Memphis attorney Keisha Moses Richardson was today suspended from the practice of law by the Tennessee Supreme Court. She is suspended for two years retroactive to the date of her 2018 temporary suspension and indefinitely until she complies with a 2017 court order. A hearing panel found that Richardson charged an unreasonable fee, failed to expedite litigation, stopped communicating with her clients, violated a court order concerning custody of her child, engaged in the unauthorized practice of law while administratively suspended and failed to respond to disciplinary counsel. She must pay restitution to three former clients, the Board of Professional Responsibility costs and expenses and court costs within 90 days of the order.

The Tennessee Supreme Court today suspended Kevin William Teets from the practice of law for one year. A hearing panel found that Teets knew a bonding company had refused to remain on his client’s bond after conviction, but he intentionally misled the trial court to believe the bonding company would remain on the bond. The disciplinary complaint was filed in 2019 and, after the hearing panel’s decision, was appealed to the Davidson County Circuit Court, which affirmed the panel’s decision. Teets must reimburse the Board of Professional Responsibility for all proceeding costs and must pay court costs. He cannot return to the practice of law until reinstated by the Supreme Court.

A federal judge will allow Knox County Schools to exempt students and staff from wearing masks on a case-by-case basis if they have a documented medical condition, Knoxnews reports. However, the judge gave a stern warning to the Knox County Board of Education that the exemption policy should not be abused. In an order filed today, U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer allowed the Knox County Board of Education to reinstate the mask policy it set for itself last year but added a new requirement: the board must submit a list each month to the court that includes the exempt individuals' full names and "specific reasons for their exemptions." WBIR has excerpts from the opinion.

Two attorneys have applied to be considered for the circuit court vacancy in the 29th Judicial District, which includes Lake and Dyer counties. James L. Cresswell Jr. and Mark L. Hayes will be considered by the Trial Court Vacancy Commission at a public hearing on Nov. 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT in the circuit courtroom of the Dyer County Courthouse, 101 W. Court St., Dyersburg 38024. This vacancy was created by the Dec. 1 retirement of Judge Russell Lee Moore. The commission traditionally holds a public hearing only when there are at least three candidates, however, because the 29th Judicial District is one of the five smallest in the state, it has been determined that TCA 17-4-308(i) permits the commission to move forward with two candidates.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, today endorsed Memphis City Council member JB Smiley Jr. in the 2022 Democratic gubernatorial primary. In a statement, Cohen touts Smiley’s connection to the state’s major cities. “Having a governor who understands the needs and importance of the cities as well as the towns is of importance for benefits to be extended equitably,” Cohen said. Read more in the Daily Memphian.

City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod said the pay of the city court judge should be cut in half from the current $180,000 to $90,000, Chattanoogan.com reports. Coonrod said the $180,000 salary was based on city court having the same jurisdiction as the general sessions court, but that has not been the case for many years. City Council Chair Chip Henderson recommended that the council not take action until the city conducts a comparative pay study. City Attorney Emily O'Donnell also noted that a judge’s pay may not be cut during their current term. The council recently voted to suspend the court's Division II, leaving Division I to handle all matters. Two candidates — former local prosecutor Brian Bush and current city judge Sherry Pati — have announced their intentions to run for that seat.

The Belmont College of Law’s Legal Aid Society is hosting a fundraising event to support its efforts to help law students provide pro bono assistance in the state. The group reports that former U.S. attorney general and current law school dean Alberto Gonzalez has agreed to participate in a “Pie a Professor” event if the society raises $10,000 for summer legal aid stipends. Gonzalez also has agreed to challenge Vanderbilt University Law School Dean Chris Guthrie to the same arrangement. To support the group’s efforts email belmontlas@gmail.com for additional details and ways to donate.

After 56 years representing the Southern Baptist Convention, the Springfield law firm of Guenther, Jordan & Price resigned this week, the Tennessean reports. The firm made the decision after the convention’s executive committee voted to waive attorney-client privilege for a third-party investigation into its handling of sexual abuse claims. The firm argued that attorney-client privilege is an essential aspect of legal service and waiving it would not benefit the investigation. “The attorney-client privilege has been portrayed by some as an evil device by which misconduct is somehow allowed to be secreted so wrongdoers can escape justice and defeat the legal rights of others,” wrote attorneys James Guenther and James Jordan. “There is nothing sinister about it. It does not corrupt justice; it creates the space for justice." 

Memphis Area Legal Services will hold a power of attorney and advanced directive clinic next week. Attorneys will draft and execute documents over the course of the week. Contact Constance Brown at cbrown@malsi.org to volunteer.

Shelby County lawyer Erin Massey Everitt was reinstated to the practice of law on Sept. 20 after being placed on inactive status more than five years ago. Everitt filed a petition seeking reinstatement and the Board of Professional Responsibility determined that the petition was satisfactory. The Tennessee Supreme Court filed the order today.