The Defendant, David A. Yost, Jr., appeals from his guilty-pled convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm by a person with a prior felony drug conviction, simple possession of marijuana, and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, for which he received an agreed-to, effective eight-year sentence. The trial court initially denied the Defendant’s request for alternative sentencing and ordered the Defendant to serve his sentence in confinement. Following the Defendant’s appeal of this sentencing determination, this court reversed and remanded the case based on the trial court’s failure to make the appropriate findings and articulate its reasoning for imposing a sentence of incarceration. On remand, the trial court again ordered confinement. In the instant appeal, the Defendant challenges, for a second time, the trial court’s denial of alternative sentencing as an abuse of discretion. After review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

The Petitioner, Whitcliffe McLeod, appeals the Shelby County Criminal Court’s summary dismissal of his post-conviction petition for failure to prosecute. Based on our review, we conclude that the post-conviction court abused its discretion by dismissing the petition. Accordingly, the judgment of the post-conviction court is reversed, and the case is remanded to the post-conviction court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee today announced the launch of FeedTN.org, a platform that will connect Tennesseans with resources and opportunities to serve during the federal government shutdown. The platform is designed to respond to warnings from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that there will be insufficient funding to cover November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the shutdown continues. The governor also said his Faith Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI) is working with a coalition of more than 300 non-profit and faith community leaders to identify needs, share information and mobilize rapid response across the state. Read more in a press release from the governor’s office.

Davidson County Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal has ruled that a lawsuit filed by a number of Tennessee elected officials challenging deployment of the National Guard to Memphis will not be fast-tracked, the Commercial Appeal reports. The order came in response to three motions filed by Gov. Bill Lee, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and Major General Warner A. Ross III. The motions sought to expedite certain proceedings in the case while delaying a hearing on a temporary injunction. All motions were denied, with Moskal saying the “significance of the issues raised in this matter” requires more time for the parties to fully argue their positions. However, she did rule that if all parties agree on a rescheduled date for the injunction hearing, she would honor that request.

A Tennessee judge is again playing a key role in the legal battle over Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who is awaiting prosecution and possible deportation. A new order from federal District Court Judge Waverly Crenshaw warns of possible sanctions against Trump administration officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, if they continue to make inflammatory statements about the defendant. WPLN reports that Crenshaw wrote: “Government employees have made extrajudicial statements that are troubling, especially where many of them are exaggerated if not simply inaccurate.” These include statements about the “character, credibility, reputation or criminal record of a party” and “any opinion as to the accused’s guilt or innocence.”

Attorneys are often asked to speak at conferences, moderate panel discussions, be interviewed for podcasts, and speak on TV or video. Public speaking is an opportunity to enhance the profession and share expertise with others, but attorneys must be comfortable appearing on video and virtual platforms and at in-person settings. On Nov. 12, Mimi Bliss of Bliss Communications will present a one-hour CLE from noon to 1 p.m. CST on how to speak with confidence. Learn more or register on the TBA website.

The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) launched a new, statewide portal for volunteer opportunities in partnership with Paladin, a leading pro bono management platform. The TBA Pro Bono Portal will play a crucial role in TBA’s work engaging Tennessee attorneys in pro bono and public interest opportunities by centralizing events, cases and training resources in one place. Using the portal, the TBA will work with over 15 legal aid providers across the state as well as its own Young Lawyers Division and other bar leadership groups to aggregate pro bono opportunities in a real-time, statewide database the legal community can access for free. “The TBA is proud to be part of the collaborative efforts working for quality, accessible legal services for all in our state. Paladin is the perfect tool to remove barriers that keep lawyers from volunteering. It will amplify clinics, individual cases and other opportunities for TBA members and the larger legal community,” said TBA President and Knoxville lawyer Heidi Barcus. She also thanked World Within for funding the first year of the portal. Read more about how the portal will work in a press release from the TBA or sign up for a free CLE on Nov. 5 to learn how to use the portal.

We've all been there: feeling like you're a fraud or worrying that others will discover you're not as capable as they think. Imposter syndrome is a common experience among young lawyers that can make you doubt your abilities despite your intellect, achievements and skills. Recognizing these feelings is the first step to overcoming them. Remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes and that growth often comes from challenges. Talk openly about your experiences with trusted mentors, colleagues and friends. These conversations can provide valuable perspective and reassurance. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small. Some find it helpful to keep a log or journal of positive feedback and accomplishments to revisit when self-doubt bubbles up to the surface. Try to avoid comparing yourself to others. Over time, these strategies can help you build confidence and combat imposter syndrome.

It also helps to reframe your mindset around failure and learning. Instead of viewing setbacks or mistakes as proof that you do not belong or are not capable of being a lawyer, see them as opportunities to develop new skills, deepen your expertise and emerge as a stronger professional. Confidence often grows with experience and time. By being patient with yourself and recognizing your progress, you can gradually build confidence, quiet the inner critic, and continue building a fulfilling and resilient legal career.

As Tennessee marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Legal Aid Society (LAS) Executive Director DarKenya W. Waller highlights how access to legal services can help victims safely leave abusive relationships and rebuild their lives. In the Cheatham County Exchange, Waller writes that survivors often face financial control, legal intimidation and poverty that trap them in dangerous situations, with many attempting to leave an average of seven times before succeeding. Legal Aid attorneys partner with agencies across the state that specialize in different issues related to domestic violence and provide wraparound support, from securing protective orders to addressing financial and housing barriers. Waller emphasizes that leaving an abuser is often the most perilous time for victims, making legal guidance and careful planning essential for long-term safety and independence. Those experiencing domestic violence, or those who know someone who is, can contact the Legal Aid Society at 800-238-1443 or visit the LAS website for assistance.

McKEAGUE, Circuit Judge. Over the course of several months, Darese Haile (and an unidentified individual) carjacked four Lyft drivers. The district court imposed an above- Guidelines sentence of 180 months in prison. Because that sentence is both procedurally and substantively reasonable, we AFFIRM.