Mayor Freddie O’Connell on Friday announced the appointment of Stephanie Bradley as director of crime prevention and violence reduction for his office, according to the Nashville Banner newsletter. Bradley previously held multiple roles at Penn State University’s Evidence-based Prevention and Intervention Support Center and later founded a consulting firm focused on youth policy for government agencies and nonprofits. O’Connell made the announcement alongside Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake and Office of Family Safety Director Diane Lance, noting a continued decline in crime rates during the first quarter of the year. In her new role, Bradley will support the Community Safety Task Force, which is currently developing a community safety plan.

The Rutherford County Library Board voted last week to remove its top librarian after she refused to comply with a directive to move more than 100 LGBTQ-themed books from the children’s section to the adult section, according to WPLN. The board voted 8-3 to terminate director Luanne James with some board members arguing the material promotes “gender confusion.” James opposed the directive, saying the move would violate First Amendment protections and conflict with her professional responsibilities. The decision has drawn significant support for James. Nearly $84,000 has been raised to assist her, according to WSMV 4. A GoFundMe page created by a community member states the funds will go toward supporting her family’s basic living expenses. James also spoke about the situation in an interview with The Associated Press.

The Judicial Council of the National Bar Association (NBA) will host a reception and fundraiser on April 29 from 6-7:30 p.m. CDT at the law offices of Baker Donelson to support its annual conference, which will take place July 25 through Aug. 1 in Nashville. NBA Judicial Council Chair Justice Freddrenna Lyle of the Illinois Appellate Court and NBA President Ashley Upkins of Nashville are expected to attend and offer brief remarks. Attendees should RSVP to Monte Watkins at montewatkins7@gmail.com. The law firm is located at 1600 West End Ave., Ste. 2000, Nashville, TN 37203.

Elder Law Basics 2026, a virtual CLE program designed for attorneys new to elder law or seeking a refresher, will take place on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CDT. The program will cover key aspects of elder law, with experienced practitioners providing insights on recent developments and best practices. Registrants will receive connection details and course materials the week of the event. For information and to register visit the TBA website.

TBA’s Legislative Updates podcast is new this week with TBA lobbyists and attorneys Berkley Schwarz of Pier Strategies LLC and Brad Lampley of Adams & Reese. This week they discuss TBA's bills that are moving through the legislative process, including the extrajudicial adoptions bills HB1263/SB1238; real estate bills HB569/SB394, HB1970/SB1985 and HB1762/SB1707; adoption bill SB2165/HB2350; probate bill SB2184/HB2451; and family law bill SB2324/HB2429. Tune in on the TBA website or through this link. Attorneys interested in supporting the TBA’s lobbying efforts can contribute to LAWPAC.

The Chattanooga Bar Association (CBA) has launched a new monthly initiative, “Community Volunteers Day,” aimed at providing members with regular opportunities to give back to local nonprofits while fostering connection within the legal community. According to Chattanoogan.com, the inaugural March event was held at Siskin Children’s Institute, where volunteers assisted in painting a room with magnetic paint to create a therapeutic and engaging space for children. Participants included attorneys and staff from several local firms, and association leaders said the effort reflects a broader commitment to community service and member engagement. The next volunteer day is scheduled for April 14 at 8:30 a.m. CDT at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County in Chattanooga, where participants will tour the facility and kick off a snack and stuffed animal drive to support children receiving services. Organizers are asking volunteers to bring one stuffed animal and one box of individually wrapped snacks. Read more on the CBA website.

Former U.S. Attorney General (AG) John Ashcroft spoke during a March 31 event at Lipscomb University where he stressed leadership, faith and liberty. According to the Nashville Post, his appearance was part of the Fred Gray Lectureship’s 2025-26 Presidential Signature Series, which also included a panel discussion discussion moderated by Lipscomb President Candice McQueen with Tennessee AG Jonathan Skrmetti and attorney Mark Lanier. Ashcroft, who served as U.S. attorney general from 2001 to 2005, called liberty “the core value of the universe” and “the character of the United States.” Skrmetti spoke about how his faith informs his work and emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional limits on government power.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that Cox Communications cannot be held liable for piracy committed by its internet service subscribers involving songs owned by Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and other labels, ending a copyright lawsuit seeking more than $1 billion. According to Reuters, the unanimous 9-0 decision overturned a lower court ruling that had ordered a new trial to determine potential damages related to contributory copyright infringement. Cox had argued a retrial could have resulted in a judgment of up to $1.5 billion against the Atlanta-based internet service provider. The record labels alleged Cox failed to act on thousands of infringement notices, including by not terminating service for repeat offenders or taking other steps to deter piracy. Writing for the court, Justice Clarence Thomas said "Cox provided internet service to its subscribers, but it did not intend for that service to be used to commit copyright infringement.”

Services have been set for former Tennessee state legislator and retired lawyer William Roland "Bill" Bruce, who died March 21 at the age of 90. A memorial service and reception will be held at 4 p.m. EDT on April 18 at King of Peace Episcopal Church, 6230 Laurel Island Parkway, Kingsland, GA 31548. Donations may be given to the church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Bruce earned his law degree from the University of Virginia, and practiced law in Tennessee for 50 years. He began practicing in Memphis in 1959 with the law firm of Martin, Tate. He later hung out his own shingle and practiced solo until 1965. That year he and Donn Southern formed a partnership, which lasted until Southern became a judge in 1989. That firm ultimately became Bruce, Southern, Brandon & Regan. Bruce then joined the Nashville office of the law firm that ultimately would become Adams & Reese. He maintained "Special Counsel" status with the firm after retiring to Georgia. Bruce served in the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1966 and in the Tennessee Senate in 1968, where he was Senate majority leader and chair of the Senate Calendar and Rules Committee.

The next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits is set for noon to 1 p.m. CDT on April 16 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. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.