Bill Adams, the American Bar Association’s (ABA) managing director for accreditation and legal education since 2020, will step down from the position next spring. Adams also served as deputy director for nearly six years prior to taking his current post. In his position as managing director, he has helped steer both the 15,500-member ABA Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar and its governing council, which serves as an independent arm of the ABA for accreditation of U.S. law schools. A nationwide search for his successor has been launched.

The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has issued a consumer alert regarding the Chattanooga-based accounting firm Croft & Frost, which appears to have abruptly ceased operations. For more information on actions to take or filing a complaint, see this memo from the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy.

The Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission is kicking off the Rights Restoration Project, a new pro bono initiative to help Tennesseans with criminal records restore their rights. A virtual informational meeting for attorneys who are interested in volunteering for the project during Celebrate Pro Bono Month will be held Sept. 26 at 2 p.m. CDT and will last approximately 30 minutes. Click here to register for the informational meeting on Zoom or see the flyer for more details.

Since the introduction of a reformed bail system in Shelby County, data reveals an increase in the average bail amounts for defendants facing violent charges when they are initially booked at the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center. However, bail amounts for non-violent offenses have decreased since the new bail hearing room opened. The changes reserve pretrial detention for individuals accused of serious, violent offenses and allows others the opportunity to secure release regardless of their financial situation. There are ongoing discussions and calls for increased transparency regarding the new bail system, with some officials and critics expressing concerns about the impact of low bail amounts on public safety. The Commercial Appeal has the story.

The U.S. has been hit by a record-breaking 23 billion-dollar disasters so far in 2023, with Tennessee suffering from 10 of them. These disasters, primarily caused by windstorms and thunderstorms, have resulted in significant damage ranging from $2 to $5 billion across the state. WPLN reports that the increase in billion-dollar disasters is part of a national trend exacerbated by climate change.

Around 200 community members and University of Memphis students participated in the 12th annual Memphis Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event yesterday, where they walked a mile in high-heeled shoes and regular footwear to raise awareness about violence against women. The march started from the University of Memphis and participants carried signs advocating against sexual assault and victim-blaming, emphasizing the need for change in men's behavior and attitudes toward women. The Daily Memphian reports that the event aimed to highlight the challenges women face and promote awareness and prevention of violence against women, with participants from various backgrounds joining in solidarity.

Petitioner, Jason White, appeals from the Shelby County Criminal Court’s denial of his petition for post-conviction relief. On appeal, Petitioner argues: (1) the post-conviction court abused its discretion by failing to recuse itself; (2) the post-conviction court abused its discretion by denying Petitioner a full and fair post-conviction procedure; (3) trial counsel provided ineffective assistance in numerous areas; and (4) he is entitled to relief based on cumulative error. After review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court, but remand the case to the post-conviction court for the entry of amended judgments that properly reflect the offenses for which Petitioner was indicted and convicted.

The Defendant, Amanda Jean Phillips, appeals the trial court’s denial of her motion to “Set Aside, Amend and/or Correct Improper and Unlawful Judgments.” The Defendant argues (1) that her judgments are void due to noncompliance with the statutes and rules governing the entry of judgment forms and (2) that she is entitled to relief pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 36. Following our review, we have determined that we lack jurisdiction to hear the Defendant’s voidness arguments and that the Defendant has waived review of her Rule 36 claim. Accordingly, the appeal is dismissed.

Appellant, Mark T. Stinson, has appealed an order of the Shelby County Chancery Court that was entered on January 27, 2023. We determine that the January 27, 2023 order does not constitute a final appealable judgment. Therefore, this Court lacks jurisdiction to consider the appeal. The appeal is dismissed.

The Appellant, Nicholas Kentrell Dickerson, appeals the Fayette County Circuit Court’s orders revoking his probation and imposing his original sentences for various drug convictions and a felony evading arrest. The Appellant contends the trial court abused its discretion in revoking his probation because (1) the alleged violations were based on new charges that were subsequently dismissed, and (2) the remaining violations were technical in nature and not a valid basis for full revocation under Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-35-311(e)(1)(A) (2022). Upon our review, we affirm.