Online legal services site LegalZoom.com Inc. has been hit with a new class action suit claiming it engages in the unauthorized practice of law. The suit was brought on behalf of New Jersey residents who purchased products and services from the company in the past six years. The complaint argues that LegalZoom performs functions that can be defined as the practice of law and because LegalZoom does not fit the statutory definition of a professional service corporation and because its owners include nonlawyers, it is engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The company has faced such claims before. It previously reached an agreement with the North Carolina Bar Association and settled a suit brought by Missouri consumers. Law.com has more on the suit.

Tennessee state and local leaders recently gathered to honor retiring State Rep. Curtis Johnson, R-Clarksville. Johnson announced last year he would not seek re-election when his term in the Tennessee House of Representatives expires in November. Johnson has served as a state legislator since 2004, including a stint as deputy speaker. Among those attending the event were Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Treasurer David Lillard Jr. and Comptroller Jason Mumpower; Montgomery County Mayor Wes Golden; Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts; and several fellow lawmakers. Main Street Clarksville has more on the story and photos from the event.

Rep. Vincent Dixie, D-Nashville, has asked Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti to issue a legal opinion on whether Donald Trump can be on the ballot in November following the former president’s conviction last week. Dixie argues that a state law barring those convicted of an “infamous crime” from running for office could apply in this case. WDEF has a copy of the letter. The Nashville Banner reports in its newsletter that the Secretary of State’s Office is dismissing the idea.

Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy recently sat down with The Daily Memphian for its “Behind The Headlines” show. During the program, Mulroy said it is unclear how a new state law outlawing consideration of a defendant’s ability to pay when setting bail will work, and suggested it could be challenged in court as unconstitutional. He did express support for two other bail measures the Tennessee General Assembly passed in its most recent session. Mulroy also expressed support for proposed gun reform measures, including increasing penalties for possessing a switch device and an upcoming Memphis ballot referendum which would outlaw assault rifles in city limits. He also argued that Memphis should be carved out of the state’s permit-less carry law given the urban environment and “epidemic of guns.”

The federal judiciary and the U.S. Supreme Court would receive increased funding for security in a bill approved by a U.S. House subcommittee. The judiciary would receive $774.4 million for court security, a 4% boost, while the court would get extra funding to support protection of justices' homes. The bill next goes to the full House Appropriations Committee, where several lawmakers said they plan try to amend it. Reuters has more on the proposal.

The U.S. Judicial Conference's Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure has approved a first-of-its kind rule to govern federal mass torts cases and provide judges a roadmap to follow when assigned hundreds or thousands of lawsuits against companies. The rule, which has been under consideration since 2017, now goes to the Judicial Conference. If approved, it would be transmitted to the U.S. Supreme Court, which would then submit it to Congress. Unless Congress disapproved it, the rule would take effect Dec. 1, 2025. The committee also has approved a proposal designed to strengthen disclosure rules for those who fund friend-of-the-court briefs. That proposed change, which is expected to be controversial, will be subject to a public comment period. Reuters reports on both actions.

If you missed the TBA’s Corporate Counsel Forum, the video from each of the sessions is now available to watch on demand through our 1-Click Package. This year’s program topics included how the Corporate Transparency Act affects in-house counsel, guiding a company through a government investigation, the recent FTC guidance on non-competes and no-poaching agreements, and what in-house counsel needs to know about the parent/subsidiary relationship. Access the package here.

Hard-to-break passwords are either long, complex, or both. Don’t expect to remember them all. Use this chart to pick a password manager that will do the remembering for you, as well as help create secure new passwords. Access this and other resources in the Opening a Firm section of TBA’s Law Practice Management Center.

New lawyers were welcomed to the legal profession at swearing ceremonies in Knoxville and Nashville this month. Representatives from the TBA and local bar associations were on hand to congratulate the new admittees. See photos from the events.

Join the Nashville School of Law (NSL) on June 7 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel to honor the NSL Class of 1974 on its 50th anniversary. In addition, Nashville attorney Bill Harbison will be honored for his community service, including 15 years as a contracts professor at the law school.