The TBA yesterday filed comments on several proposed changes to Tennessee Supreme Court rules. The first comment expresses support for changes to Rules 41 and 42, which govern the Tennessee Language Access Program and Court Interpreter Program. The TBA said the changes are a “meaningful step toward ensuring that individuals with limited English proficiency receive qualified interpreter services in Tennessee courts.” The second comment expresses support for changes to Rule 50A, which governs the Pro Bono Emeritus Attorney Program. The TBA said that the revisions will bring needed clarity to eligibility requirements, the application process, and the obligations of both emeritus attorneys and sponsoring organizations. Changes to all three rules were proposed by the Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission and published for comment by the court on May 1.

A group of West Nashville residents has filed a lawsuit in Davidson County Chancery Court seeking to halt construction of a new parking pavilion at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, arguing the project violates Metro zoning regulations and would significantly increase traffic on surrounding neighborhood streets. The Nashville Banner reports that the complaint alleges Cheekwood has exceeded the limits of its special zoning exception for years and the expanded parking should not move forward without improved access from Highway 100. The plaintiffs are seeking a stop-work order and other restrictions on construction and visitor capacity while the case proceeds. Cheekwood disputes the claims, saying the project is required under an agreement with Metro to relocate parking onto its property. The estate has launched a public "Save Cheekwood" campaign in response to the lawsuit.

Nashville Metro Council has voted to formalize a partnership with the Eviction Right to Counsel (ERTC) program announced last month as part of Mayor Freddie O’Connell’s Unified Housing Strategy, WSMV reports. In Nashville’s 2027 fiscal year budget, ERTC secured $4.5 million, which is nearly double its 2026 allocation of $2.4 million. The announcement comes after the program underwent an independent evaluation of its 2025 achievements by an advisory and consulting firm. The firm's report found that ERTC attorneys assisted 1,069 households, including 1,032 children in 2025. The report also found that ERTC clients achieved their goals in 87% of cases and 97% of clients receiving extended services avoided displacement. Those eligible for the program can visit las.org or call 1-800-238-1443 for more information.

Shelby County General Sessions Court Clerk Tami Sawyer is slated to be tried for allegations of wire fraud and theft in January 2027, according to the Commercial Appeal. Judge Sheryl H. Lipman presided over Sawyer's first hearing in the criminal case, which revealed that federal investigators have "about 50,000" documents in discovery and a few recorded witness statements. Sawyer was indicted on June 15 after federal investigators accused her of six federal crimes. She later was suspended by the General Sessions Court judges, who signed a unanimous order temporarily removing her from the role for 60 days. Sawyer is set to be in court next on Aug. 19 for a report date.

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the concept of birthright citizenship in the Trump v. Barbara case on Tuesday. According to SCOTUSblog, the justices voted 6-3 to uphold to reject an executive order issued by President Donald Trump that would have limited birthright citizenship to children with at least one parent with permanent legal status. In the decision written by Chief Justice John Roberts, the court held that children born in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction are citizens at birth under the Constitution. Roberts wrote that Trump's order could not be reconciled with the citizenship clause of the 14th Amendment. Justice Brett Kavanaugh agreed the executive order was invalid but said it conflicted with federal law rather than the Constitution. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch dissented. Trump issued the executive order in January of 2025 and was subsequently sued by the Legal Defense Fund, American Civil Liberties Union and others. Last fall, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti filed an amicus brief supporting the executive order.

TBA will offer a unique ethics program on July 3 — Taylor Swift's rumored wedding day — featuring legal educator Stuart Teicher, who uses lyrics from Swift songs to explore the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct. During the webcast replay, "Lyrical Lessons from Taylor Swift: An Ethics Program," Teicher will examine topics including assisting client fraud, attorney-client confidentiality and lawyers' professional obligations through songs such as "I Did Something Bad," "Blank Space" and "Look What You Made Me Do." The one-hour program begins at noon CDT and is part of TBA's Christmas in July summer CLE lineup. For more information and to register for this event, visit the TBA website.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission is now accepting applications to fill two judicial positions for newly designated violent criminal courts in the 30th Judicial District. The two vacancies are identical and applicants should submit only one application to be considered for both positions. A public hearing to consider applicants will be held Aug. 14 at 9 a.m. EDT in the Historic Courtroom, Room 325, of the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, 1 N. Front St., Memphis 38103. Completed applications must be received by the Administrative Office of the Courts by noon CDT on July 15. The application and instructions are available here. For questions or to request accommodations, contact John Jefferson at the Administrative Office of the Courts at John.Jefferson@tncourts.gov or 615-741-2687. The Daily Memphian has background on the creation of the seats.

The Tennessee Bar Association and the Tennessee Judicial Conference co-hosted a Bench Bar Mixer last week at the TBA office in Nashville, bringing together TBA leaders and members of the judiciary for an evening of conversation and fellowship. The event provided an opportunity for judges and bar leaders to connect in an informal setting, strengthen professional relationships and discuss issues affecting Tennessee's legal community. The gathering highlighted the ongoing partnership between the TBA and the Tennessee Judicial Conference and the groups' shared commitment to fostering collaboration across the bench and bar. See photos from the event.

The latest episode of BarBuzz is out! In this special convention edition, recorded live at the TBA's Annual Convention in Knoxville earlier this month, Communications Coordinator Azya Thornton talks with newly installed President Charlotte Knight Griffin and Young Lawyers Division President Jennifer Sneed Perry, Executive Director Sheree Wright and Data and Systems Analyst David Lazar about leadership, member services, professional development and priorities for the year ahead. The episode also features conversations with Tech Showcase exhibitors about emerging legal technology, artificial intelligence and resources available to help attorneys strengthen their practices. Listen to the episode on the TBA's website or directly on the streaming platform Libsyn.

The University of Tennessee System Board of Trustees has approved a $1.9 million settlement with former University of Tennessee assistant professor Tamar Shirinian, ending a federal lawsuit over her firing for a social media post about conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Knox News reports. Under the agreement, Shirinian will not be reinstated. The settlement remains subject to approval by state officials, including the attorney general and Gov. Bill Lee. Shirinian was dismissed after posting a comment on Facebook following Kirk's 2025 assassination. The university said settling the case would avoid the costs and demands of continued litigation. Court filings indicate the parties must finalize the settlement by Aug. 28.