The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments will consider six applicants when it meets Nov. 18 in Jackson to select nominees for the Court of Appeals Western Section vacancy. The applicants are Tony A. Childress, Steven W. Maroney, James R. Newsom III, Jeffrey E. Nicoson, Craig P. Sanders and Valerie L. Smith. The public hearing for this position will be Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. CST in the courtroom of the Tennessee Supreme Court Building, 6 Hwy 45 Bypass, Jackson 38301. The commission is expected to vote immediately following the interviews and forward three names to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration. The vacancy on the court will occur Jan. 4, 2025, following the retirement of Judge Arnold B. Goldin. Learn more about the candidates in a press release from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The overall crime rate in Memphis dropped 10.6% through the first three quarters of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to data the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission released Thursday. The Daily Memphian reports Memphis saw a 2.6% drop in its major violent crime rate and a 20.3% decline in its major property-crime rate from January to September of this year. Robberies, murders and rapes decreased by 22.5%, 11.5% and 8.8%, respectively. The commission, an independent nonprofit, calculates rates based on incidents or victims per 100,000 residents. While countywide figures are not yet available, the commission expects to release them soon, the paper reports.

The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) will conduct its annual “Operation Blackout” on Halloween to monitor sex offenders on probation and parole, Fox Chattanooga reports. Officers across the state will visit the homes of sex offenders whose convictions involve children to ensure they are abiding by any restrictions imposed by their probation or parole. Offenders are prohibited from distributing treats to children and from being present at any home where items are being distributed to trick-or-treaters. There are more than 26,000 registered sex offenders in the state with 5,000 of them under state supervision. TDOC plans to visit the homes of several hundred high-risk sex offenders.

The TBA’s General, Solo & Small Firm Section hosted a networking reception at Fait La Force Brewing in Nashville yesterday. The event brought together attorneys for conversation and camaraderie. A big thanks to section leaders Crystal Cole and Emma Elliott who helped organize the event and to David Anthony with Exo Legal for sponsoring. Want to be more involved in TBA’s General Solo & Small Firm Section? Attorneys interested in joining the section can sign up for exclusive programming, CLE discounts and networking opportunities. See a picture from the event.

As corporate in-house counsel, you are your company's navigator through the complex legal landscape that modern corporations must traverse. Your role is pivotal in steering the organization clear of legal pitfalls while ensuring compliance and safeguarding its interests. The challenges you face are diverse, reflecting the multifaceted nature of today's business environment.

Here, we delve into a collective list compiled by the executive council of the Corporate Counsel Section of the top legal issues that are most likely to demand your attention and expertise:

• Contract review/negotiations across divisions,
• Contract management,
• Corporate subsidiary/affiliate shared services,
• Designing and implementing legal training,
• FLSA rules,
• Compliance with internal policies and procedures,
• Competitive pay/pay equity,
• Multi-state licensing requirements,
• Corporate governance and entity management,
• Data security requirements and data privacy hygiene, and
• “Fringe tasks” (a.k.a., tasks that don’t fit squarely in any department but they sound kind of legal-related so the legal department takes responsibility).

In-house counsel plays a critical role in addressing these challenges, requiring a proactive and strategic approach to legal management. By staying informed and prepared, you can navigate these legal issues effectively, protecting and advancing the interests of your organization. If you have thoughts, questions or concerns about these or any other facet of in-house practice, we encourage you to utilize the TBA Section Talk discussion forum to connect with other in-house attorneys. Instructions for signing up to the forum and how to access it are available on TBA's website.

TBA YLD Immediate Past President Quinton Thompson and YLD Board Member Constance Brown were honored by the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association (NBA). The Memphis attorneys received their awards at the 2024 Barristers' Ball: A Night at the Oscars. Brown was awarded the A.A. Latting Award for Community Service. Arvis "A.A" Latting was one of the few Black lawyers practicing in Memphis in the 1940s and was also a professor at LeMoyne-Owen College where he mentored the “Founding Five” members of the NBA's Memphis Chapter, including Ben F. Jones. Thompson received the newly established Ricky Wilkins Young Lawyer of the Year Award. This prestigious award recognizes an exceptional attorney who is under the age of 40 or has less than 10 years of legal practice. The award honors the legacy of Wilkins who epitomized outstanding contributions to the legal profession, dedication to professional excellence and commitment to service within the community or the broader legal field. See photos from the event.

Tennessee veterans are underrepresented through the VA Claims and Appeals process. The "General Introduction to the Practice of Veterans Law" CLE program intends to expand the group of legal advocates dedicated to serving veterans. This live virtual 3-hour program will cover information about representation before the VA, claims procedures, basic eligibility for VA benefits, right to appeal, disability compensation dependency and indemnity compensation, and pension. The virtual program will be held on Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CT.

In order for lawyers to represent veterans with claims for benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs, lawyers must be accredited by the VA. The only requirement for initial accreditation is the filing of Form 21a and subsequent approval; however, within a year of initial accreditation, attorneys must complete a 3-credit-hour CLE requirement. You must be accredited by the VA prior to attending this training in order to use this training to satisfy the VA’s CLE requirement for accredited attorneys. For more information and to register, visit TBA's website.

The Community Legal Center (CLC) will hold a 30th anniversary celebration on Nov. 8 at the Crosstown Theater, 1350 Concourse Ave., Memphis 38104. The event, which will run from 7-9 p.m. CST, will feature a celebration of the CLC’s work, music from the Stax Alumni band, international food from local restaurants and more. Tickets may be purchased online. Contact Austin Brown, 901-402-0509 with questions.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) will hold two intake/interview sessions next week for prospective clients. On Monday, the group will be at the Marion County Justice Center in Jasper from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT. On Tuesday, it will be at the Sequatchie County Chancery (Old) Courthouse in Dunlap from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT. For more information, call the LAET office in Chattanooga at 423-756-4013.

The Knox County Juvenile Court will hold its annual Chili Cook-Off Luncheon & Basket Auction on Nov. 8. All proceeds will benefit the Volunteer Advisory Board and assist with hosting the Annual Foster Care Appreciation Dinner for foster care parents and meeting emergency needs of children in foster care. Learn more about participating in the chili cook-off. Baskets for the auctions also are needed. For more information or for questions contact Morgan Akins, 865-215-6475.