Knox County lawyer Jerry Ronald Givens received a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court on April 14. The court found that Givens violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.3, 3.4 and Rule 8.4(d) while representing a client in a general sessions civil suit. Among his actions, Givens failed to attend the initial trial setting, at which a judgment was entered against his client; untimely appealed the judgment to circuit court after the 10-day appeal deadline; untimely filed an appellate brief; failed to comply with an extension of time to file the brief; and failed to file a motion for extension of time to file the brief after being directed to do so by the court.

The Tennessee Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection met on April 11 to consider claims from clients alleging financial loss due to the illegal actions of their lawyers. The fund approved two claims: one against Madison County attorney Angela Joy Hopson in the amount of $2,022 and one against Knox County lawyer Douglas A. Trant in the amount of $7,500. It also directed both to reimburse the fund for the expenses. The Fund for Client Protection was established by the Tennessee Supreme Court to reimburse individuals for losses caused by dishonest conduct by attorneys. The fund is operated by a board, which meets quarterly to consider claims. In September 2022, the Tennessee Supreme Court amended Rule 25 to require the fund to notify the Tennessee Bar Association of claims paid. News releases also are posted online.

TBA CLE hit the road to Louisville, Kentucky, April 4-5 for an unforgettable weekend of continuing legal education, hosted in collaboration with the Louisville Bar Association and inspired by the city’s famed Urban Bourbon Trail. The event kicked off that Friday afternoon with Louisville attorney and bourbon historian Brian Haara, who delivered an eye-opening presentation on the surprising ways bourbon law helped shape American commercial law. Haara, an attorney at Fultz Maddox Dickens, is the author of "Bourbon Justice."

Davidson County Chancellor Anne Martin followed with an insider’s perspective on Tennessee’s Business Courts, offering valuable insights from the bench. That evening, attendees enjoyed a specially curated four-course dinner featuring local Kentucky flavors at the acclaimed Proof on Main.

Saturday’s sessions began with a dynamic ethics program led by TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr., Court of Appeals Judge Neal McBrayer and Martin. Using scenes from popular films, the trio guided participants through a thoughtful discussion of legal ethics highlighting both the “reel” and real-life challenges attorneys face in practice. The weekend wrapped up with bourbon tastings and tours along the Urban Bourbon Trail, where participants chose from renowned distilleries including Angel’s Envy, Rabbit Hole, Old Forester and Peerless Distilling Co. View photos from the trip. Want to join the next destination CLE? Visit TBA's website to stay in the loop.

Attorney and Dr. Robert Thomas Armour died April 14 at age 70 in Barbourville, Kentucky. Armour earned his law degree from Southern Methodist University and practiced law for several years before transitioning to a career in education. He began his teaching career in Memphis and later joined the faculty at Union College, where he taught until his retirement in 2020. During his there, he chaired the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences for over a decade, "guiding both students and faculty with wisdom and compassion," according to his obituary. Armour relocated to Kentucky after retirement but remained a member of the Tennessee Bar Association. A private gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Knox Funeral Home.

The Tennessee Bar Foundation has launched a new IOLTA Capital Improvement and Technology Enhancement (CITE) Grant, a one-time grant to help legal aid and civil legal services providers strengthen operational capacity and technology. Funding can be requested for capital improvements, projects that enhance efficiency and improving client service with technology, or projects that drive innovation through technology. Applications should be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CDT on April 23. Read more in a press release from the foundation or access detailed guidelines — including eligibility requirements, application standards and evaluation criteria — and frequently asked questions on the foundation’s website.

West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS) is partnering with the Tennessee Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative and the Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission to host a free expungement clinic on April 25 in Jackson in celebration of Second Chance Month and Help4TN Month, WBBJ News reports. The clinic will allow qualifying individuals to have their criminal records erased. It is open only to those with charges in Madison County General Sessions or Circuit courts. Pre-registration is required. Call (731) 423-0616 or visit wtls.org to complete an online application.

A three-judge panel of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a lower court erred in sealing dozens of deposition transcripts related to a lawsuit against CoreCivic, the private company that operates several prisons in Tennessee. The Nashville Banner had challenged the 2021 decision to seal the documents after the company entered into a $56 million settlement over a class-action lawsuit alleging it misrepresented the condition of its prisons. Thursday’s ruling found “no findings whatsoever” to justify sealing the transcripts. “Part of our job as journalists is to fight for open courts so the public can make their own decisions about what happens in them,” said Steve Cavendish, editor of the Banner. The appellate court gave the district court 60 days to review the transcripts and decide if any should remain sealed.

The ABA Center for Professional Responsibility has circulated for comment a memorandum and discussion draft of possible amendments to ABA Model Rule of Professional Conduct 1.14: Client with Diminished Capacity. The memorandum explains the reason for the amendments, while the discussion draft sets forth possible amendments to address that need. Comments about the possible amendments should be sent to modelruleamend@americanbar.org by May 12,. Comments also may be posted on the ABA’s website. Please contact Mary McDermott or Ellyn Rosen with any questions.

Gov. Bill Lee on Thursday announced the appointment of Ryan Hubbard as the state’s first chief immigration enforcement officer, effective immediately. The Chattanoogan reports that the appointment follows passage of Lee’s immigration agenda during the 2025 special legislative session, which supported the Trump administration’s border security and public safety efforts. Hubbard, a veteran federal agent with 28 years of experience in immigration enforcement, joined Homeland Security Investigations in 2003 after the creation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He also served in both Memphis and Nashville and later joined the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Nashville. “Ryan Hubbard is a dedicated public servant with decades of experience in immigration enforcement, and I am confident he is the right person to oversee this new division,” Lee said.

The Tennessee General Assembly on Thursday passed a bill that would ban THCa, a key component in most legal cannabis products sold in the state. Sen. Richard Briggs, R-Knoxville, who sponsored the legislation, said the measure supports local hemp growers. The Tennessee Growers Association has protested the bill, warning that a THCa ban could threaten a multi-million-dollar industry in the state. The bill also restricts the sale of hemp products to retailers with liquor or vape licenses and transfers regulation of hemp from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture to the Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for his consideration, WPLN reports.