Although the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct only briefly mention “zealous representation,” clients, courts and disciplinary authorities often expect and demand it. This three-hour webcast will look at the ethics and malpractice risks when “zealous” representation crosses the line. Learn more or register here.

An item in Tuesday's TBA Today included information about the expansion of Barnes & Thornburg's Nashville office that was incorrect. The firm will double its current office space when it moves into the Broadwest office tower, but it is not adding or announcing new partners at this time.

The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (“DCS”) filed a petition to terminate the mother’s parental rights to her two children. Following a trial, the juvenile court found that six grounds for termination had been proven and that termination of the mother’s parental rights was in the children’s best interests. Based on these findings, the mother’s parental rights were terminated. The mother appeals. Of the six grounds the juvenile court found had been proven, we affirm four of them but reverse two. We also affirm the determination that termination of the mother’s parental rights is in the best interests of the children. Accordingly, we affirm the termination of her parental rights.

Learn more about the open positions for TBA's officers, governors and delegates in 2024.

"As we grieve and process the loss of our dear friend, let us transform our grief into a call to action. It is okay that we are not okay, but we must be willing to ask for help when we need it, and we must be ready to listen to our colleagues when they ask. . . . For someone who is used to being the advocate and problem solver, asking for help requires great strength. The more we normalize asking for help, the fewer hearts will break in sudden tragedy." — David H. Veile

The Tennessee Supreme Court welcomed new lawyers to the practice of law this month in admissions ceremonies throughout the state. TBA President-elect Ed Lanquist introduced many new lawyers to the court and moved for their admission to practice. Members of the TBA Young Lawyers Division and YLD Fellows were also on hand in Knoxville, Nashville, Jackson and Memphis to welcome the 300 new lawyers and to answer questions. Special thanks to YLD President Quinton Thompson and volunteers Nicole Grida, Patrick Hillard, Lorne Hiller, Billy Leslie, Buck Lewis, Greg McMillan, Patrick Morris, Frances Perkins, Jonathan Reed, Alexandra Rogers, Ross Smith and Terica Smith. Congratulations to all of Tennessee's new lawyers!

In this issue's "History's Verdict" (Holiday Edition), Russell Fowler weaves the threads of Charles Dickens, litigation around A Christmas Carol, the High Court of Chancery, court reform and Tennessee Gov. Andrew Johnson.

Suicides continue to devastate the legal profession here in Tennessee. In this installment of "The Buddy System," Buddy Stockwell shares mental health resources and information available to lawyers.

In his last "Crime & Punishment" column for the year, Wade Davies summarizes five cases from the Tennessee Supreme Court from 2023 and invites readers to consider what each decision might mean for criminal law practitioners.

Read "November Night," a poem by Adelaide Crapsey.