The Trial Court Vacancy Commission will meet in June to consider applicants for two judicial vacancies. On June 10, it will meet in Lewis County to consider six applicants for a circuit and chancery court judgeship in the 32nd Judicial District, which includes Hickman, Lewis and Perry counties. On June 17, it will meet in Knoxville to consider eight applicants for a criminal court seat in the 6th Judicial District, which covers Knox County. Both meetings are open to the public, and individuals may submit oral or written comments regarding any applicant. The commission is expected to vote immediately following the interviews and will forward three nominees for each vacancy to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration.

TBA’s International Law Section will host a webinar June 19 on insights into how to navigate the changes within the 2025 global market. The program will explore current and evolving trends in U.S. tariffs and customs, offering legal professionals guidance on navigating trade disruptions and ensuring compliance. The panel will be led by TBA International Law Section Chair Terry Olsen and will feature George Phillips of Phillips Ralston and Lee Broyles, vice president of international sales at Steam Logistics. For more information and to register for this webcast visit the TBA website.

Among the CLE programs being offered at this year's Annual Convention, the TBA will present  "AI in the Life of a Lawyer" on June 12 from 2-3 p.m. CDT. The session, which will offer one hour of dual credit, will explore how attorneys are using artificial intelligence in practice, with real case studies and demonstrations. The panel also will examine the ethical considerations and potential risks of AI, offering practical guidance for Tennessee lawyers navigating the evolving role of AI in the legal profession. Speakers include TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr. and attorneys Bruce Doeg and Clint Sanko of Baker Donelson.

The Trump administration on Monday announced it plans to end protections for Afghans in the United States, arguing that improving conditions in Afghanistan mean they no longer qualify for protection against deportation, The Hill reports. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the group originally was granted during the Biden administration. A notice of the proposed change was published in the Federal Register on May 13. The government must provide 60 days notice before taking action.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Tennessee, along with Holland & Associates, filed a petition Monday in Davidson County Chancery Court challenging the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s continued implementation of a policy that bars transgender people from updating their driver’s licenses to reflect their gender identities. According to The Tennessean, the petition asks the court to review the legality of the policy and block its implementation while a suit filed in 2024 proceeds. In April 2024, the group sued on behalf of a Monroe County woman seeking to halt a 2023 state law requiring all Tennessee residents to carry identification that reflects their biological sex. The ACLU alleges the policy violates the state constitution.

The 2025 Tennessee State High School Mock Trial Competition Champion, Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA), traveled to Phoenix this month and captured its first national championship. The team bested 47 other state champions who competed for the top prize. Team member Kavneer Majhail also was named an outstanding attorney of the competition. The final round was held in the historic Maricopa County Old Courthouse, which is most well known for hosting the first trial of Ernesto Miranda, which ultimately led to Miranda v. Arizona and the present-day Miranda rights. The courtroom also was used by the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. The team is coached by Wade Cowan, Tracy Hancock and Marisa Combs Smith. See photos from the event.

The Tennessee Bar Association’s Disability Law Section will host an online roundtable discussion on May 15 at 2:30 p.m. CDT. This roundtable will be an open discussion hosted by members of the section executive council. Join this interactive discussion to share your experiences, listen to other section members and ask questions. Please complete the RSVP before 12:30 p.m. CDT on Thursday to receive the Zoom meeting invitation via email.

Make plans now to join the TBA for a CLE like no other! The Murder Mystery CLE, set for this Friday, is a unique opportunity that will allow participants to step into the roaring 1920s and unravel the mystery of J.W. Hanks’ untimely demise. Was Hanks’ killer his employee, his doctor, his wife, his mistress, his best friend or someone else he trusted? Using Tennessee’s latest criminal laws to uncover crucial clues, teams will spend the afternoon immersed in this unforgettable blend of education and entertainment with guidance from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law professors Sydney Beckman and Melanie Reid. The event, which includes lunch, will take place from noon to 4 p.m. CDT at the Nashville Public Library. Members of the Criminal Justice Section save on registration. Not a section member yet? Join here.

A state audit revealed that Tennessee State University (TSU) made repeated financial errors in fiscal year 2023, including overstating cash by $5.7 million and undercharging graduate students by $1.5 million. The report detailed 15 findings related to poor oversight, billing issues and mishandling of federal COVID-19 relief funds, which could require TSU to repay at least $85,000. The Nashville Post reports that TSU management acknowledged the seriousness of the audit and pledged to improve financial governance and staff training. The findings come amid long-standing underfunding of the university and a legislative overhaul of its board of trustees, with TSU proposing a financial stability plan that may include budget cuts and reduced scholarships.

THAPAR, Circuit Judge. Karu Gene White has moved pursuant to Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 41 to stay this court’s mandate pending his petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court of the United States. Because White’s own motion demonstrates that he faces no risk of irreparable harm if we do not stay our mandate, we deny his motion.