Tennessee Bar Exam results show that 306 applicants — 163 first-time test takers and 143 repeat candidates — sat for the February exam. Of the first-time test takers, 60.7% passed — a slight decline from the February 2020 passage rate of 64.1%. For repeat test takers, 28% passed — a decline from 32.1% last year. Combined, all test takers achieved a 45.4% passage rate. Vanderbilt law graduates recorded the highest passage rate – 100% percent for first timers – followed by University of Memphis School of Law at 94.1%, Belmont University College of Law at 75%, University of Tennessee College of Law at 66.7%, Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law at 50% and the Nashville School of Law at 10%. Access all exam data from the Board of Law Examiners here.

The Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRC) celebrated the opening of its new Antioch office with a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, Main Street Nashville reports. The 7,000-square-foot building is located in the heart of Davidson County’s immigrant and refugee community. The coalition decided to relocate when it outgrew space at the Casa Azafràn community center on Nolensville Pike. The new space is designed to give the community a place to gather, host events and attend workshops, leadership training and English classes. It also has a soccer pitch and playground for youth in the area. Through a capital campaign, the organization raised $2.6 million but still needs $275,000 to pay down the rest of the construction debt. Those interested in helping can donate online or mail checks to 3310 Ezell Rd., Nashville, TN 37211.

Carthage attorney Jacky O. Bellar died April 12 at 83. Bellar earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee in 1962. His first job was assistant district attorney general for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. He later served as Carthage City judge and attorney for Smith County government for more than 50 years. He was senior partner in the Bellar & Winkler Law Firm working as legal counsel for several area lending institutions at the time of his death. He also served as legal counsel for the Upper Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation (UCEM), Tennessee Farmers Mutual Insurance Co. and Cincinnati Insurance Co. The family has requested memorials be given to UCEM Cares, 907 N. Main St., Carthage, TN 37030.

Brentwood lawyer Richard A. “Rick” Buerger, 73, died March 28. A graduate of Vanderbilt University Law, Buerger first joined with James Peterson to open a law office. He later was named a partner in the firm of Buerger, Moseley & Carson and stayed with the firm until he retired in 2002. Buerger also served as the attorney for Williamson County for 24 years, chair of the Williamson County Ethics Committee, president of the Williamson County Bar Association, and adjunct professor of health care management at Belmont University. He practiced in almost every area of the law from criminal to family law and from general business to health care law. Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Tennessee Wildlife Federation, 300 Orlando Ave., Nashville, TN 37209.

Federal officials say they will retry former Pilot Flying J president Mark Hazelwood and two co-defendants next February, Chattanoogan.com reports. The announcement comes after an appeals court threw out their convictions in a fraud case that lasted for months. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals voted to void the convictions based on the fact that a jury was allowed to hear an inflammatory tape that included racist remarks by Hazelwood. Jury selection will begin on Feb. 1, 2022, at the federal courthouse in Chattanooga. The three company executives were originally charged in 2013 in a scheme to cheat trucking companies out of promised rebates.

Gov. Bill Lee recently signed a resolution honoring and commending Vanessa Pettigrew Bryan for her distinguished service to the state as public defender for the 21st Judicial District, the Williamson Herald reports. Bryan retired in November 2020 after 31 years of service. The resolution, introduced by Franklin lawmakers Rep. Sam Whitson and Sen. Jack Johnson, commends Bryan on her “honorable and astute service” and wishes her “a happy and fulfilling retirement.” In addition to serving as public defender, Bryan sat on the board of directors of the 21st Judicial District Drug Court and the D.U.I. Drug Court, and volunteered with Discovery House, Magdalene House, Mending Hearts, Mercy Clinic, Nashville Rescue Mission, New Life Lodge and the Refuge Center, among other organizations.

Well-Being Week in Law is recognized each year during the first full week of May as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. The initiative, sponsored by the Institute for Well-Being in Law, is designed to engage the legal profession in practical activities that reflect a holistic approach to well-being. Today's theme is “Stay Strong: Physical Well-Being.” Activities to focus on include getting regular exercise and enough sleep, eating a good diet, limiting addictive substances and seeking help for physical health when needed. The institute recommends reading “Don't Underestimate the Power of a Walk” from the Harvard Business Review, watching “How Exercise Can Change Your Life” with neuroscientist Dr. Wendy Suzuki, and downloading guides for desk yoga and breathing exercises. Access these and other resources.

The 2021 Immigration Law Forum is set for Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon CDT. Join Bruce Buchanan of Sebelist Buchanan Law in Nashville to learn how the Biden administration's first 100 days has impacted immigration law. The program also will look at immigration cases at the U.S. Supreme Court, pending litigation, ethics and more. Want to save money? Join the Immigration Law Section for discounts on this and other section programs.

Many businesses are re-assessing and planning for an economic future after the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the May-June TBJ cover story, Scott Douglas and Dominic Rota explain one pathway to growth — corporate rebranding of a company name, logo or design. But businesses looking to bridge historic brand recognition with a modern update should explore the legal doctrine of “tacking.” The issue also includes Part 2 of Nick McCall and Jill McCook's "Getting to Know the Federal Executive Branch Ethics Laws," and much more. And in her last column, TBA President Michelle Greenway Sellers writes about the wild ride that has been the past year, and how the legal profession has risen to meet the challenges. 

R. Culver Schmid writes about his practice as a corporate lawyer forming companies with new members, partners or shareholders. But he recently expanded his practice to advise individuals convicted of a felony crime to restore their voting rights. "The reason for donating my time, energy and legal experience in this effort was simple," he says. "According to the Campaign Legal Center, approximately 450,000 Tennesseans, around 9% of the voting-age population, are not able to vote on account of a felony conviction. It is estimated nearly 80% of those individuals completed their probation and parole obligations and are potentially eligible to restore their voting rights.