The TBA International Law Section's annual forum will provide an overview of the trade and investment landscape as it concerns Tennessee in 2026 and beyond. Programming will focus on Tennessee's foreign direct investment, global health perspectives and partnerships, international financing, global sales and supply chains, and more. Participants will have the opportunity for direct interactive discussions with speakers, and the chance to network, learn about best practices and chart a path to increase capacity for internationalization. Make plans now to join colleagues on May 29 in the TBA's newly renovated CLE classroom. Get more information and register here.

Just in time for Women’s History Month, the TBA is offering a replay of its popular Convention program featuring four trailblazing women. Tune in on March 27 at noon CDT to hear retired U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Martha Craig "Cissy" Daughtrey, Judge Aleta Trauger with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, and Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Camille McMullen as they reflect on their experiences breaking barriers and shaping the judiciary. Nashville lawyer Margaret Behm with Dodson Parker Behm & Capparella moderates the discussion. Can’t make it on the 27th? We have you covered. The program also is available on demand. Register here.

Vanderbilt University Law School has received a $10 million commitment to fund, among other priorities, its First Amendment Clinic, the Nashville Post reports. The gift will also go toward the law school’s “Respectfully Dissent” debate series, merit- and need-based scholarship aid, child-care funding for student-parents, services for student-veterans and an ongoing building renovation. According to a release from the law school, Vanderbilt law graduates Clay Travis (2004) and Lara Travis (2023) provided the gift. Travis is the founder of Outkick, a college football news site, and is known nationally for his writing and media commentary related to sports and politics. He has undertaken work with both Fox Sports and CBS Sports. “Lara and Clay have given the law school a powerful opportunity to deliver on our educational promise in several important ways,” said Dean Chris Guthrie. “I am beyond grateful for their generosity, vision and commitment to the Law School.”

Three plaintiffs who live in Tennessee have filed a class action lawsuit in the Northern District of California against Elon Musk’s xAI. The three minors allege that a perpetrator — who has already been arrested — used Grok, the AI assistant on X, to create fake sexually explicit images and videos based on their photographs and then distributed the images online. The suit argues that Musk and xAI designed “Spicy Mode” to assume “good intent” in users who referenced “teenage” or “girl” in their prompts. According to the Center for Countering Digital Hate, during an 11-day period between December 2025 and January 2026, Grok created three million sex-related images, including approximately 23,000 of children. The Nashville Banner has more on the case in a recent newsletter.

If you are a Tennessee-licensed attorney running for office this year, please let TBA know so we can share your news. While higher profile races get news coverage that we cover, many races will not make it into press reports. TBA Today wants to highlight lawyers making a difference in their communities through public service. To get your race covered, send an announcement of your candidacy and a head shot to tbatoday@tnbar.org. And if you are a candidate this cycle, TBA has resources to help you run an ethical campaign. Check out sessions from The Ethical Campaign CLE now available on demand as a 1-Click package or as individual programs.

TBA's Elder Law Section and Criminal Justice Section will present a free webinar on Friday on how to identify medically-impaired older drivers. The virtual session will feature occupational therapist Cody Stoval, one of eight certified driving rehabilitation specialists in Tennessee, who will offer insight and describe the process of reporting impaired drivers to the Tennessee Department of Driver Improvement. There is still time to register for this opportunity to learn how common diagnoses could present in your practice, and how community resources can assist if driving retirement is necessary. Register now.

On March 17, the Tennessee Supreme Court directed Georgia lawyer Meredith Gardial to complete outstanding obligations with the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education by May 1 or it would dismiss her petition for reinstatement. Gardial filed the petition on Feb. 23.

The University of Tennessee Winston College of Law will hold its annual Orr Symposium on April 16 from noon to 4:45 p.m. EDT. The event, sponsored by the law school’s legal clinic and Tennessee Law Review as well as the Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, will focus on “Closing the Rural Justice Gap: Innovation and Regulatory Reform.” Speakers will address the shortage of legal services in rural communities and examine solutions to expand legal help in underserved areas. The free program will be presented in person and virtually. Register here. Contact Joy Radice at legalclinic@utk.edu with any questions.

U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts recently spoke at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy in Houston. His comments included expressing concern about how artificial intelligence (AI) might impact the legal profession, especially for new lawyers, as well as the potential for AI to be involved in court decisions or to pressure judges. On another issue, Roberts rejected the idea that Supreme Court justices are solely carrying out the agendas of those who appointed them. “You’ve got eight other views to factor in …” he said. Finally, Roberts addressed criticism of judges, saying that while opinions by judges are fair game for criticism, personal attacks cross the line. “Personally directed hostility is dangerous, and it’s got to stop,” he said according to Bloomberg Law. The Houston Business Journal has more on the appearance.

The Tennessee Attorney General’s (AG) Office is warning consumers about scam websites posing as legitimate classic car and heavy equipment dealerships. These scams often involve sophisticated websites advertising vehicles or heavy machinery at extremely low prices. Fraudsters may go to great lengths to appear legitimate — answering phone calls, sending videos and even providing fake business licenses. But consumers who send money will ultimately lose it because the vehicles or equipment do not exist. In a news release, AG Jonathan Skrmetti says consumers should be cautious when shopping online and recommends inspecting items in person and taking precautions to verify the seller’s legitimacy before purchasing anything.