The Tennessee Supreme Court on Sept. 9 denied a petition from Knox County lawyer Mark Steven Graham to dissolve a temporary suspension imposed on him by the court on May 20, 2022. The court found that Graham has not complied with a Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) monitoring agreement or the recommendations of TLAP-approved evaluations he previously has undergone. It determined that Graham failed to establish good cause for a hearing on the matter and denied the petition.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Tennessee on Tuesday announced the appointment of Miriam R. Nemeth as its new executive director. Nemeth, a civil rights attorney and nonprofit leader, began the role Monday, succeeding Phyllida Burlingame, who has served as interim executive director since November 2024. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Nemeth most recently was deputy litigation director and chief counsel at Rights Behind Bars, a legal advocacy group focused on eliminating inhumane conditions of confinement for incarcerated people. “I am honored to lead the ACLU of Tennessee as we navigate the critical civil rights challenges facing our state and country,” Nemeth said in a press release. “I look forward to partnering with the dedicated staff, board, supporters and community members to champion the rights and dignity of all in Tennessee.”

The Tennessee Supreme Court on Sept. 4 denied a petition from Hamilton County lawyer Arthur C. Grisham to transfer his law license to disability inactive status. The court said that Grisham failed to establish that any age-related or physical infirmity or illness makes it impossible for him to respond to or defend against an ethics complaint against him. Grisham is currently suspended from the practice of law for five years effective May 13.

The city of Memphis, in a countersuit from a legal fight with the Memphis Fire Fighters Association, claimed city employees do not have "the right or authority to collectively bargain with the city" and requested a chancellor invalidate all of the city's agreements with its unions, the Commercial Appeal reports. The countersuit was filed Aug. 20, expanding the named respondents from just the firefighters union to the Memphis Police Association. In its filing, the city argues that past agreements were only valid under Mayor Paul Young, who signed them during his time in office and contends no state or federal law grants the authority to enter binding collective bargaining agreements. The police union has asked the court to strike the city’s filing, while its attorney, Deborah Godwin, described the move as a “scorched earth approach” and a potential act of retaliation. The case is currently being appealed before the Tennessee Court of Appeals.

The Trump administration has requested $58 million from Congress to bolster security for the executive and judicial branches following the assassination of political activist and media personality Charlie Kirk, NBC News reports. The request said the funds would go to the U.S. Marshals Service to provide additional protective services for Supreme Court justices. While the administration supported using money for members of Congress, it deferred to lawmakers on how to manage that spending. Kirk’s death has raised concerns in both major parties, as a growing number of political figures have been targeted, attacked and killed in recent years. In response, several politicians have postponed rallies and canceled outdoor events.

Early voting begins today in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District special primary, a crowded race to replace former U.S. Rep. Mark Green, Axios Nashville reports. The district stretches from downtown Nashville through western Davidson County to Clarksville and several rural counties. Eleven Republicans and four Democrats are on the ballot, including state lawmakers Jody Barrett, Gino Bulso and Lee Reeves on the Republican ticket and Aftyn Behn, Vincent Dixie and Bo Mitchell on the Democratic. Early voting runs through Oct. 2, and the primary election is set for Oct. 7.

Mississippi lawyer Brian Henry Neely was reinstated to the practice of law on Sept. 11. The Tennessee Supreme Court reports that Neely had been on inactive status since April 19, 2012. The Board of Professional Responsibility found that Neely’s petition for reinstatement was satisfactory, and he had met all requirements for reinstatement.

The Tennessee Supreme Court on Sept. 16 suspended Connecticut lawyer Wesley Shelman Spears from the practice of law in this state for one year. The suspension will be served consecutive to a two-year suspension Spears is currently subject to, according to a press release from the court. The court took the action after the State of Connecticut Superior Court imposed a one-year suspension on Spears on April 3. The Tennessee court notes that it gave Spears the opportunity to explain why reciprocal discipline should not be imposed but he did not respond to the request.

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Today is recognized as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day to commemorate the 1787 signing of our nation’s founding document and to celebrate those who have become U.S. citizens. Speaking about the importance of the day, TBA President Heidi Barcus said, "As attorneys in Tennessee, we have all taken an oath to 'support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee,' tangible foundations of our profession and the justice system." Constitution Day honors the vision of the founders and serves as a reminder that lawyers are uniquely positioned to uphold the ideals embedded in the Constitution — including through zealous advocacy, service to clients and pro bono work that expands access to justice. The TBA website includes a page of resources designed to assist in the presentation of Constitution Day concepts. Celebrate the Constitution today and tomorrow at events in Memphis, Nashville and Knoxville. Additionally, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee hosted the annual reading of the Constitution in Chattanooga last Friday, and continues to host events all week, including a naturalization ceremony for 100 new U.S. citizens at Tusculum University in Greeneville.