Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti reportedly threatened legal action against the NCAA if it had given the University of Tennessee football team a postseason ban as part of its penalties for  recruiting violations involving former coach Jeremy Pruitt. The Knoxville News Sentinel reports that a letter it obtained shows Skrmetti arguing that a postseason ban would violate a new state law allowing players to earn money for their name, image and likeness. The NCAA wrapped up its investigation last week and placed the football program on a five-year probation. The school also will have to pay at least $8 million in fines, cut 28 scholarships, limit recruiting efforts and vacate a number of wins. Pruitt was fired in 2021 after being found guilty of providing thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to players and recruits.

Week of July 10, 2023 - July 14, 2023

Make plans now to join us for the TBA’s 2023 Disability Law Forum. This year’s program will take place in person on Oct. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT. Check back for more details coming soon to the TBA’s online course catalog.

The YLD is replaying a series of CLE webcasts from earlier in the year to help lawyers refresh and rejuvenate their practice. Tune in on Aug. 30 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT for the final installment and learn how to use an engagement letter to protect your practice. A panel will discuss what should be included in an engagement letter to set the tone of the attorney/client relationship and protect yourself, your license and firm. Topics will include what pitfalls to watch out for, common questions potential clients may have, and how to talk to clients about ethical concerns.

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands will hold two clinics this week. Tomorrow, the group will hold a clinic from 4-6 p.m. EDT at its Oak Ridge office, 575 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Ste. 201, Oak Ridge 37830. On Saturday, a general advice clinic will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m. CDT at Belmont University, 2005 12th Ave. S., Nashville 37204. To volunteer for these clinics, contact Kendra Cheek, 615-780-7131. See all July clinics.

East Tennessee veterans have access to a new assisted living community in Bradley County, according to a recent press release by the Tennessee Department of Veteran’s Services. The Cleveland Tennessee State Veterans Home (TSVH) held a ribbon cutting ceremony last month, opening its doors to retired elder service members. The “modern rustic" facility sits on nearly 28 acres of countryside, offering residents contemporary amenities in a bucolic setting. ”Our organization takes great pride in not only the care we provide but also the amenities in which that care is facilitated,” said TSVH Executive Director Ed Harries. “This home is no exception with state-of-the-art accommodations and lodge-like ambiance.” Those interested in applying for residence can find more information on the TSVH website.

Don’t miss this week’s in-person Elder Law Forum, taking place Friday at the Belmont College of Law. The event will feature an ethics session for elder law attorneys, providing important updates from the Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility. The discussion will involve file destruction policies, confidentiality, the unauthorized practice of law and common trust account scams directed at lawyers. Other topics at the forum include how to get clients on TennCare, redetermination, a judges panel and navigating Medicaid. This annual staple provides the perfect opportunity to meet with colleagues from across the state and stay on top of important updates to the practice area. Learn more and register here.

Wilson County lawyer Lindsey Leigh Lawrence received a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court today. The court took the action after determining that Lawrence failed to pursue her client’s legal objectives and did not maintain good communication with her client. These actions were determined to violate Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 1.4, 8.4(b) and 8.4(d). The court also found that Lawrence posted videos of herself smoking marijuana while identifying herself as a lawyer. By openly engaging in conduct that is criminally actionable in Tennessee, Lawrence demonstrated a lack of respect for the law and legal institutions, the court said.

A three-judge panel of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals today issued a stay of a district court ruling that had limited the Biden administration’s communication with social media companies, The Hill reports. The panel also expedited the Biden administration’s full appeal of the district court ruling from Judge Terry Doughty. Lawyers for the government argued that the district court decision’s “broad scope and ambiguous terms” were stopping it from engaging in a “vast range” of lawful conduct.

Nashville attorney Joanne Sowell has decided not to run as a Democrat for U.S. Senate next year, the Nashville Post reports. Sowell had established a campaign in April and raised nearly $130,000 from individual donors. She filed a campaign termination report today and has returned a large portion of donations. Sowell’s departure from the race leaves state Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville, as the only possible candidate who has expressed interest. She told the paper in May that she is “definitely considering a run.”