TBA’s Legislative Updates podcast is new this week with TBA lobbyists and attorneys Berkley Schwarz of Pier Strategies LLC and Brad Lampley of Adams & Reese. This week they discuss TBA's bills that are moving through the legislative process, including the extrajudicial adoptions bills HB1263/SB1238; real estate bills HB569/SB394, HB1970/SB1985 and HB1762/SB1707; adoption bill SB2165/HB2350; probate bill SB2184/HB2451; and family law bill SB2324/HB2429. Tune in on the TBA website or through this link. Attorneys interested in supporting the TBA’s lobbying efforts can contribute to LAWPAC.

The Chattanooga Bar Association (CBA) has launched a new monthly initiative, “Community Volunteers Day,” aimed at providing members with regular opportunities to give back to local nonprofits while fostering connection within the legal community. According to Chattanoogan.com, the inaugural March event was held at Siskin Children’s Institute, where volunteers assisted in painting a room with magnetic paint to create a therapeutic and engaging space for children. Participants included attorneys and staff from several local firms, and association leaders said the effort reflects a broader commitment to community service and member engagement. The next volunteer day is scheduled for April 14 at 8:30 a.m. CDT at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hamilton County in Chattanooga, where participants will tour the facility and kick off a snack and stuffed animal drive to support children receiving services. Organizers are asking volunteers to bring one stuffed animal and one box of individually wrapped snacks. Read more on the CBA website.

A strong mentoring relationship can be one of the most valuable experiences in your legal career. While mentors play an important role in offering guidance, advice and perspective, mentees are equally responsible for shaping the success of the relationship. This guide provides practical tips and discussion ideas to help mentees make the most of mentoring opportunities whether in a formal program or an informal professional relationship.

What Makes a Good Mentee

1. Be Proactive, Not Passive. Take initiative to schedule meetings, suggest discussion topics, and follow up on advice or goals. Your mentor is a resource but the energy and direction should come from you.
2. Come Prepared. Before each meeting, think through what you want to talk about: current challenges, questions or updates. Respect your mentor’s time by being intentional.
3. Be Open and Honest. Share your successes and struggles. Mentors can only offer meaningful guidance if they understand where you are in your professional journey.
4. Follow Through. If your mentor recommends an article, introduces you to someone, or suggests a next step, follow up promptly. Demonstrating reliability builds credibility and shows respect.
5. Respect Boundaries. Recognize that your mentor is also balancing their own workload. Be professional in communication, punctual for meetings and mindful of time.
6. Welcome Feedback Gracefully. Constructive criticism is a gift. Listen carefully, ask clarifying questions and use it as an opportunity to grow.
7. Share Your Wins. Mentors appreciate hearing about your progress. Let them know when their advice or support has made a difference. It strengthens the relationship and builds mutual motivation.

Tips for Maximizing Your Mentoring Relationship

• Set clear goals early. Discuss what you hope to gain (e.g., career direction, networking, work/life balance strategies or developing professional skills.)
• Establish a meeting rhythm. Monthly or bi-monthly meetings are often ideal. Use TBA organized events as a way to meet easily. Keep communication open between sessions.
• Be flexible. Your mentor’s time may be limited; show grace when meetings need to be rescheduled.
• Express gratitude. A simple thank-you note or message goes a long way in maintaining goodwill.

Discussion Topics for Mentees and Mentors

Here are conversation ideas for the first meeting to help mentees engage meaningfully and drive productive discussions:

• How did you decide which area of law to practice?
• What do you wish you’d known as a new lawyer?
• What’s your approach to networking and professional reputation?
• What habits or routines contribute most to your success?
• How can I set myself apart as a new lawyer or law student?

Provided by TBA Mentoring Committee, November 2025

Former U.S. Attorney General (AG) John Ashcroft spoke during a March 31 event at Lipscomb University where he stressed leadership, faith and liberty. According to the Nashville Post, his appearance was part of the Fred Gray Lectureship’s 2025-26 Presidential Signature Series, which also included a panel discussion discussion moderated by Lipscomb President Candice McQueen with Tennessee AG Jonathan Skrmetti and attorney Mark Lanier. Ashcroft, who served as U.S. attorney general from 2001 to 2005, called liberty “the core value of the universe” and “the character of the United States.” Skrmetti spoke about how his faith informs his work and emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional limits on government power.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last month that Cox Communications cannot be held liable for piracy committed by its internet service subscribers involving songs owned by Sony Music, Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group and other labels, ending a copyright lawsuit seeking more than $1 billion. According to Reuters, the unanimous 9-0 decision overturned a lower court ruling that had ordered a new trial to determine potential damages related to contributory copyright infringement. Cox had argued a retrial could have resulted in a judgment of up to $1.5 billion against the Atlanta-based internet service provider. The record labels alleged Cox failed to act on thousands of infringement notices, including by not terminating service for repeat offenders or taking other steps to deter piracy. Writing for the court, Justice Clarence Thomas said "Cox provided internet service to its subscribers, but it did not intend for that service to be used to commit copyright infringement.”

Services have been set for former Tennessee state legislator and retired lawyer William Roland "Bill" Bruce, who died March 21 at the age of 90. A memorial service and reception will be held at 4 p.m. EDT on April 18 at King of Peace Episcopal Church, 6230 Laurel Island Parkway, Kingsland, GA 31548. Donations may be given to the church or a charity of the donor’s choice. Bruce earned his law degree from the University of Virginia, and practiced law in Tennessee for 50 years. He began practicing in Memphis in 1959 with the law firm of Martin, Tate. He later hung out his own shingle and practiced solo until 1965. That year he and Donn Southern formed a partnership, which lasted until Southern became a judge in 1989. That firm ultimately became Bruce, Southern, Brandon & Regan. Bruce then joined the Nashville office of the law firm that ultimately would become Adams & Reese. He maintained "Special Counsel" status with the firm after retiring to Georgia. Bruce served in the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1966 and in the Tennessee Senate in 1968, where he was Senate majority leader and chair of the Senate Calendar and Rules Committee.

The next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits is set for noon to 1 p.m. CDT on April 16 in Nashville. The clinic, sponsored by the Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts and Bradley, provides assistance with business formation and corporate governance, review of contracts and guidance in navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

The Tennessee Senate passed two measures on Monday that are part of the majority’s “Immigration 2026” package. SB1915 would require local governments to verify a person is lawfully present in the country before receiving government benefits. The bill also would give the state attorney general the authority to investigate complaints and withhold state funds from local governments that do not comply. The House version of the bill passed the State & Local Government Committee on March 31 and is set to go before the Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on April 8. Also Monday, the Senate passed SB1922, which would require state and local governments to verify immigration status before hiring workers. The House previously adopted its version of that bill, HB1705, on March 16. Other immigration related bills making their way through the legislative process include those directing courts (HB1707/SB1952) and local governments (HB2219/SB2223) to cooperate with federal immigration authorities; requiring tracking of undocumented patients and students (HB1711/SB2108); and creating criminal penalties for undocumented drivers of commercial vehicles (HB1706/SB1587) and anyone living in Tennessee after a final deportation order has been issued (HB1704/SB1779). WPLN has a round up of these measures.

Legislation to limit lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of new state laws has passed both the House and Senate and is now on its way to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk. HB1971 passed the House on March 31. The Senate passed the House bill yesterday. The bill repeals a provision the legislature passed eight years ago that allowed Tennesseans to challenge the constitutionality of new state laws before they suffer any harm. The Tennessean reports that Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti — whose office defends new laws in court — requested lawmakers repeal the measure and reinstate barriers removed in 2018. If signed into law, the measure would require challengers to prove actual damage had been done to have standing to sue. The Tennessean has more on the legislation.

The list of those applicants who achieved a passing score on the February 2026 Uniform Bar Examination in Tennessee will be released April 9 by the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners. Results will be posted by the board by 2 p.m. CDT and will be available on the TBA website as soon as they are released.