The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law recently announced the development and funding of the David Pickler Dean’s Professorship at the law school, thanks to a donation of $250,000 from law school alumnus and Memphis-area attorney David Pickler. The gift will be 100% matched by the University of Memphis through a grant received from the state of Tennessee as part of Gov. Bill Lee’s efforts to support the retention of the University of Memphis’ Carnegie R-1 designation. According to a press release from the law school, the $500,000 endowment will allow the school and the dean to support both students and faculty, and presents the dean with additional funds necessary to assist with priority items throughout the year, in perpetuity.

Newly appointed 22nd Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Jessica Parrish, who was sworn in Aug. 5, 2024, describes herself as a reader and analytical thinker since childhood. Although those are great traits for the legal profession, she had no idea what she wanted to pursue until attending a summer school program. “I went to Junior Statesmen of America Summer School when I was in high school,” says Parrish. “I got to go to the capitol, the embassy and take government classes at Georgetown University. I remember coming home and telling my family ‘I think I want to become a lawyer.’” From that point forward, she was headed straight to law school. Parrish succeeds retired Circuit Court Judge David Allen. Read more about her career in this profile from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Join TBA Young Lawyers Division President Sean Aiello on April 16 at noon CDT for the next installment of the Rookie Series. Focusing on the complexities of criminal and civil contempt, this online presentation will address recent developments, pitfalls and practical application of the contempt process with a focus on the interplay with domestic relations statutes. Get more information or register for the webcast. Looking for other introductory CLE programs? Check out the full roster of Rookie Series offerings.

THAPAR, Circuit Judge. After a data breach, Home Depot, Inc., and Home Depot U.S.A., Inc. (together, “Home Depot”) sued its insurers for indemnification. Home Depot also claimed the insurers owed it a duty to defend. Because there’s no obligation to indemnify or defend these claims, we affirm.

LARSEN, Circuit Judge. Mateo Alexander Mateo-Esteban and his father Montejo entered the United States illegally. Mateo-Esteban applied for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention against Torture (CAT). The immigration judge (IJ) and Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA or Board) ordered him removed because he had not established a legally cognizable social group and did not demonstrate that the Guatemalan government would acquiesce in his torture if he returned. For these same reasons, we DENY the petition for review. 

The Defendant appeals his convictions for aggravated robbery, carjacking, and driving on a revoked license. He argues that (1) the trial judge erred in denying his motion for a mistrial and the trial judge to recuse itself; (2) the evidence adduced at trial was insufficient to support a guilty verdict on the carjacking charge; and (3) cumulative error warrants reversal of his convictions. After our review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

A father filed a petition to establish parentage of the parties’ child. At the trial on the petition, the trial court limited the evidence to events since a hearing on pendente lite parenting time that took place 47 days before the final hearing. We have determined that the trial court abused its discretion when it limited the evidence in this way. Therefore, we vacate the court’s order in its entirety and remand for a new trial.

January 6, 2025 - January 10, 2025. 

Belmont Law is seeking volunteers for a power of attorney (POA) clinic at Casa Azafrán on Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST. Morning and afternoon shifts are available, and lunch will be provided. Volunteers will assist clients in filling out powers of attorney for care of a minor child alongside two Belmont law students and will be paired with a translator. Five or more volunteers are needed for both the morning and afternoon shifts. To help, email Ginny.Blake@belmont.edu. This clinic originally had been scheduled for Saturday but was postponed due to inclement weather.

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (LAS) will host a free legal clinic in Gallatin on Jan. 14 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. CST. The event offers free consultations with an attorney and is open to low-income individuals with civil legal issues. The clinic is walk-in only, and no pre-registration is required. It will take place at 210 Albert Gallatin Ave., Gallatin 37066. For more information, visit the LAS website.