The U.S. Justice Department is calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to throw out a recent ruling that sidelined the Biden administration’s immigration enforcement priorities, Bloomberg Law reports. Department lawyers filed a request for a stay, arguing that the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas overstepped its authority when it halted the policy. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to stay the district court decision. The guidelines in question direct immigration officials to prioritize the detention and deportation of people who threaten national security, public safety or border security. The Trump administration had cast a broader net, targeting anyone in the country without authorization. The government argues that given limited resources, it must focus on the most serious cases.

Longtime Memphis resident and attorney, James Lloyd “Skeet” Gordon, died July 1 at the age of 83. Gordon received his bachelor’s degree from Memphis State University in 1962 and his law degree from the school in 1974. He practiced law in Memphis for 48 years. In addition to practicing law, Gordon was certified as a river pilot, was an avid reader and loved sports and the outdoors. He was a lifelong member of St Luke's Methodist Church and a member of the DeSoto Masonic Lodge, No 299. A graveside service celebrating his life was held on July 7 at Memorial Park Cemetery.

The Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association recently elected Nashville attorney Mark Chalos as president for the 2022-2023 term. He replaces Tony Seaton of Johnson City, who now assumes the role of immediate past president. Carey Acerra of Memphis has advanced to the office of president-elect. Chalos is managing partner of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein’s Nashville office and handles complex civil litigation, including representing communities across America in the national opioids litigation. Other executive officers taking office are Vice President (East) Danny Ellis of Chattanooga, Vice President (West) Angela Polk of Memphis, Vice President (Middle) Brandon Bass of Brentwood, Secretary Troy Jones of Knoxville, Treasurer Caroline Taylor of Nashville and Parliamentarian George Spanos of Nashville. See a release from the group for all leaders including at-large executive appointees, young lawyers and district governors on the board.

The White House held a ceremony today to celebrate the passage of new gun safety legislation, which makes it harder for young people and domestic abusers to possess firearms, encourages states to pass so called “red-flag laws” and provides billions of dollars in mental health funding. Though he lauded the rare bipartisan agreement, President Joe Biden said more needs to be done, Bloomberg News reports. Specifically, the president called on Congress to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, expand background checks, and enact laws making gun owners liable for not securing their firearms.

The legal services sector added 3,000 jobs in June, according to seasonally adjusted, preliminary figures released Friday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The ABA Journal reports that the increase brings the total legal employment in June to 1.2 million jobs — up 92,300 over the pandemic’s lowest mark of 1.1 million jobs in April 2020. The June 2022 gain follows gains of 3,300 in May and 4,400 in April.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking an associate counsel to work remotely. The position will assist with the development and review of contracts and grants, and as needed, appear before legislative committees and legislative staff reviewing state contracts. Applicants should have five to seven years of experience, with at least three years focused solely on state or federal contract issues. See the full job description and application instructions on TBA’s JobLink platform. Applications are due by July 13.

The TBA Animal Law Section will host its Annual Forum at the Nashville Zoo on Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CDT. This fun CLE provides attendees the chance to earn six CLE hours (five general and one dual) with an extended lunch break to explore the zoo. This year’s forum will feature topics relevant to several practice areas, including courtroom programs involving animals, conservation efforts, pet liability, landowner privacy concerns and ethics. Breakfast, lunch and zoo admission are included with registration. Space is limited for this experience, so register now before it’s too late!

Larry Ables, a current Hamilton County prosecutor, has launched a campaign to oust Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Gerald Webb, the Chattanooga Times Free Press reports. Ables previously worked as a defense attorney and chief magistrate judge. If elected, he says he hopes to address gang issues in the county and restore pre-pandemic court processes. 

The next Veterans’ Legal Advice Clinic — a joint project of Knoxville area legal organizations — will take place this Wednesday 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.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee will hold two legal clinics this month. The first, a general legal advice clinic, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon EDT on July 16 at the Chattanooga Hamilton County Family Justice Center. To volunteer, email Mary Frances DeVoe. The second, a family law and housing clinic, will be held July 23 from 9 a.m. to noon EDT in Knoxville. This clinic is being held in conjunction with the YWCA of Knoxville and the Tennessee Valley and will be held at the YWCA’s Phyllis Wheatley Center. To volunteer, sign up online or email Caitlin Torney.