Make your hotel reservations now for the 2025 TBA Annual Convention in Nashville. The special TBA rate at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs expires May 19. This year's convention, June 11-14, is packed with compelling programming, networking opportunities and social events. Make your reservation now!

Nashville attorney Daniel Luther McMurtry died April 21 at age 55. McMurtry was born and raised in Nashville and earned his law degree from Mississippi College School of Law. He practiced law from 1997 until his death. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. The family requests that donations be made to an animal rescue organization of the donor’s choice.

The Tennessee Supreme Court reinstated Anderson County lawyer Robert Mike Sain to the practice of law effective May 9. The court issued notice of the reinstatement on May 13. The court previously had asked Sain to satisfy outstanding obligations with the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education, which he now has done. Sain was placed on inactive status more than five years ago, on Feb. 17, 2005.

The Tennessee Supreme Court suspended California attorney Dale Gerard Nowicki from the practice of law in Tennessee for two years, with 90 days to be served on active suspension and the remainder on probation with certain conditions. The court took the action on May 13 after the Supreme Court of California imposed the same discipline on Jan. 6. The Tennessee court made the action retroactive to the date of the California order.

The Tennessee Supreme Court suspended Hamilton County lawyer Arthur C. Grisham Jr. from the practice of law for five years on May 13. The court took the action based on complaints from two clients that he failed to reasonably communicate with clients regarding the status of their case; act in a diligent manner; expedite clients’ litigation; abide by court orders; provide required information to successor attorneys; and safeguard client funds. He also charged unreasonable fees and abused his position as an executor by withdrawing estate funds without court order, which caused estate insolvency. Grisham agreed to a conditional guilty plea acknowledging his conduct violated Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 3.2, 3.4 and 8.4. The court also imposed a condition on any future reinstatement, requiring Grisham to pay restitution to the clients. Also, following any reinstatement, he must use a practice monitor for one year.

Shelby County voters in 2026 will decide whether to amend the county's charter to change conflict-of-interest language. The Commercial Appeal reports that the ordinance, passed last week by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners, came about after the indictment of Commissioner Edmund Ford Jr. for bribery and tax evasion related to a kickback scheme involving county grants. The current county charter states that no officer or employee of Shelby County, elected or appointed, shall "in any manner whatsoever be interested in or receive any benefit from the profits of or emoluments," as it relates to contracts, jobs or work of the county. The change would make the language more specific, stating in part that no county employee or officer shall "have a direct or indirect interest in any outside contract, job, work or service for the county unless otherwise permitted by applicable state law." It also specifically states no officer or employee of the county may accept any service or item of substantial financial value from any person having dealings with the county.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission will meet in June to consider applicants for two judicial vacancies. On June 10, it will meet in Lewis County to consider six applicants for a circuit and chancery court judgeship in the 32nd Judicial District, which includes Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties. On June 17, it will meet in Knoxville to consider eight applicants for a criminal court seat in the 6th Judicial District, which covers Knox County. Both meetings are open to the public, and individuals may submit oral or written comments regarding any applicant. The commission is expected to vote immediately following the interviews and will forward three nominees for each vacancy to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration.

TBA’s International Law Section will host a webinar June 19 on insights into how to navigate the changes within the 2025 global market. The program will explore current and evolving trends in U.S. tariffs and customs, offering legal professionals guidance on navigating trade disruptions and ensuring compliance. The panel will be led by TBA International Law Section Chair Terry Olsen and will feature George Phillips of Phillips Ralston and Lee Broyles, vice president of international sales at Steam Logistics. For more information and to register for this webcast visit the TBA website.

Among the CLE programs being offered at this year's Annual Convention, the TBA will present  "AI in the Life of a Lawyer" on June 12 from 2-3 p.m. CDT. The session, which will offer one hour of dual credit, will explore how attorneys are using artificial intelligence in practice, with real case studies and demonstrations. The panel also will examine the ethical considerations and potential risks of AI, offering practical guidance for Tennessee lawyers navigating the evolving role of AI in the legal profession. Speakers include TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr. and attorneys Bruce Doeg and Clint Sanko of Baker Donelson.

The Trump administration on Monday announced it plans to end protections for Afghans in the United States, arguing that improving conditions in Afghanistan mean they no longer qualify for protection against deportation, The Hill reports. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the group originally was granted during the Biden administration. A notice of the proposed change was published in the Federal Register on May 13. The government must provide 60 days notice before taking action.