This is an appeal from a final order entered on March 26, 2024. The notice of appeal was not filed with the Appellate Court Clerk until October 12, 2025, more than thirty days from the date of entry of the order from which the appellants are seeking to appeal. Because the notice of appeal was not timely filed, we have no jurisdiction to consider this appeal.

A self-represented party seeks accelerated interlocutory review of the trial court’s order denying her motion seeking disqualification of the trial court judge. Discerning no error, we affirm.

Mother and Stepfather petitioned to terminate Father’s parental rights. The trial court found two grounds for termination and that termination was in the child’s best interest. This Court reversed the finding of grounds, but the Tennessee Supreme Court affirmed the ground of abandonment by failure to support and remanded the matter to the trial court for entry of additional findings as to the best interest analysis. On remand, the trial court again found that termination of Father’s parental rights was in the child’s best interest. Discerning no reversible error, we affirm.

James Theodore "Jim" Bland Jr. died Nov. 27 in Florida at the age of 75. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in accountancy in 1972 from the University of Memphis and a law degree from the university’s Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law in 1974. Bland began his career working at the Internal Revenue Service as an estate and gift tax attorney before joining the law firm of Armstrong, Allen, Prewitt, Gentry, Johnston and Holmes. He later opened his own private practice. Bland was active in the Tennessee legal community serving as president of the Federal Bar Association's Memphis chapter from 1979-1980, as a charter fellow and president of the Memphis Bar Foundation, as president of the TBA Young Lawyers Conference (the precursor organization to the Young Lawyers Division) from 1984-1985, and on the TBA Board of Governors from 1990-1991. On the national level, he served as the youngest president of the Federal Bar Association from 1987-1988. After retiring, Bland moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands but returned to Memphis in 2015 and finally settled in Florida in 2017. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Wesleyan Hills United Methodist Church in Memphis.

This appeal arises from a divorce with minor children. Appellant/Mother appeals the trial court’s designation of Appellee/Father as the primary residential parent of the parties’ youngest children. Discerning no error, we affirm. Both parties request awards of appellate attorney’s fees, which are denied.

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris held a press conference earlier this week to highlight concerns at the county jail, known as 201 Poplar. The Commercial Appeal reports that he also used the event to call on Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner to "come up with a plan for reform in 2026.” According to Harris, Bonner has not provided a thorough plan for reform for the jail. Harris also called out the number of deaths at the jail, saying the issue is that of management and oversight and that there is a "lack of basic humanity in our jail." Ahead of the press conference, Bonner sent a press release to media outlets saying Harris has routinely underfunded the sheriff's office and refused to engage with Bonner about the need for a new jail.

The state of Florida has become the second U.S. state to reduce its reliance on the American Bar Association (ABA) to determine graduates of which law school can become lawyers, Reuters reports. The Supreme Court of Florida said in an order released Jan. 15 that it was replacing the ABA as the “sole accrediting agency” for law schools whose graduates may take the state’s bar exam, a requirement to practice in the state. The Supreme Court of Texas finalized a similar plan earlier this month. The Tennessee Supreme Court is similarly examining whether to "modify, reduce or eliminate its reliance on ABA accreditation" and whether any other practicable alternatives should be considered. Feedback on those questions may be sent to TBA's newly formed Legal Access & Regulatory Reform Task Force at townhall@tnbar.org as well as directly to the court. Visit TBA's Legal Access & Regulatory Reform resource page for more information.

In this action to terminate parental rights, the mother, father, and child all tested positive for methamphetamine. Accordingly, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (“DCS”) took the child into protective custody, and the child was adjudicated dependent and neglected. Despite completing many of DCS’s requirements, the mother and father continued to fail drug tests. DCS filed a petition for termination of parental rights, and the trial court determined that three grounds supported termination as to both parents: (1) persistence of the conditions that led to the child’s removal, (2) severe child abuse, and (3) failure to manifest an ability and willingness to assume physical custody of or financial responsibility for the child. The trial court also concluded that termination of both parents’ rights was in the child’s best interest. Both parents have appealed. Discerning no reversible error, we affirm.

Being a mentor is one of the most meaningful ways to contribute to the legal profession. It allows experienced attorneys to share hard-earned lessons, strengthen the next generation of lawyers and deepen their own understanding of leadership and service.

This guide offers practical tips, conversation ideas and strategies for creating a mentoring relationship that is positive, productive and sustainable for both parties.

What Makes a Good Mentor

1. Be Approachable and Authentic. Your mentee will learn as much from your honesty as from your expertise. Share not only your successes but also your missteps, course corrections and lessons learned.
2. Listen First, Advise Second. Many mentees simply need a safe space to talk through their challenges. Practice active listening and ask thoughtful questions before offering advice or solutions.
3. Share Practical Wisdom. Offer real-world insight into topics like time management, dealing with criticism, setting boundaries, managing workload and balancing personal life with professional demands.
4. Be Encouraging, Not Evaluative. The goal of mentorship is growth, not judgment. Focus on encouragement, empathy and constructive feedback that builds confidence.
5. Promote Career Exploration. Help mentees reflect on what areas of law align with their values and strengths. Share your own experiences navigating career transitions or discovering your niche.
6. Respect Confidentiality. Mentees must feel comfortable sharing candidly. Keep conversations private and avoid gossip or speculation about others in the legal community.
7. Be Consistent. Schedule regular check-ins. Even short meetings can make a lasting impact when they show reliability and investment in your mentee’s development.
8. Celebrate Progress. Recognize milestones and celebrate those wins together.

Tips for Building a Strong Mentoring Relationship

• Establish Expectations Early. Discuss how often you’ll meet, preferred communication methods and the mentee’s goals for the relationship.
• Start with Storytelling. Share your professional journey including the highs, the lows and the lessons. It makes you relatable and builds trust.
• Balance Guidance with Autonomy. Offer options and perspectives, but allow your mentee to make their own decisions.
• Model Work/Life Integration. Talk openly about boundaries, time off and wellness strategies that sustain long-term success.
• Make Introductions. When appropriate, connect your mentee to colleagues, bar associations or community service opportunities that broaden their network.

Discussion Topics for Mentors and Mentees

Use these prompts to spark meaningful, two-way conversations:

• What drew you to the legal profession? Has that changed over time?
• What do you find most rewarding and most challenging about your current role?
• How do you define professional success?
• What role do mentorship, service or pro bono work play in your sense of purpose?

Provided by TBA Mentoring Committee 2025

The TBA will be closed Monday in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The office will reopen Tuesday at 8 a.m. CST. Visit the TBA.org website for information on CLE or other TBA programs and for staff contact information.