A list of those who passed the July 2023 Tennessee bar exam is now available. Check the TBA’s website for the complete list of successful applicants. Those who meet all licensing requirements will be sworn in the first two weeks of November. Watch for more information about bar passage rates and statistics coming soon.

Justice Holly Kirby was formally sworn in as chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court at ceremonies at the Historic Supreme Court Chambers in the Tennessee State Capitol. Gov. Bill Lee administered the oath of office to Kirby, who then addressed those assembled. The full ceremony is available for viewing on the court YouTube channel.

This is an interlocutory appeal as of right, pursuant to Rule 10B of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Tennessee, filed by the plaintiff, Michael Halliburton, seeking to recuse the trial judge in this case. Having reviewed the petition for recusal appeal filed by Mr. Halliburton, and finding no error, we affirm.

A Shelby County jury found Defendant, Billy Ray Turner, guilty of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, and attempted first degree murder. The trial court sentenced him to an effective term of life in prison plus forty-one years. On appeal, Defendant contends: (1) the trial court improperly prevented Defendant from impeaching a witness when it excluded a conversation between the witness and the victim’s ex-wife; (2) the trial court improperly allowed the State to ask a witness leading questions; (3) the trial court erred by allowing a speaking objection by the State; (4) Shelby County was not the proper venue for the attempted first degree murder case; and (5) the evidence was insufficient to sustain Defendant’s convictions. After review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

A Davidson County jury convicted the Petitioner, Andy F. Nunez, of first degree premeditated murder, felony murder, attempted especially aggravated robbery, and attempted especially aggravated robbery, and the trial court sentenced the Petitioner to life plus five years. The Petitioner appealed, challenging the trial court’s decision to quash subpoenas for information on plea agreements, and this court affirmed the Petitioner’s convictions. State v. Nunez, No. M2019-00473-CCA-R3-CD, 2020 WL 4734916, at *1 (Tenn. Crim. App. Aug. 14, 2020), perm. app. denied (Tenn. Jan. 13, 2021). The Petitioner timely filed a post-conviction petition, alleging that he received the ineffective assistance of counsel. After a hearing, the post-conviction court denied relief. After review, we affirm the post-conviction court’s judgment.

A Grundy County jury convicted the Petitioner, Hershel Wayne Grimes, of first degree murder, and the trial court sentenced him to life in prison. This court affirmed his conviction on appeal. State v. Grimes, No. M2000-01531-CCA-R3-CD, 2007 WL 1670188, at *1 (Tenn. Crim. App. June 8, 2007), perm. app. denied (Tenn. Nov. 13, 2007). The Petitioner filed a timely petition for post-conviction relief, which he later amended, that alleged that he had received the ineffective assistance of counsel and that the State had suppressed exculpatory evidence. After a hearing, the post-conviction court denied the petition. On appeal, the Petitioner contends that the post-conviction court erred when it denied his petition because: (1) trial counsel was ineffective for not calling as witnesses Steven Groves, Tracy Marie Pressley, Billy Ray Griffith, and Billy Eugene Caldwell; and (2) the State failed to disclose exculpatory information in the form of a letter written by Special Agent Larry Davis to U.S. District Judge Sparks. After review, we affirm the postconviction court’s judgment.

A three-judge federal court panel has ruled the state of Alabama must use a new congressional district map for the 2024 elections to remedy Voting Rights Act violations found in the state's 2021 congressional map, News Channel 9 reports. The plan was created by a court-appointed special master after the panel rejected the state's 2023 congressional map passed by Republican lawmakers during a special legislative session.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee's (LAET) Chattanooga office will host an attorney workday for expungement cases on Oct. 11 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. EDT at their office at 100 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Suite 402, 37402. This is a non-client facing clinic where attorney volunteers can work together to evaluate cases and fill out paperwork for expungements. The event is co-sponsored by LAET, TBA and CBA Young Lawyers Division. For more information or to volunteer, email mdevoe@laet.org.

A Tennessee woman who drew national attention when she had to travel out of state to access a medically necessary abortion is now running for the state legislature, News Channel 5 reports. Allie Phillips announced Monday she's running for the Democratic nomination for Tennessee's House of Representatives District 75, a seat currently held by Clarksville Republican Rep. Jeff Burkhart. Phillips says her experience trying to access a medically necessary abortion in the state inspired her to run.

Volunteers are requested for a Williamson County expungement clinic to be held Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. CDT at Franklin First United Methodist Church, 120 Aldersgate Way, 37069. At this event, pre-registered participants will have the opportunity to expunge their Williamson County records, including eligible convictions. Judges will be onsite to hear motions for fee waivers that may be a barrier to expungement. Walk-in clients are welcome, only to meet with volunteer attorneys. The event is a partnership of Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee & the Cumberlands, the TBA Young Lawyers Division, the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission, Franklin Justice & Equity Coalition, the 21st Judicial District Public Defenders and the Urban League of Middle Tennessee. See flyer for more information or call 615-254-0525.