Question: Is a ticketing system to access the House of Representatives chamber gallery permissible under article II, section 22 of the Tennessee Constitution?

Opinion: Article II, section 22 of the Tennessee Constitution does not prohibit the House of Representatives from using a ticketing system to manage public access to the chamber galleries.

Macey wants you to know that TBA members now have access to discounted pet insurance through Spot, "America's Most Loved Pet Insurance." Receive up to 90% cash back on eligible veterinary bills for accidents, illnesses and more. Preventative care coverage is also available. There are no restrictions on providers so policy holders can visit any vet in the U.S. or Canada. Participants also have access to a 24/7 pet health helpline at no additional cost. Get your quick, easy and free quote today. Macey belongs to Laura Labenberg, Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division and Law Student Development Coordinator. Macey can say "I love you" and thinks any unattended food belongs to her.

The trial court denied a petition for termination of parental rights as to Mother, despite finding two grounds for termination, based on petitioner’s failure to establish that termination was in the best interest of the child. Petitioner appeals the trial court’s determination that a third ground for termination was not found, as well as the finding that termination was not in the best interest of the child. Based on the record before us, we (1) affirm the denial of failure to visit; (2) affirm the finding of failure to support; (3) reverse the finding of persistence of conditions; and (4) affirm the finding that terminating Mother’s parental rights is not in the best interest of the child.

A number of potential candidates are expressing interest in running for the U.S. District 7 seat being vacated by Mark Green. Former state representative Brandon Ogles, a Republican from Williamson County, has announced his bid for the position, the Nashville Post reports. Ogles, a cousin of U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, who represents District 5, served in the state House from 2018 to 2022. In addition, Clarksville Republican and state Sen. Bill Powers has confirmed he is interested in the seat, Tennessee Lookout reports. On the Democratic side, former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry had already announced she was running for the Democratic nomination for the district.

State Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, is seeking a legal opinion from Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti as to whether state Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds meets the statutory requirements to hold the job. The Tennessee Journal reports that Hemmer wrote to Skrmetti saying that Reynolds does not possess a teacher license, which he argues is required by law. Gov. Bill Lee’s office says a teaching degree is not “explicitly required” by the statute. Lee previously told reporters that a “full vetting process” occurred at the time Reynolds was hired and determined she met the qualifications.

The Tennessee Supreme Court last week dismissed a reinstatement petition filed by Shelby County lawyer Teshaun David Moore because the petition was not properly filed. The court noted that attorneys seeking reinstatement from a suspension in excess of one year must file their petitions with the Board of Professional Responsibility, not the court. The justices also point out that reinstatement petitions must be accompanied by a $2,000 advance cost deposit. Moore was suspended for six years on Dec. 11, 2020, with four years to be served on active suspension and the rest on probation subject to conditions.

The Tennessee Supreme Court reinstated the law license of Hamilton County lawyer Jessica Mines Dumitru to active status on Feb. 16, but made the change effective as of Feb. 5. Dumitru was placed on inactive status more than five ago on Nov. 3, 2015.

A Cordova man is accused of pretending to be an attorney and stealing nearly $40,000 from multiple clients, WREG reports. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Memphis Police Department are investigating three cases involving Glenis “Chip” Campbell over the last three years. One couple police are talking to paid Campbell $28,000 over two years to have him handle a workers’ comp case. They became suspicious when Campbell refused to provide any receipts or paperwork. They called the TBA and learned he is not a licensed attorney. Another man paid Campbell $3,240 to represent him in a Mississippi criminal case in, but after the payment, Campbell disappeared. In 2008, Campbell was found guilty of impersonating a lawyer and sentenced to 150 days in the Shelby County Correctional Facility.

Attorney volunteers are needed for an Essential Documents for Essential Workers clinic at Belmont University’s Ministry Center on Feb. 24 from noon to 3:30 p.m. CST. At the clinic, attorney and law student volunteers will draft simple wills and powers of attorney for low income clients. Forms will be provided and no prior estate planning experience needed. To sign up to volunteer and for more information, please email Ginny Blake.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has reversed the decision of a Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility hearing panel, which has recommended suspending the law license of Nashville attorney Brian Manookian. The court instead permanently disbarred Manookian. The court held that, after Manookian’s continuing, serious violations of multiple Rules of Professional Conduct, even after receiving several sanctions and suspensions, disbarment was the only appropriate action. Read the BPR press release on the disbarment.