Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III last week announced that opioids maker Teva has reached an agreement in principle to settle a lawsuit brought by states and local governments for $4.25 billion. Teva, an Israel-based drug manufacturer, makes Actiq and Fentora, which are branded fentanyl products for cancer pain, as well as a number of generic opioids including oxycodone. The suit alleged that the company deceptively marketed opioids by downplaying the risk of addiction and overstating their benefits, including encouraging the idea that signs of addiction should be treated by prescribing more opioids. In announcing the deal, Slatery said, “This settlement is another major step in holding opioid manufacturers accountable and we expect these funds to make a significant difference in treating opioid addiction disorder in Tennessee and across the country.”

Legislation paving the way for the Republican National Convention (RNC) in 2024 is scheduled to be reconsidered at the Nashville Metro Council’s next meeting on Aug. 2, Nashville Post reports. Metro Councilmember Robert Swope, one of the body’s few Republicans, has introduced another draft agreement between the RNC and Nashville after the first effort was stymied. This time, Swope has a second resolution to open dialogue with state officials on allowing Metro to impose development impact fees, which could be used to fund schools, infrastructure and other city costs. Axios Nashville also reports that other possible enticements are on the table, including enhanced zoning authority, expanded Medicaid and increased funding for Nashville schools.

Tennessee’s Education Savings Account (ESA) program will be heading back to court on Aug. 5 after a motion for a temporary injunction was filed by the Shelby and Davidson County governments. A separate motion was also filed on behalf of parents in those communities by the law firm of Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd. A three-judge panel will hear the motions just days before the start of the new school year. Even if the state’s voucher program moves forward, the legal fight is expected to continue, WPLN reports. The ESA program passed the legislature but was held up in the courts. Earlier this month, the Davidson County Chancery Court lifted an injunction, allowing the program to go into effect.

A group of House Democrats introduced a bill yesterday to enact term limits for Supreme Court justices, The Hill reports. The legislation would authorize the president to nominate Supreme Court justices every two years — in the first and third years after a presidential election. If confirmed by the Senate, those individuals would serve a maximum 18 years on the bench. After their tenures are complete, the justices would retire from active service and assume senior status, during which time they would only hear cases if there was a vacancy, disability or disqualification on the court. Congressman Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, signed on as a sponsor of the bill. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., introduced the same measure in the Senate.

Stress recovery is the process of restoring symptoms of work stress back to pre-stressor levels. Experts refer to stress recovery as a skill, because knowing how and when to recover from stress requires both knowledge (what to do) and practice (actually doing it). During stressful times, we are less likely to make good decisions about food, sleep and exercise so it is important to understand what actually works for stress recovery. A recent article in the Harvard Business Journal looks at five steps that can assist in recovery: (1) detach psychologically from work; (2) take micro-breaks during the workday; (3) choose a recovery activity you enjoy; (4) prioritize high-effort activities; and (5) shape your environment for optimal recovery with exposure to daylight, fresh air and plants inside as well as taking lunch breaks and walking meetings outside. By following these strategies, we can create intentional recovery plans that will help sustain energy and performance over time.

The next Veterans’ Legal Advice Clinic — a joint project of Knoxville area legal organizations — will take place Aug. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. EDT at the Knoxville Community Law Office, 1101 Liberty St. This general advice and referral clinic is supported by the Knoxville Bar Association Barristers and Young Lawyers Division, Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Knox County Public Defender’s Community Law Office, University of Tennessee  College of Law, Lincoln Memorial University-Duncan School of Law, and the local Veterans Affairs office. Sign up here to volunteer. Masks are optional but should be worn pursuant to CDC guidelines.

Ritholz Levy Fields LLP, an entertainment, media, intellectual property, technology and fashion law firm, has an opening for an entry-level associate in its Nashville office. The successful applicant will have excellent law school grades and will have taken classes in intellectual property and transactions related to the music industry. A working knowledge and familiarity with contract law, entertainment business practices, and legal trends as they relate to the music and entertainment industries would be helpful. A year or two of relevant practice or clerkship is a plus. To see the full job description and how to apply visit the TBA’s JobLink platform.

The TBA Administrative Law Section will host its Annual Forum on Dec. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. CDT at the Nashville office of Burr & Forman.  Additional information about the program will be forthcoming. Administrative Law Section members will receive a special discounted price on the program. Not a member of the section? Join today.

Interested in working with young lawyers? The TBA is now accepting applications to fill its Law Student and Young Lawyer Division Coordinator position. This is an exciting opportunity to facilitate and coordinate meetings, projects and activities of the TBA YLD, which is heavily involved in public service projects and professional development programming. The coordinator also manages TBA’s law student membership program and law school outreach efforts. Get full details now. 

Please welcome Hank Elliott, the newest member of our CLE Team! As the AV & Webcasting Coordinator, Hank plans, produces and provides front-line support for anything at the TBA that has an audio/visual element, including all our webinars and virtual CLEs! Hank is an avid Tennessee Vols fan and is headed to Baton Rouge, LA, this fall to knock another SEC stadium off his bucket list! He loves kayaking, traveling, hiking and hey — he’d make a great addition to your bar trivia team because he’s got a knack for historical trivia! Welcome, Hank!

The #TeamTBA series offers members a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the TBA and how each staff members makes the association run. Check back every Wednesday for a new staff profile in TBA Today and on the TBA's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.