Bar exam pass rates increased in 2024, according to new data from the American Bar Association (ABA). Nearly 83% of graduates from ABA-accredited law schools who took the exam for the first time passed, marking a more than three-percentage-point increase from the 79% first-time pass rate in 2023. Reuters reports this is the highest national first-time pass rate since 2020, when 84% of test-takers passed. Bar exam experts attributed the strong results to the unusually large size of the 2021 entering law school class and the strong academic credentials of those students. Read about more trends from the data.

A federal judge in Seattle has extended an order blocking the Trump administration from withholding federal funding from medical providers in four states that offer medical treatments to transgender minors. U.S. District Judge Lauren King ruled that two of President Donald Trump's executive orders were unconstitutional, arguing they intrude on Congress’ authority to allocate federal funds and violate the Fifth Amendment’s equal protection guarantee, Reuters reports. One of the blocked orders directs the federal government to recognize only two biological sexes and restrict funding that promotes "gender ideology." King issued a temporary restraining order on Feb. 14 and has now granted a preliminary injunction. The decision comes after a federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked executive orders dealing with federal funding for transgender activities in February. The U.S. Supreme Court is currently considering a challenge to Tennessee's ban on gender medical treatments for minors. After taking office, the Trump administration changed the government's position on the case, dropping its opposition to the state law.

The indigent representation proposal from the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) on behalf of the Tennessee Supreme Court addresses a number of challenges in the state's current system. One benefit of the proposal would be eliminating the use of court time to appoint attorneys for these cases. Under the plan, judges would be able to rely on the proposed "Office of Indigent Conflicts and Civil Counsel," which would assume responsibility for appointing lawyers in child welfare cases and criminal cases when the public defender has a conflict. In addition, the proposed "Indigent Representation Commission" would be charged with reviewing, developing and, where possible, implementing procedures to improve accountability and prevent misuse of the system. Learn more about the plan and indigent representation in Tennessee. 

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals is seeking comments on the reappointment of Randal S. Mashburn, bankruptcy judge for the Middle District of Tennessee, to a 14-year term that would begin on Jan. 12, 2026. Members of the bar and the public are invited to submit comments to be considered during the reappointment process. All comments will be kept confidential and should be mailed to Circuit Executive Marc Theriault, 503 Potter Stewart U.S. Courthouse, 100 East Fifth St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 or be submitted via email. All comments must be received no later than April 16. Contact the Office of the Circuit Executive at 513-564-7200 for more information. Read the full announcement from the court.

A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from enforcing portions of an executive order designed to punish the law firm of Perkins Coie. The Associated Press reports that U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell granted a temporary restraining order sought by the firm one day after it filed suit over the executive order. The judge said the executive order sends a chilling message that lawyers can be punished for representing clients or advancing views unfavorable to the government. Under the ruling, the government may not enforce portions of the order blocking the firm from seeking government contracts for its clients and banning firm employees from federal buildings.

Longtime Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Cheryl Blackburn has announced that she will retire at the end of May. She has held the position for 29 years, having been originally appointed by the late Gov. Don Sundquist in 1996. Blackburn, whose current term is set to end in 2030, is the longest serving criminal court judge in the county, having presided over tens of thousands of criminal matters and hundreds of trials. Blackburn earned her undergraduate and master's degree in clinical psychology from Vanderbilt University. While working in the mental health field, she attended Nashville School of Law at night. Upon graduation, she was hired as an assistant district attorney in Nashville and later was appointed one of two deputy district attorneys. She says that serving on the bench has been the greatest honor of her professional career. The Tennessean has tributes from lawyers and judges who have worked with Blackburn over the years.

The Tennessee Bar Foundation has launched a new IOLTA Capital Improvement and Technology Enhancement (CITE) Grant, a one-time grant to help legal aid and civil legal services providers strengthen operational capacity and technology. Funding can be requested for capital improvements, projects that enhance efficiency and improving client service with technology, or projects that drive innovation through technology. Applications should be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CDT on April 23. The foundation will hold webinar on March 20 at 2 p.m. CDT to demonstrate the application portal and answer any questions. Sign up for the webinar. Read more in a press release from the foundation or access detailed guidelines — including eligibility requirements, application standards and evaluation criteria — and frequently asked questions on the foundation’s website.

The Washington County Bar Association is asking for volunteer lawyers to help residents of northeast Tennessee with legal needs following Hurricane Helene. The Advocacy Committee of the Washington County Long Term Recovery Group is a group of volunteers continuing to assist residents affected by the hurricane. Those interested in helping with intake or assisting with pro bono representation should contact Melissa Reading, 423-794-4009. The next meeting of the committee is March 19 at noon EDT via Zoom.

The U.S. Senate last week confirmed President Donald Trump's former criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche to serve as deputy attorney general, the number two role at the U.S. Justice Department (DOJ). Blanche was confirmed on a party line vote of 52-46, Reuters reports. The Senate also approved Gail Slater to lead the department’s antitrust division. She was approved on a bipartisan vote according to Bloomberg Law. The Senate Judiciary Committee also recently advanced the nominations of three to key roles at the department. The panel approved D. John Sauer to be U.S. solicitor general, Harmeet Dhillon to lead the Civil Rights Division and Aaron Reitz to head the Office of Legal Policy. Bloomberg Law reports on those votes.

The TBA’s Immigration Section will host a one-hour webcast on March 31 exploring what attorneys need to know in this period of enhanced immigration enforcement to counsel clients and be on the look out for notario fraud, which can be prevalent in immigrant communities. Make plans now to join Edith Johnson with Catholic Charities of East Tennessee in Knoxville to learn more. The webcast will run from noon to 1 p.m. CDT. Immigration Section members get registration discounts. Not a section member? Join here.