A survey by the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism found nearly a quarter of lawyers in that state were victims of workplace bullying within the past year, according to Reuters. Of the more than 6,000 Illinois lawyers surveyed, 24% said they had recently experienced bullying on the job, with the rate higher among women, racial minorities, LGBTQ+ and younger lawyers, the survey reports. The report recommends that legal workplaces develop and enforce anti-bullying policies, that law schools offer anti-bullying training, and that judges enforce anti-bullying policies in their courtrooms.

A Memphis man who drowned while saving a child from a flooded ditch has been posthumously honored with the Carnegie Medal, a prestigious award recognizing civilian heroism, according to the Daily Memphian. Will Drennan, a father of two, died in August 2022 while attempting to rescue a young boy during a severe storm. This has earned him national recognition for his bravery. Drennan’s son, Hayden, who was present at the scene of the accident, often describes his father as a superhero, the paper reports.

Ascension Saint Thomas, Rutherford County’s largest hospital, plans to rebuild and expand its sexual assault exam program according to Tennessee Lookout. Earlier this year, the hospital had allegedly stopped providing specialized sexual assault nurse exams (SANE exams) according to the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center in Murfreesboro and a Rutherford County district attorney, who also noted that the exams yield key evidence needed to bring perpetrators to justice. A hospital spokesperson earlier this month denied claims that the hospital had stopped performing exams. The hospital now has released a written plan outlining its commitment to “rebuilding and expanding" the program, which it said had been facing staffing shortages.

Tennessee's congressional delegation is advocating for the establishment of a federal passport agency in Nashville, citing legal concerns related to access and efficiency in passport processing for residents. Currently, Nashville-area residents must travel several hours to the nearest agency in Atlanta, hindering timely applications and renewals, according to Axios Nashville. The delegation, led by the U.S. Rep. John Rose, a Republican from Cookeville, has formally questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding Nashville's exclusion from the State Department's recent announcement of six new passport offices. In the letter, the representatives highlight the significant legal and practical challenges faced by constituents who require expedited passport services.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee on Monday requested the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) expedite resources under his Major Disaster Declaration to assist Tennessee’s storm and flood victims. If the request is granted, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties will receive public assistance and individual assistance on top of the federal assistance that has already been authorized. Lee surveyed storm damage and met with local officials in affected areas of East Tennessee this week, KnoxNews reports. The TBA has resources for lawyers who need assistance and those wanting to help colleagues. Access more information about those opportunities.

Terrance McNeil, an assistant professor at Tennessee State University’s College of Education, has been appointed chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of State and Local Government Law's Public Education Committee. McNeil, who has a focus in educational leadership, will serve in the role until August 2025. With more than 20 years in K-12 and higher education, McNeil has experience in program coordination, curriculum development and grant writing, according to a press release from the group. McNeil received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in political science and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Florida A&M University. The ABA Section of State and Local Government Law serves as a resource for lawyers involved in urban, state and local government law and policy.

A Nashville attorney is suing the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee, challenging the court’s use of gag orders that restrict attorneys from speaking to the media about ongoing litigation. Daniel Horwitz, represented by the Institute for Justice, argues that the court’s Local Rule 83.04, which governs attorney statements, is unconstitutional and places an unfair burden on attorneys to prove their speech will not harm proceedings. According to the Nashville Banner, Horwitz believes the rule is particularly problematic in cases involving government contractors, such as his recent lawsuit against CoreCivic over a wrongful death case at Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility. Core Civic filed a motion to invoke the rule against Horwitz, which a federal magistrate granted and then required Horwitz to delete social media posts related to the case.

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The ABA has released information on Law Day 2025. This year's theme urges our nation to take pride in the Constitution, which brings us together and bridges our differences. Law Day will be held on May 1. Sign up for updates on next year's Law Day, including resources and information about hosting events using this form.

TBA’s Group Health Insurance, provided by BlueCross BlueShield, offers guaranteed issue coverage, with no health questions and no pre-existing condition exclusions. The Mt. Juliet law firm Burrow Lee made the switch. Here is what attorney Jason Lee says about the program: “My small firm switched to the TBA’s group health insurance coverage a few years ago and this has provided us with significant savings for health insurance costs. We have been pleased with this program, which essentially kept our insurance coverage the same, but with a significant savings. I encourage other Tennessee law firms to at least look at the proposal to see if it makes financial sense. The transition was smooth, and we have not had any issues with the program. Find out more or get your quote now.