Ordinary Americans are “getting whacked” by too many laws and regulations, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch says in a new book that underscores his skepticism of federal agencies and the power they wield. “Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law” was co-authored by his former law clerk Janie Nitze and focuses on the real life stories of Americans who risked jail time, fines, deportation and other hardships over federal rules. “Too little law and we’re not safe, and our liberties aren’t protected … But too much law and you actually impair those same things,” Gorsuch told The Associated Press in an interview.

The Tennessee Attorney General’s office has filed a notice of appeal after a three-judge panel threw out a state law that would have required the Nashville Metro Council to be cut from 40 seats to 20, the Tennessean reports. The panel ruled 2-1 at the end of July that the law violated the Tennessee Constitution’s Home Rule Amendment, which protects local governments from legislation targeting them. The law had been under injunction since April 2023, allowing Nashville to proceed with its August 2023 Metro Council elections with its full governing body. Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti released a statement today and provided a link to the filing.

Paralegals in Texas who are licensed under a proposed new program will be able to provide some legal services to low-income individuals, Reuters reports. Paralegals will have to abide by rules preliminarily approved by the state's top court. Joining other U.S. states that have created similar programs, the Texas Supreme Court said in an order that allowing licensed legal paraprofessionals to deliver limited legal services in areas including family law, estate planning, probate law and consumer debt law will help close the "justice gap" and address unmet civil legal needs.

As part of its 50th anniversary campaign, "Protecting the Promise," the Legal Services Commission (LSC) commissioned a survey to look at perceptions of civil legal aid. Results of the survey have been released and, according to the group, show that more than half of Americans (56%) mistakenly believe they are entitled to free legal representation for all civil matters if they cannot afford a lawyer. That number is even higher for young adults (18-34) with two out of three (67%) holding that belief, LSC said. Results also revealed that many Americans who experienced civil legal issues in the past three years did not seek legal help, thinking that the issues were not serious enough or that they could handle them on their own.

The Hamilton County Commission will select an attorney to fill the Hamilton County General Sessions Court seat that Judge Alex McVeagh will vacate when he takes office as circuit court judge on Sept. 1. Applications are now being accepted from qualified attorneys interested in the appointment, Chattanoogan.com reports. To apply, a letter of interest and resume should be filed with the Hamilton County Commission, 401 Hamilton County Courthouse, 625 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402. The application period will close on Aug. 13 at 2 p.m. EDT. Interviews with commissioners will determine the top six candidates, who then will appear before the commission on Aug. 21 at 11 a.m. EDT. The appointee will serve until the August 2026 general election. The winner of that election will serve until 2030, which is when the McVeagh’s term would have expired.

Save the date for the annual Animal Law Forum on Oct. 4! This unique opportunity will provide updates on trends and advancements in animal law while allowing participants to network and enjoy the fun and activities the Nashville Zoo offers. Zoo admission, breakfast and lunch are included with the program. Don't miss this event; you never know who is going to show up!

Registration is now open for the next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits, set for Aug. 15 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 Aug. 12. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has dismissed a petition for reinstatement from Shelia L. Robinson-Beasley. The Shelby County lawyer was temporarily suspended on April 4 for misappropriating funds for her personal use and posing a threat of substantial harm to the public. On May 7, Robinson-Beasley filed a petition for reinstatement/dissolution and/or amendment of temporary suspension. A three-member panel of the Board of Professional Responsibility recommended that the petition be denied. The court agreed, keeping the temporary suspension in place until final disposition of the pending disciplinary complaint.

The American Bar Association House of Delegates (ABA HOD) this week approved a resolution urging bar admission authorities to create a reporting exception for applicants who have been victims of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment or stalking so that they do not have to recount any legal, law enforcement, administrative or academic proceedings. Requiring would-be lawyers to “explain their history of abuse” and track down documentation related to their case “retraumatizes” them, according to the resolution. The requirement also may dissuade victims from reporting abuse because they worry about having to disclose it on their admissions application, the group said. Reuters reports on the resolution. 

The Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association (TTLA) has bestowed the Trial Lawyer of the Year Award on attorneys Shea Callahan and Matt Hardin. For seven years, Callahan and Hardin handled a medical malpractice case in Davidson County Circuit Court. The duo was recognized for their exceptional work on the case, which resulted in a $16 million verdict for their client. Callahan earned a law degree from Vanderbilt University in 2010. Hardin is a second-generation Tennessee attorney specializing in plaintiff personal injury law, practicing throughout the state and Kentucky. Read more in a release from TTLA.