The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) will hold its Fall Memorial Service on Nov. 21 from 3 to 5 p.m. EST at the Tennessee Supreme Court Building, 505 Main St. in Knoxville. The event, which is free and open to attendees, will take place in the Supreme Court courtroom on the building’s second floor. The service is to celebrate the careers, honor, applaud and express gratitude for the members of the Knoxville bar who have died since the last memorial service. Joining KBA President Jonathan Cooper in reflecting on and celebrating the lives of these individuals will be the Rev. Charles Fels and Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Dwight Tarwater. For more information and to register visit the KBA website.

The newest episode of BarBuzz explores the intersection of love and law with Memphis attorney Lucie Brackin, a partner at Rogers & Brackin. In “The Legal Side of Love: Family Law and Celebrity Prenups,” TBA communications coordinator and podcast host Azya Thornton sits down with Brackin to discuss common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements, navigating tough relationship conversations and what high-profile couples like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might include in a prenup. Brackin also shares insight into her work on international child abduction cases under the Hague Convention and offers practical advice for couples on protecting themselves legally and emotionally. Missed a past episode? Check them all out in the BarBuzz archive.

Jackson lawyer Jen Free has announced her intention to run for Madison County General Sessions Court judge, WBBJ reports. Free, an attorney with Byrd & Byrd, brings over two decades of courtroom experience and community involvement to her campaign. “The people of Madison County deserve a judge who is efficient, fair and deeply committed to justice,” said Free. “In General Sessions Court, every citizen should have their case heard promptly and with respect by a judge who applies the law with precision and integrity.” Free received her law degree from Nashville School of Law. The primary election is set for May 5, 2026, with the general election on Aug. 6, 2026.

The TBA’s 37th Annual Health Law Forum wrapped up in downtown Nashville Friday. Close to 250 attendees heard updates on AI in health care, regulatory fraud and abuse, controlled substances enforcement, federal enforcement actions, ethics and the rise of compounded drug products. At the section’s annual meeting and luncheon, Imad Abdullah, senior vice president and chief legal officer with Regional One Health in Memphis, passed the Section Cup to incoming chair Travis Lloyd, a member in the Nashville office of Bass Berry & Sims. Members of the section also voted on Jesse Neil with Foley & Lardner in Nashville as the new vice chair and Kelly Street with Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis in Knoxville as the new East Tennessee delegate on the section executive council. Special thanks to those who helped plan the event or spoke at sessions, as well as this year's sponsors. Thanks also to Barnes & Thornburg for hosting the Health Law Primer on Wednesday. See photos from last night's reception and sessions today.

The next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits is set for Nov. 20 in Nashville. The clinic, sponsored by the Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts and Bradley, provides assistance with business formation and corporate governance, review of contracts, and guidance in navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Prospective clients should register by Nov. 17. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

Death row inmate Harold Wayne Nichols has asked Gov. Bill Lee for clemency, requesting that his sentence be converted to life in prison a month before his scheduled execution. The Associated Press reports that the clemency petition argues that Nichols turned his life around in prison, becoming a model inmate who helps make the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution a safer place and even mentoring at-risk youth. The petition also quotes former corrections officers and prison volunteers who vouch for his rehabilitation. On Monday, Nichols declined to choose between lethal injection and the electric chair.

Legal Services Corporation's (LSC) Rural Justice Task Force has released a comprehensive report with recommendations to strengthen legal access in rural communities. The task force's goal is to better serve the millions of rural Americans who face unique challenges — such as limited transportation, scarce providers and geographic isolation — when seeking legal help. LSC has also expanded Heartland Disaster Help to better support Americans in areas vulnerable to natural disasters. Simply enter an address and learn about the disasters most common to that area, find recovery assistance resources and explore ways to prepare and protect homes, families and communities.

The TBA’s annual two-day Health Law Forum kicked off today in downtown Nashville with a keynote on "AI in Healthcare — What's Real, What's Hype and What's Next" followed by a session on regulatory fraud and abuse. TBA President Heidi Barcus moderated a panel on medical malpractice updates. Other topics covered included the impact of the "One Big Beautiful Bill' on health care, legality of DEI and health equity programs and an ethics update with a panel including TBA Executive Director Sheree Wright. The forum continues tomorrow with AI and ethics, legislative review, federal civil and criminal enforcement, the rise of telehealth and the FDA approval process for compounded weight loss drugs. Also on tap for tomorrow is the section's annual meeting and lunch. Members do not have to be registered for the forum to attend the lunch. Now in its 37th year, the Health Law Forum is the premier health law program in the state, providing essential insights from health law providers, practitioners and regulators. See photos from the first day.

Since January, Tennessee has seen one of the nation’s largest expansions of local immigration enforcement partnerships, growing from just two to 48 law enforcement agencies under federal 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Tennessee Lookout reports that the deals now include sheriffs, small-town police, constables and state highway patrol officers, significantly widening the reach of federal immigration enforcement across the state. Supporters say the agreements promote public safety and uphold immigration law, while critics warn they encourage racial profiling and divert police from local priorities. The Trump administration and Tennessee lawmakers have offered financial incentives — including salary reimbursements, equipment funding and grants — to enter into one of three model agreements: jail enforcement, warrant service officer or task force.

An investigation by the Tennessee Comptroller's Office uncovered extensive misuse of public funds in the City of Martin, leading to indictments of Mayor Randy Brundige, Economic Development Director Brad Thompson and former city employee Natalie Brundige. Investigators found that the officials collectively misappropriated more than $450,000 through unauthorized credit card use, luxury travel and unearned compensation. Additionally, Thompson's personal consulting firm billed the city for for grant-writing and administrative services that were already part of his duties. Comptroller Jason Mumpower called the case “troubling,” emphasizing the need for stronger oversight of city spending and employee accountability. The three were indicted by the Weakley County Grand Jury on Monday. WBBJ reports on the developments.