The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations has released its report on the state of crime labs in Tennessee. According to The Tennessean, the report found that a rise in violent crimes is threatening to create a dire situation with regard to the backlog of evidence. The report contains several recommendations to improve the situation, including moving ahead with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's (TBI) plan to renovate or expand current labs. The TBI currently operates three state-run labs in Nashville, Jackson and Knoxville. A draft version of the report released in July recommended the state build a new crime lab in Chattanooga.

The Memphis Safe Task Force — made up of federal and state law enforcement agents — reportedly is using a new state law that went into effect on July 1 to block access to its activities, the Tennessee Lookout reports. The law makes it illegal to approach a police officer within 25 feet if the officer is engaged in official duties and has ordered the person to stop advancing. Hunter Demster, a leader with Free the 901 (a coalition of groups opposing the task force) says he was told to stand 25 feet back while filming police activities. The paper notes that Tennessee’s law is similar to laws in Indiana and Louisiana, which federal courts have ruled unconstitutional. A coalition of news organizations have sued the state of Tennessee over the law.

The TBA was recognized with a major award from the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE) at the annual Communications Section Workshop in Boise, Idaho. The association earned a Luminary Award for Excellence in Special Projects for its Indigent Representation Education Campaign. Judges who reviewed the award submission remarked, “This campaign is an outstanding example of how bar communications can directly impact public policy and access to justice. Faced with a complex, urgent issue, the team created a comprehensive strategy that informed, engaged and mobilized members across multiple platforms. The campaign stood out for its breadth and sophistication — weekly primers, podcasts, Q&As, interviews, social media and event preparation all worked together seamlessly.” TBA staff Stacey Shrader Joslin and Azya Thornton were on hand to accept the award. Tennessee Bar Journal Editor Julia Wilburn co-chaired the award committee but recused herself from this award category. See photos from the event.

The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association plans to seek a rehearing after a U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld a ruling barring families from filing “legacy claims” on behalf of deceased relatives who suffered from farm-lending discrimination. The lawsuit, filed in August 2023, alleged the U.S. Department of Agriculture acted arbitrarily by rejecting those claims for relief under the $2.2 billion Discrimination Financial Assistance Program. According to the Tennessee Lookout, the appeals court agreed with a lower court’s finding that only living farmers qualify for assistance, reasoning that financial aid is meant to help with ongoing needs. Attorney Percy Squire, representing the association, said the panel’s interpretation is too narrow and fails to honor Congress’ intent to address the consequences of historic discrimination against Black farmers.

Take advantage of TBA’s exclusive BlueCross BlueShield group health insurance plan and potentially benefit from substantial savings compared to your current rates. View the rates here. Enjoy convenient and easy online enrollment, guaranteed issue coverage, no health questions and no pre-existing condition exclusions. Plus, the plan includes a $15,000 life insurance policy for each employee enrolled. This year’s open enrollment ends on Dec. 5, so don’t wait. Enroll early to receive your ID card by Jan. 1, 2026! Solo attorneys can participate in our solo plan.

Law Day 2026 will take place May 1 and focus on the rule of law and the American dream. The theme will explore the idea that at the core of any definition of the “American dream” is the rule of law. Programming around the event will focus on the idea that the rule of law is what ensures the rights of people to pursue their dreams and live their lives as freely as possible, and is essential to the freedom and prosperity Americans have aspired to throughout the nation’s history. Watch a launch video to learn more or sign up to receive updates.

The state, Shelby County Government and Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert have agreed to mediate an attempt to oust her from office, The Commercial Appeal reports. The ouster petition was originally dismissed by Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Felicia Corbin-Johnson in 2024, but an appeal was later filed in January this year. A notice of voluntary mediation was submitted to the Tennessee Court of Appeals on Friday. Retired federal Judge Bernice Donald will mediate the dispute beginning on Oct. 30. In the court's order to pause proceedings pending mediation, it said a stay will remain in place until Nov. 6. The first ouster attempt, filed by Hamilton County District Attorney General Coty Wamp acting as a special attorney, was dismissed because Wamp does not live in the jurisdiction where Halbert was elected.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility has released Formal Opinion 518, which provides guidance addressing a lawyer’s duties when acting as a third-party neutral mediator under ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 2.4. Lawyers acting in this capacity must inform unrepresented parties that the lawyer-mediator does not represent them. They also must explain the difference between the lawyer-mediator’s role as a third-party neutral and the role of a lawyer representing a client in a mediation when the lawyer knows or reasonably should know that the parties do not understand the mediation process. Lawyer-mediators also must avoid communications that are dishonest, fraudulent, deceitful or misrepresentative, and avoid creating the impression that the lawyer-mediator will be providing the protections of the client-lawyer relationship. Read more about the rule in a press release.

Dates and locations for next month’s swearing in ceremonies have been updated by the Tennessee Supreme Court. The Nashville ceremony will take place Nov. 4 at the Millenium Maxwell House Grand Ballroom at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. CDT; the ceremony in Jackson will take place on Nov. 5 at the Supreme Court Building at 1 p.m. CDT. The event in Memphis will take place on Nov. 6 at City Hall at 10 a.m. CDT. There is no change to the ceremony in Knoxville, which will take place Nov. 3 at the Knoxville City/County Building Main Assembly Room at 10 a.m. EDT.

Dozens came to the New Covenant Christian Church on Oct. 11 for a legal clinic hosted by the Music City Community Court, a specialty court created by General Sessions Judge Rachel Bell in 2014. The court focuses on preventive, diversionary and restorative justice, according to The Tennessean. Volunteers from Vanderbilt University Law School and the Nashville School of Law helped people fill out forms to address outstanding court costs or have eligible criminal convictions expunged. A total of 91 people applied, resulting in 59 expungements and $145,544.80 in court cost and fines waived for those declared indigent. Additionally, a resource fair was held with employers and representatives from groups like the Metro Action Commission, Nashville Public Defender’s Office and the NAACP providing information to those impacted by the justice system.