Maria Saez Tatman has joined the University of Tennessee College of Law as the assistant dean for student affairs, according to the school’s website. She will also serve as the director of diversity and inclusion. Saez Tatman earned her law degree from the University of Illinois and was most recently the associate dean of student services and advising at the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, where she was responsible for student services, academic support, diversity and inclusion and the registrar’s office. Dean Melanie Wilson said Saez Tatman “will be an incredible asset to our college and our students.”

Belmont University College of Law has issued an apology one month after four past and present female students claimed the law school’s attendance policy discriminated against pregnant women. Interviews with the group of women claiming the school treated them unfairly during pregnancy were published in Belmont’s student-run newspaper, The Vision, in December and prompted an investigation by the university’s Title IX Office. In a statement, the school said the investigation found no discriminatory or illegal practices, but still apologized for any “misunderstandings” and said it would take steps to clarify how pregnant students can obtain pregnancy-related accommodations. The Vision has the full story and statement.

The state Supreme Court on Wednesday scheduled execution dates for two death row inmates, the Tennessean reports. Oscar Franklin Smith, who was convicted of murdering three people in 1989, will be put to death on June 4. Harold Wayne Nichols, convicted of a 1988 rape and murder, now has an execution date of Aug. 4. Death row inmate Nicholas Todd Sutton already has an execution date set for Feb. 20 and the state attorney general has filed pending execution requests for seven additional inmates. Since resuming capital punishment in August 2018, Tennessee has executed six death row inmates.

The Tennessee Supreme Court today adopted several amendments to the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure that will become effective on July 1, subject to approval by resolution of the General Assembly. Amended are: Rule 5, relating to service and filing of pleadings and other papers; Rule 5B, relating to electronic filing, signing, verification and service; Rule 33, relating to interrogatories to parties; and Rule 34, relating to production of documents and things and entry upon land for inspection and other purposes. Read the full order and appendix showing the changes. 

The TBA’s 2020 Federal Appellate Forum will take place March 25 in Nashville and feature 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Judges Jane Stranch, John Bush and John Rogers. An interactive panel with the judges will address best practices for federal appeals. The CLE also will include sessions on civil and criminal case law updates, how to make the most out of an oral argument and writing an effective brief. Don’t miss this opportunity to join judges and colleagues for this unique forum. The course offers four CLE credits (one dual and three general).

Memphis lawyer Charles Edgar Waldman received a censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court today. The court took the action after determining that he failed to obtain a written fee agreement from a client and failed to deposit funds into his client trust account. The court also found that Waldman was not diligent in his representation of his client or the expedition of the client’s legal matter. Finally, after the client terminated the representation, Waldman failed to formally withdraw as counsel. His actions violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4, 3.2, 1.15 and 1.16(c).

The Tennessee Supreme Court today suspended Shelby County lawyer Barbara Morris Zoccola from the practice of law until further order. Zoccola was suspended based on her guilty plea in a case before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. During her employment with the U.S. Justice Department as an assistant U.S. Attorney, Zoccola misreported and falsely certified her time and attendance records. By doing so, she accrued leave time to which she was not entitled. The matter has now been referred to the Board of Professional Responsibility to determine the extent of final discipline. In the criminal case, sentencing is set for March 5.

In the first episode of the TBA YLD Presents: War Stories podcast, Memphis attorney and former TBA and YLD president Danny Van Horn recounts an odd tale of repossessing a dog and other compelling stories from his years of practice. Part of the TBA Podcast Network, each episode of War Stories is hosted by different YLD members from across the state and highlights memorable stories from some of Tennessee’s most revered lawyers. Tune in on the TBA’s website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play and more by searching the show’s title or “Tennessee Bar Association.”

The Legal Aid Society is hosting its monthly clinic in collaboration with Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) this Saturday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the MNPS Center, 615 Fessey Park Rd., Nashville 37204. For details contact Kendra Cheek, 615-780-7131.

Tchiki Davis, author of “Outsmart Your Smartphone Technology,” writes that our smartphones and other devices have given us access to “near-infinite amounts of information, tools to help us increase productivity, and even ways to socialize,” but questions whether they have they made us happier. While the answer to that question is complicated, she suggests four tips for building happiness in the digital age: (1) stay in the present moment, (2) make meaningful connections, (3) learn how to manage emotions without your phone, and (4) be authentic both on- and offline. Read more about her tips.