The Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission and its partners are continuing the Tennessee A2J Summer Fellows Program, which connects law students with pro bono opportunities across the state. Legal and law-related organizations are invited to submit pro bono opportunities using this online survey through June 24. The program runs through July 30 and is not intended to replace any existing internships or law student projects but as a supplement to existing volunteer opportunities. Please contact Anne-Louise Wirthlin for more information.

Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery yesterday joined attorneys general from 21 states in calling for Congress to maintain the Hyde Amendment in the 2022 budget. The amendment bars the use of federal funds for abortions. According to the AG’s website, the amendment has been budgeted for the last 45 years, but was excluded from the 2022 budget by the Biden Administration. 

The Tennessee Supreme Court yesterday suspended Davidson County Lawyer Michael Lloyd Freeman for three years, with three months of active suspension and the remainder on probation. Freeman failed to file an appropriate complaint in a contested divorce action resulting in the dismissal of the divorce for failure to prosecute, failed to reasonably communicate with his client and expedite his litigation, failed to review his client’s file and respond to a pending motion for summary judgment and failed to file an executed marital dissolution agreement and take appropriate action to confirm its filing with the court. He must pay the Board of Professional Responsibility for all costs of the disciplinary proceedings and restitution in the amount of $750.

Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands will host two legal advice clinics this week for members of the public with questions about housing and renters’ rights, bankruptcy, medical bills, debt collection, domestic violence, and SNAP and unemployment benefits. An in-person clinic will take place Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT at Operation Stand Down Nashville, 1125 12th Ave. S. The second clinic will take place on Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. CDT at the Belmont Ministry Center, 2005 12th Ave. S. To help answer questions, contact Andrae Crismon or Kendra Cheek or call 615-780-7131.

The TBA Criminal Justice Section will host Criminal Law Basics 2021 on July 7 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. CDT. This year’s program will focus on sentencing practices and procedures, including an intro to sentencing, alternative sentencing measures and a diverse panel of judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers discussing different perspectives on these important issues. Among those panelists is Cyntoia Brown, a juvenile offender ordered to serve life in prison for murder before ultimately being granted clemency by former Gov. Bill Haslam. Register for the program here.

The final day of the TBA Convention featured two panels focused on legislative issues, the presentation of awards to members of the legal profession and the swearing in of new leaders. This morning, attendees heard from a bipartisan panel of state legislators talking about key legislation considered this past session, and an update on bills the TBA tracked in the last session with Berkley Etheridge Schwarz, director of public policy and government affairs for the TBA, and Adams and Reese attorney and TBA lobbyist Brad Lampley. The Lawyers Lunch followed with a celebration of Michelle Greenway Sellers’ year as president, the presentation of awards to Tennessee lawyers for their service to the profession and the public, and the swearing in of new TBA President Sherie Edwards. Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Bivins administered the oath of office. Edwards announced a number of initiatives for the year including a continued focus on attorney wellness and diversity, new programs to help lawyers “work smarter, not harder” and a renewed look at the TBA’s Glass Ceiling Initiative, a program that addressed issues unique to women in the profession 10 years ago.

The Community Legal Center (CLC) of Memphis has named Butler Snow partner Diana M. Comes as its new executive director. Comes assumes the role following the retirement of previous director Anne Mathes in March. Jerri Green has been serving as interim executive director since then. Comes joins the center from the Memphis office of Butler Snow, where she focused on commercial and appellate litigation. Prior to joining Butler Snow, she was a law clerk for Judge Ronald Gilman on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and Judge Jon P. McCalla on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. She earned her law degree from the University of Memphis. The CLC was incorporated in 1994 and provides civil legal services to those with limited means and those at risk. Read more in a release from the organization.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee yesterday unveiled three limited-edition posters highlighting each of the state’s grand divisions as part of the state's celebration of 225 years of statehood, Chattanoogan.com reports. “From the Mississippi River to the Great Smoky Mountains, our grand divisions reflect their own unique character and represent the best of Tennessee,” Lee said. The limited-edition posters, designed by Knoxville artist Justin Helton, highlight the culture and beauty of each grand division. Learn more about the 225th celebration and find out how to request a poster at www.Tennessee225.com.

During the Tennessee Judicial Conference meeting this week in Memphis — held in conjunction with the TBA’s Annual Convention — judges from across the state paid tribute to Tennessee Supreme Chief Justice Jeff Bivins for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020, the court has issued 10 orders related to the pandemic and has provided guidance to courts at all levels about holding remote proceedings. More recently, as the state began to open back up, Bivins reviewed reopening plans for courts in all 31 judicial districts. Bivins thanked his colleagues for the honor and a commemorative t-shirt they gave him that read, ”People, please mute your phones” — a nod to the unexpected interruptions and candid moments that occurred during remote hearings. Bivins also thanked Administrative Office of the Courts General Counsel Rachel Harmon, who fielded thousands of emails, calls and texts from judges seeking guidance on holding proceedings during the pandemic.

The Tennessee Trial Court Vacancy Commission has forwarded two applications to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration to fill a vacancy on the 26th District Chancery Court. After the deadline to apply passed yesterday, only Jackson lawyers Lisa A. Houston and Steven Wayne Maroney had applied. Houston practices with Seiler & Houston. Maroney serves with Teel & Maroney. Because the commission was unable to send the governor three qualified individuals, he may now fill the vacancy with the candidate of his choice. This vacancy will be created by the retirement of Chancellor James F. Butler on July 1. The district covers Chester, Henderson and Madison counties.