The legal battle over the release of the Covenant School shooter's writings is moving to the Tennessee Court of Appeals, WSMV reports. After a lower court judge ruled to keep the materials sealed, the Tennessee Star and Tennessee Firearms Association have appealed the decision. The appellate process is expected to be lengthy, involving multiple stages of legal proceedings, with the possibility of the case eventually reaching the Tennessee Supreme Court. Until a final decision is reached, the shooter's writings will remain sealed.

July 2024 bar exam takers have a paid opportunity to participate in a prototype exam for the upcoming NextGen Bar Exam. The pre-test will be held in October across 32 jurisdictions and will offer participants $1,500 each. While a good-faith effort is required, applicants do not need to specifically study for the exam. Those interested should ensure their contact information is up to date with the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) and their local jurisdiction's bar examiners, as application details will be sent out on Aug. 19. The Tennessee Supreme Court announced in April that the NextGen test will be administered in Tennessee starting in July 2027.

The U.S. economy added a weaker-than-expected 114,000 jobs in July, while the unemployment rate climbed to 4.3%, The Hill reports. This unexpected slowdown in job growth comes amidst growing pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates to stimulate the economy. Legal jobs ticked down slightly In July, shedding 500 jobs and continuing a three-month streak of declines following a gain in April, Law.com reports. While the overall economy remains relatively strong, some economists warn of potential challenges ahead, including rising unemployment and increased financial strain on consumers. Members of Congress are calling for immediate interest rate cuts to support the economy and prevent further job losses.

The TBA Young Lawyers Division's (YLD) Diversity Law Week program was recognized at the American Bar Association (ABA) annual meeting in Chicago. The program received an achievement award as one of the top state programs in the country related to diversity. The program was created by Quinton Thompson, immediate past YLD president. Program co-chairs were Chattanooga attorney Ariel Anthony, Memphis attorney Kevin Christopher and Nashville attorney Erin Shackelford. Over the course of the week, 100 diverse high school students across the state had an opportunity to shadow attorneys, explore courtrooms and immerse themselves in law school for a day. See photos from this year's Chattanooga program, Memphis program and Nashville program.

U.S. Attorney Henry C. Leventis for the Middle District of Tennessee announced a CrossFit gym in Smyrna and its landlord have settled allegations of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to make the gym accessible to people with disabilities. The gym, Whole Strength CrossFit Smyrna, and its owner, Ryan Stemper, along with building owner Mark Gellner and MCMM Properties LLC will pay a total of $17,000. This settlement comes after a complaint was filed alleging the gym lacked accessible restrooms and doors, and the responsible parties failed to address the issue despite being aware of it. The ADA applies to both landlords and tenants of public accommodations.

Richard Myers has been named the new executive member of Stites & Harbison’s Nashville and Franklin offices. He succeeds Gregory D. Smith, who held the position for nine years. Myers is a seasoned attorney with a background in intellectual property law and has held various leadership roles within the firm. Of the move, firm Chair Marjorie A. Farris said Myers is the perfect choice to succeed Smith given that he has "held numerous leadership roles across the firm" and is "held in such high regard by his colleagues."

Above the Law has released its annual Top 50 Law School Ratings. Two Tennessee law schools made the list this year. Vanderbilt dropped three places, to seventh on the list, while the University of Tennessee dropped seven places to 50. See the full list of rankings here.

Two Soddy Daisy police officers were fired after exposing another officer's alleged dishonesty, the Chattanoogan reports. Lt. Jake Elrod and Capt. Eric Jenkins revealed that fellow officer Jeremy Wright had lied in a previous internal affairs investigation. Despite threats, they testified in court, leading to a new trial for a defendant. Their attorneys claim the terminations are retaliation for their truthful actions, a violation of their freedom of speech. Attorney Janie Varnell described it as, "the most blatant act of retaliation I have seen." Attorneys say they plan to pursue legal action against the city. 

An investiture ceremony for incoming Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mary L. Wagner will take place Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. CDT at the Germantown Performing Arts Center in Germantown. The oath will be administered by Gov. Bill Lee. The theater is located at Performing Arts Center, 1801 Exeter Rd., Germantown 38138. View the invitation. RSVP to emily.rhea@shelbycountytn.gov to attend.

In the Tennessee State Senate, 16 districts held primary elections yesterday. Highlights include two upsets: incumbent John Lundberg, R-Bristol, lost to challenger Bobby Harshbarger, R-Kingsport, in District 4, and Frank Niceley, R-Strawberry Plains, lost to challenger Jessie Seal, R-Claiborne County, in District 8. Harshbarger will face Independent Dalia Price of Rogersville in November; Seal will face Democrat R.E. Ellison of Seymour. In the Tennessee House of Representatives, 17 incumbents held off primary challengers; nine of them are unopposed in the general election. In District 4, Republican Renea Jones of Unicoi defeated Curt Alexander; in District 96, Gabby Salinas beat four other Democratic challengers. Both Jones and Salinas will be unopposed in November. In District 27, Republican Patsy Hazelwood lost her primary reelection bid to Michele Reneau, both of Signal Mountain. Reneau will face Democrat Kathy Lennon of Red Bank. District 33 Rep. John Ragan, R-Oak Ridge, also lost his reelection bid to challenger Rick Scarbrough of Clinton, who will face Anne Backus, D-Oak Ridge. Read more in-depth coverage here.