As part of its special report, “The Future of Law,” the Nashville Business Journal talked to a number of lawyers about what areas of the practice are primed for growth. They highlighted health care, the growing hemp/marijuana industries, data privacy and cybersecurity, labor and employment, real estate and immigration. Read the comments from all 13 lawyers interviewed.

Knoxville area legal organizations will hold an in-person veterans’ legal advice clinic on Aug. 11 from noon to 2 p.m. EDT at the Knox County Public Defender’s Community Law Office, 1101 Liberty St. Those seeking advice should preregister at 865-637-0484. Lawyers who would like to volunteer can sign up online. Masks are optional but should be worn pursuant to CDC guidelines. Volunteers also must accept the terms of the KBA COVID-19 Safety Acknowledgement - Liability Waiver and Release of Claims. Volunteers may choose to continue volunteering by telephone.

The TBA is offering a free webinar on Aug. 24 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT to help lawyers intervene with clients who have substance abuse problems. The program is designed to provide insight into the diagnosis process and how lawyers can help clients take ownership of their lives. The webinar also will highlight the value of building and collaborating with a team of specialized professionals to guide long-term success. Panelists include Arthur Westinghouse, an intervention specialist, family recovery coach, and alcohol and drug counselor; and Nashville lawyer Karl Warden, who has been recognized for his estate planning work. TBA members may request one hour of CLE credit for a $45 fee.

The TBA Disability Law Section will holds its 2021 Forum virtually on Oct. 1. Emma Drozdowski Webb with Drozdowski & Rabin in Knoxville is producing the program. Webb is certified as a specialist in Social Security Disability law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR). She also serves on the Disability Law Section’s executive council. Watch for more details coming soon.

The TBA Disability Law Section will holds its 2021 Forum virtually on Oct. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT. The program will cover a variety of topics applicable to disability law practitioners, including a DDS update, how to prepare for a successful grid case, plus tips and tricks on how to enhance your disability law practice both online and in person. Attendees may ask questions through the chat feature during the live virtual program. Register for the event by 7 a.m. CDT on Oct. 1 to receive the link to join the Zoom Webinar. 

The new federal eviction moratorium, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday, likely does not apply in Tennessee, the Tennessean reports. The moratorium covers counties with "substantial or high" community transmission — which currently includes all but one of Tennessee's counties — but it also includes a provision that it will not apply in areas where application is barred by federal court order. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts reportedly has issued guidance instructing judges that the moratorium is not effective in the state due to a ruling in July from the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Zachary Oswald, managing attorney for the Legal Aid Society, tells the paper that tenants facing eviction should apply for rent relief immediately and appear on their court date to explain their situation. Those in Davidson County can take advantage of the L.E.G.A.C.Y. Housing Resource Diversionary Court, which offers landlords an alternative to eviction. A list of resources regarding eviction also is available from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) will hold a Bench & Bar Celebration on Sept. 8 to recognize judges and lawyers for their commitment to justice during the COVID-19 pandemic. A short program, including recognition of local judges, will begin at 6:45 p.m. EDT. The event will be held on the outdoor terrace of the Knoxville Convention Center. The cost per person is $20 until Sept. 3 when it increases to $25. Registration deadline is 5 p.m. EDT on Sept. 7. No walk-in registrations will be permitted. The event replaces the traditional Supreme Court Dinner this year.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, is asking questions about Davidson County Election Commission Chair Jim DeLanis’ recent departure from Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, the Nashville Post reports. DeLanis said recently that he was fired because of “threats and pressure” from two clients related to his actions as commission chair. For several months Delanis has been trying to get an anti-tax referendum on the ballot, despite repeated judicial decisions that the proposal is unconstitutional. The firm has said that Delanis retired. McNally is now seeking any documents and correspondence related to DeLanis, the Election Commission and 4 Good Government— the group pushing for the referendum — from Metro Nashville Public Schools to determine if it pressured the firm to dismiss DeLanis.

Robin Derryberry of Chattanooga has been re-elected as chair of the Tennessee Human Rights Board of Commissioners, Chattanoogan.com reports. Derryberry was first appointed to the commission in 2015 by former Speaker of the House Beth Harwell. She has served as chair of the board since 2019. Two other members also were re-elected. Commissioner Bill Martin of Nashville will continue to serve as vice-chair, while Commissioner Scott Arnwine of Memphis will continue to serve as secretary. Both were appointed by former Gov. Bill Haslam. The commission's role is to enforce the state’s anti-discrimination laws which prohibit discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation based on race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and age.

Chattanooga attorney Mike Dumitru yesterday announced his campaign to be the next circuit court judge in Hamilton County, Chattanooga.com reports. He will seek the Republican Party nomination to replace Circuit Court Judge Jeff Hollingsworth, who recently announced his retirement. Dumitru currently is a partner at Miller & Martin, where he focuses on state and federal litigation. He earned his law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law. Since joining the profession he has served as a bar examiner, board member of the Federal Bar Association Chattanooga Chapter and a member of the TBA’s Leadership Law program. Dumitru says his status as first generation American has given him a unique perspective on the importance of a strong judiciary that strives to properly apply the law for the benefit of the community.