initiative Awards. The Annual Public Service Awards are presented to outstanding public service and pro bono attorneys and law student while the CCPBI Awards recognize a law firm and legal department that exemplify commitment to access to justice ideals and pro bono service. The three Public Service Awards will be presented at the annual Public Service Luncheon on Friday, April 3. The CCPBI Awards will be presented at the 14th Annual CCPBI Gala on Saturday, April 4. Both events will be held at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel in Nashville in conjunction with the TBA Annual Leadership Conference. The deadline for submitting nominations for all awards is Monday, Feb. 17. For more information, contact TBA Access to Justice Director Liz Todaro.

The state Senate voted 7-1 on Tuesday to restrict homeowners associations from banning the use of houses as long-term rentals, the Tennessean reports. The bill will be sent to the full Tennessee General Assembly, but Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Nashville, has now asked Attorney General Herbert Slatery III for an opinion on whether it violates constitutionally protected contract law. Supporters of the bill argue it protects property rights, but opponents say the bill is being executed on behalf of large firms and investment companies that are increasingly buying homes to use as rentals in suburban Tennessee communities.  

Wilson County General Sessions Judge Haywood Barry has apologized for a comment he made in court about working like a “regular white man” and not being a “slave,” the Tennessean reports. Barry was expressing frustration with scheduling when he made the comment on Tuesday, saying "I'm not working second shift. I'm going to work like a regular white man, as they used to say. ...  I'm not going to be a slave.” Audio from his courtroom picked up the conversation. Barry apologized today, saying he’s “ashamed of the fact that something like that would even come out of my brain.” Barry was elected in 2014 and is serving an eight year term. He does not plan to run again when his term expires in 2022.

Disability Rights Tennessee has made revisions to its job opening for legal director and extended the deadline to apply. The legal director leads a team of attorneys dedicated to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. Applicants should have an active Tennessee law license and a minimum of five years of experience handling litigation, including multiparty and class litigation, preferably related to disability or other civil right. To apply, send cover letter and resume to Lisa Primm by Feb. 21.

Memorial services were held last week for Lebanon attorney William Farmer, who passed away on Jan. 19 at the age of 82. Farmer received his law degree from the Nashville School of Law in 1973 and his legal career included appointments as prosecutor for the City of Lebanon and Lebanon City Attorney. He was also the first local attorney for the Nashville and Eastern Railroad Authority. Farmer was a Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer and was actively involved in both state and national Trial Lawyers Associations, serving as president of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers. He also served as president of the Wilson County Bar Association and as a member of the TBA’s House of Delegates. In 2003, the state Senate adopted a resolution in Farmer’s honor to acknowledge his “dedication to his profession, to the Democratic Party, and indeed to all citizens of this State.”

The Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville is now accepting applications for a part-time Director of Legal Services position that would oversee the Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) program. VLPA provides critical and necessary pro bono legal and business services to artists of all disciplines, as well as creative entrepreneurs and emerging nonprofit arts organizations in Tennessee. Applicants should be licensed to practice in the state and possess two years of non-profit experience. Those interested should send a cover letter and resume to Jill McMilan Palm with “Director of Legal Services” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is Feb. 21.

The TBA’s 17th annual Bankruptcy Law Forum will take place on May 15-17 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Gatlinburg. Attendees will hear bankruptcy case law updates, a panel addressing the Small Business Reorganization Act and more. Registration includes a Friday evening networking reception and dinner and ten hours of CLE credit, including three hours of ethics. Learn more about the program and register here.

State House leadership yesterday introduced legislation to undo Gov. Bill Lee’s decision to allow refugees to continue to resettle in Tennessee, the Commercial Appeal reports. The bill, HB 1929, was introduced by Rep. Ron Gant, R-Rossville, who serves as assistant majority leader, but he says it is supported by many of the House leaders. Under the measure, which would be retroactive, the General Assembly would be given the power to authorize decisions on refugee resettlement. In December, the governor told the federal government that the state would continue to resettle refugees. That move was quickly met with criticism from Republican lawmakers, including leadership in both chambers.

Here are four more tips for coping with anxiety from psychologists Matthew McKay and Jeffrey C. Wood. (1) Soothe yourself with sound: identify the sounds that help you to feel relaxed and calm. These might include songs, sounds of nature, white noise or a loved one’s voice. (2) Reconnect to your values: list your most vital values then list the specific actions that move you toward fulfilling them. Commit to taking one of these actions this week. (3) Use supportive coping thoughts: the way we talk to ourselves affect how we handle situations. Pay attention to your self-talk! (4) Practice band-of-light meditation: sit quietly, and imagine a narrow band of white light moving down your body. As it moves, pay attention to the sensations in each body part that pass below the band. Try not to judge these sensations, just observe them. Looking for more ideas? We’ll cover the last three next week.

The Williamson County Public Building Authority heard a plan yesterday to spend $280 million for extensive renovations and new buildings to expand the county courts and sheriff's office in downtown Franklin. New courtrooms are planned and the county is looking at connecting the historic courthouse to the county courthouse by above ground passageway, the Tennessean reports. The move is being driven by growth in the county and increasing crime. A separate $260 million plan would also bring updates to the Williamson County jail, juvenile court and Alternative Learning Center.