The Tennessee Supreme Court this week amended Rule 9, Section 32.1 to add the phrase "or as otherwise provided in an order of this Court" to language regarding confidentiality in investigations of attorney misconduct by the Board of Professional Responsibility. Read the order and see the amended language. The court also announced the addition of Rule 57 regarding sanctions, which may be imposed on an attorney, a law firm or a party for certain behavior before the court. Read the new rule.

The Tennessee Supreme Court temporarily suspended Putnam County lawyer Stephanie Branam Johnson from the practice of law on Feb. 13 after finding she failed to respond to a complaint of misconduct. Johnson is immediately precluded from accepting new cases and must cease representing existing clients by March 15. The suspension will remain in effect until dissolution or modification by the court.

Gov. Bill Lee has announced Hawkins County Circuit Judge William E. Phillips II as his replacement nominee for the Tennessee Court of Appeals, Eastern Section, following the withdrawal of Knoxville attorney Rachael Park Hurt, the Tennessee Journal reports. If approved, Phillips would replace longtime Judge D. Michael Swiney, who is retiring. Phillips, whom Lee appointed to an open circuit judgeship in 2021, previously served 19 years as city attorney for Church Hill and Rogersville. Lee praised Phillips in a statement Friday, calling him a “faithful public servant” who will bring “significant experience” to the appeals court. Phillips was one of three nominees recommended to the governor by the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments in January.

President Donald Trump’s administration has rescinded the deployments of federalized National Guard troops in Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland, Oregon, but Tennessee National Guard members will remain in Memphis as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, the Daily Memphian reports. About 1,450 guardsmen were still stationed in Memphis as of Feb. 12, according to the news outlet. Unlike troops deployed under federal orders in other cities, the Memphis guardsmen are operating under Title 32 status and remain under the command of Gov. Bill Lee, though their service is federally funded. A White House spokesperson said there are no planned changes to the Memphis deployment, calling the task force’s work ongoing. The deployment is the subject of a legal challenge by local officials; a Nashville judge granted a temporary injunction but stayed the order pending appeal, with oral arguments scheduled for March 5.

Chancellor Chris Heagerty said he would not give preferential treatment to University of Tennessee (UT) quarterback Joey Aguilar during a preliminary injunction hearing at Knox County Chancery Court on Feb. 13. According to Knox News, Heagerty questioned Aguilar’s attorney on each point of the argument throughout the two-hour hearing as reporters watched closely. Aguilar won a short-term injunction for 15 days on Feb. 4. Heagerty said he will issue a ruling in “very short order.” If the injunction is granted, Aguilar would remain eligible and stay as UT's starting quarterback.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, is facing potential legal action after the Southern Environmental Law Center and Earthjustice sent a 60-day notice of intent to sue the company and its affiliate MZX Tech LLC on behalf of the Mississippi State Conference of the NAACP and the national NAACP. The groups plan to allege violations of the Clean Air Act, according to the Commercial Appeal. The letter claims unpermitted turbines are being used to power xAI’s Colossus 2 data center in Memphis. The notice is a required first step before formal litigation can be filed. In June 2025, the Southern Environmental Law Center and the NAACP sent a similar notice of intent to sue over alleged violations at xAI’s Colossus data center on Paul R. Lowry Road.

The Washington County Bar Association has announced its 2026 officers and board members. Brady Smith will serve as president, followed by President-elect Akiah Highsmith, Vice President Hunter Shepard, Secretary Thomas J. Smith and Treasurer Jesse J. Campbell. New board members for 2026 are Jerome Cochran, Solange McDaniel and Sarah Larkin. In a message to members, the association expressed appreciation to incoming leaders for their willingness to serve.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) said building a new federal courthouse on Vine Street in Chattanooga could save taxpayers up to $117 million, the Chattanoogan.com reports. The agency confirmed it is moving forward with the site, citing security, expedited construction and overall risk considerations, as well as compliance with presidential memoranda, in selecting the location. The courthouse will total approximately 190,701 gross square feet and include seven secure courtrooms, nine chambers and 40 parking spaces. Design is underway, and construction-related activities are expected to begin soon. A declaration of taking was filed Friday. Read more from the GSA.

Nashville attorney Loren Kathryne Gower Kirkpatrick died Feb. 10 at age 81. Kirkpatrick earned her law degree from the Nashville School of Law and worked at Red Kap Industries and J.C. Bradford & Co. She ultimately spent most of her career with — and retired from — Sanders Manufacturing Company, a family-owned specialty advertising company founded by her maternal grandfather and his two brothers. Donations may be made in Kirkpatrick's memory to Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue or Breakthrough T1D. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The TBA on Feb. 17 from noon to 1 p.m. CST will host a webcast replay focused on developing and sustaining a book of business, a key skill for lawyers seeking professional independence and long-term success. The program will feature a panel of attorneys sharing practical strategies for attracting and retaining clients, building professional relationships, and positioning oneself as a trusted resource in your practice areas. Panelists include Heidi A. Barcus of Lewis Thomason in Knoxville, Dixie W. Cooper of Cumberland Litigation PLLC in Brentwood and Johnika Everhart of Geeter Law Office PLLC in Chattanooga. The session also will address aligning business development efforts with personal values and career goals. Visit the TBA website for more information and to register.