Local governments and state universities are adjusting their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies to comply with new state laws, the Nashville Post reports. In the most recent legislative session, Tennessee lawmakers passed several laws targeting DEI practices. The first, the Dismantling DEI Departments Act, bans departments that work to promote diversity or equity. The second, the Dismantle DEI in Employment Act, bans the use of hiring practices based on an applicant’s race, ethnicity, sex, age or other demographic. Finally, a third bill eliminates race-based preferences in state board appointments. In response, Metro Nashville, Middle Tennessee State University, Shelby County and the City of Memphis have made changes. Read more from the paper.

In 2008, a Lincoln County jury convicted the Petitioner, Shawn Simmons, of first degree murder, and the trial court imposed a sentence of life imprisonment. Sixteen years later, the Petitioner filed a petition for writ of error coram nobis, asserting that a trial witness had since revealed previously undisclosed information related to the offense. The coram nobis court dismissed the petition without a hearing, concluding that the petition was untimely and that due process principles did not toll the one-year statute of limitations. The Petitioner now appeals, contending that the summary dismissal was erroneous. Upon review, we respectfully affirm the judgment of the coram nobis court.

Mother and Father appeal the trial court’s finding that termination is in the best interests of their three younger children. Because we conclude that clear and convincing evidence supports the trial court’s findings that Mother and Father committed severe abuse against a child and that the children’s best interests are served by termination, we affirm.

This is a Governmental Tort Liability Act (“GTLA”) case, Tennessee Code Annotated section 29-20-101, et seq., alleging negligent operation of a street sweeper by a city employee. The trial court denied the city’s claims of immunity and entered judgment after a nonjury trial, apportioning 51 percent fault to the city’s employee who was driving the street sweeper and 49 percent fault to the driver of the pickup truck that was involved in a collision with the sweeper. The city appealed. We affirm.

Maryland-based U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has ruled that Kilmar Abrego Garcia may continue to challenge his deportation to El Salvador even though he is now back in the country to stand trial for criminal charges. The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) had argued the suit should be dismissed, according to the Associated Press. Also during the hearing, a DOJ lawyer said the department would try to deport him again if released before trial. That contradicts previous statements from leaders. Additionally, new filings in the case allege that Abrego Garcia endured “severe beatings, severe sleep deprivation, inadequate nutrition and psychological torture” while in the El Salvador prison, The Tennessean reports. In related news, Tennessee Lookout reports that Tennessee-based U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw has ordered lawyers in the criminal case to refrain from making public statements. That order was requested by Abrego Garcia’s lawyers who say the government has “launched a public disparagement campaign” that could prejudice their client’s right to a fair trial.

The Mid-South Commercial Law Institute recently named new officers and five new directors to its 25-member board. Officers are President Cara Alday Patrick with Beard, Schulman & Jacoway in Chattanooga; Vice President/President-Elect Wendy Geurin Smith of Memphis with Evans Petree; Secretary Maggie Reidy, a staff attorney in the Chapter 13 Trustee's office in Nashville; Treasurer R. Bradley Banks of Cleveland with Richard Banks & Associates; and Immediate Past President Paul Jennings with Bass, Berry & Sims in Nashville. New directors, elected to five year terms, are: Wes R. Bulgarella with Maynard Nexsen in Birmingham, Alabama; Ryan E. Jarrard of Quist, Fitzpatrick & Jarrard in Knoxville; Tyler Layne of Nashville with Holland & Knight; R. Lee Webber with Martin, Tate, Morrow & Marston in Memphis; and Robert “Jay” Wilkinson with Baker Donelson in Chattanooga. See the list of the full 2025 board.

Teresa Carey, a longtime employee in the Hamblen County Clerk & Master's Office, was sworn in as clerk and master of the county's chancery and probate courts on June 30. She succeeds the retiring Kathy Jones-Terry. Chancellor Doug Jenkins, who handles cases for the 3rd Judicial District and swore in Carey, told the Citizen Tribune, “I have all the confidence in the world in her; Teresa’s been around the court system for probably 40 years, and for much of that time she’s been second-in-command. She definitely paid her dues and deserves this well-earned chance to do this. I think she’s going to do great.”

The TBA Law Office Technology & Management Section is presenting four webcasts this week. Today, catch “60 Legal Tech Tips, Tricks, Gadgets and Websites in 60 Minutes, which will focus on the latest developments in legal technology. Tomorrow, tune in for “AI in Law: Use Cases,” which will explore 30 impactful use cases of generative AI for lawyers, including in the areas of legal research, document drafting and practice management. On Thursday, join colleagues for “The Evolving Ethics of Law Firm Cybersecurity: Practical and Budget-Friendly Tips.” This program will focus on affordable cybersecurity measures that should be considered to protect confidential data. And on Friday, wrap up with “Our Era of AI: Responsible AI & Microsoft Copilot,” which will look at how Microsoft embraces Responsible AI in its development of AI solutions and how the company’s legal department uses Copilot to achieve more. If you miss any of these times, the programs are also available on demand.

A recent article from Diversity.com,  LGBTQ+ Talent Drain in 2025: Why Progressive Employees are Leaving Regressive States, explains the concern that is being felt as members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies are relocating to more inclusive states or seeking employment at companies that share their values. Read what is behind the talent drain, the far reaching impact it can have and what individuals and companies can do about it. Closer to home, Nashville Public Radio looks at those who chose to stay despite concerns.

The TBA YLD serves as an ally by offering name change clinics throughout the state.

Nashville School of Law (NSL) recently hosted its Annual Recognition Dinner to honor the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award, 1996 graduate Cindy Jones. “When I think back to those years — working full-time, raising two little ones and going to law school at night — I remember how hard it was. But it was also one of the most defining chapters of my life. It shaped in me a discipline and a work ethic that served me throughout my entire career,” Jones said. The dinner also recognized Clark Spoden as this year's faculty honoree. He is a professor of civil procedure and remedies and a partner at Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin in Nashville. NSL Dean Bill Koch said, “Clark exemplifies our faculty’s commitment to our students, not only in his enthusiastic approach to teaching but also in the way he models professionalism and competence.” Read more in a press release from the school and see photos from the event.