The Defendant, John Wendell Lewis, appeals from his guilty-pleaded conviction for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, a Class B felony. See T.C.A. § 39- 17-1307(b)(1)(A) (Supp. 2022) (subsequently amended). The trial court ordered the Defendant to serve an eight-year sentence in confinement. On appeal, the Defendant, a Range I offender, contends the court erred by denying alternative sentencing. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Petitioner, Kevin D. Buford, appeals the denial of his post-conviction petition, arguing that the post-conviction erred in denying his claims that trial counsel was ineffective by failing to seek a continuance, failing to establish a defense, calling him to testify, and failing to call an expert witness. He further argues that trial counsel’s representation resulted in prejudice and that he is entitled to relief based on the cumulative effect of trial counsel’s errors. Following our review of the entire record, the briefs of the parties, and arguments of counsel, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

The Petitioner, Keenan Alexander, appeals from the Fayette County Circuit Court’s denial of post-conviction relief from the Petitioner’s jury-trial convictions for misdemeanor possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding, and failing to maintain financial responsibility and his effective two-year sentence. On appeal, the Petitioner contends that the post-conviction court erred by denying relief on his ineffective assistance of counsel claim. We affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court

An inmate at Turney Center Industrial Complex (“TCIX”) was convicted of introducing drugs into the complex by the prison’s disciplinary board. After failed administrative appeals, the inmate filed a petition for a writ of certiorari in the Chancery Court for Hickman County. The inmate alleged that the TCIX Disciplinary Board and TCIX staff violated multiple disciplinary policies and that there was no material evidence to support his conviction. The trial court denied his petition. This appeal followed. Discerning no reversible error, we affirm.

September 8, 2025 - September 12, 2025.

If you missed the webcast the International Law Section produced over the summer, it is now available on demand. This session provides an overview on the current but shifting tariffs and customs trends within the United States. The panelists discuss the impact of the disruption on the current trade market and its goods, as well as give insight to attorneys into what to expect and how to navigate the ever-changing market and ensure customs compliance. The panel includes Terry Olsen, chair of the TBA International Law Section, George Phillips of Phillips Ralston, and Lee Broyles and Steve Smith of Steam Logistics.

TBA's International Law Section Executive Council is beginning to plan an in-person CLE program to be held in spring 2026 in Nashville, and they want your input! This program will be produced in conjunction with the Nashville Chamber of Commerce's International Council. The planning committee wants to make the event as accessible as possible, so they are seeking comments about both content and scheduling. If you would be interested in attending this program, please complete this survey to provide your feedback, and be on the lookout for more information to be announced at a later date!

Tennessee lawyers gathered Friday at Topgolf Nashville for the TBA’s 2025 Estate Planning Tee-Off, featuring three hours of CLE programming focused on new attorneys interested in estate planning and lawyers looking to expand their practice. The day gave attendees the opportunity to build their practice knowledge while enjoying a round of Topgolf. Speakers included Robert Malin of Pinnacle Financial Partners; Grayson Cannon of Gullett, Sanford, Robinson & Martin PLLC; Branch Howard of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.; and Christopher Kelly of Argent Trust Company. They addressed topics such as estate, gift and fiduciary income tax planning. Thank you to our sponsors Pinnacle Financial Partners, Diversified Trust, Southeastern Trust Company, Argent Trust and Guardian Trust. See photos from the event.

The TBA’s General, Solo & Small Firm Section will host networking events in Johnson City and Nashville next month. The first will be held Oct. 2 from 4:30–6:30 p.m. EDT at Wellington’s in Johnson City, followed by a gathering Oct. 8 from 5–7 p.m. CDT at Monday Night Brewing in Nashville. Section members, as well as any TBA member interested in learning more about the section, are invited to attend. Register for the Johnson City event or the Nashville event to help TBA plan for the gatherings. Thanks to Crystal Cole with CRC Legal Group for sponsoring the Nashville event.

A new public safety dashboard launched by the Nashville Police and Public Safety Alliance allows residents to track crime statistics citywide and by neighborhood. The tool, developed in partnership with the Sycamore Institute, shows violent crime and homicides have declined in 2025 compared to last year, with 5,023 incidents reported through August versus 8,468 in all of 2024, Axios Nashville reports. Alliance CEO Pat Shea said the goal is to make data more accessible and help residents gain a clearer picture of safety trends in their communities.