The Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments is now accepting applications for a Tennessee Court of Appeals vacancy in the Middle Division following Judge Richard H. Dinkins’ decision not to stand for retention in the August 2022 election. Dinkins has served on the court since 2008. He previously served on the Davidson County Chancery Court and was in private practice for 26 years. He suffered a stroke in July 2020.

Those interested in being considered for the seat should be licensed attorneys at least 30 years of age, residents of the state for five years and residents of the Middle Grand Division. Applicants must complete the designated application and submit it to the Administrative Office of the Courts by noon CST on Feb. 3.  The council will hold a virtual hearing via video conference with all applicants on Feb. 14 and 15. The hearing will be live streamed for public viewing on the court’s YouTube page. Read the full vacancy notice.

Over the past few decades, the number of court reporters across the country has been in decline. But not everyone agrees that the shortage is a big problem, Law 360 reports. Differences in opinion are sharpest between those who advocate for traditional stenography and those who support use of electronic equipment. Advocates of digital reporting argue these services can solve any shortages given that the time required to train a digital recorder is shorter and courses can be offered online making it more attractive to new recruits. But stenographers see their profession slipping away with stenography schools closing and a high rate of retirement among colleagues. They argue strenuously that digital reporters are not properly trained, which puts the public at risk. Despite any disagreement about the scope of the problem, however, most everyone agrees that something must be done to save court reporting.

A group of federal prosecutors are investigating up to $90 billion in suspected CARES Act and Paycheck Protection Program fraud across the United States, the Nashville Business Journal reports. The investigation is looking to catch undeserving recipients of emergency stimulus funds approved by Congress as COVID-19 slammed the country's economy. Funding was intended to help employers meet payrolls, supplement state unemployment payments and ease or eliminate fines and fees. By late December, a total of 366 indictments, 294 arrests and 142 convictions had been recorded for a total of more than $460 million so far, according to the Small Business Administration inspector general.

The next Tennessee Faith & Justice Alliance Advice Clinic will be held Feb. 12 at Cokesbury Church North Campus, 9919 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922. Masks are required for all volunteers and attendees. Volunteers from all areas of practice are needed for the event, which is sponsored by the Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, Knoxville Bar Association and its Access to Justice Committee, Legal Aid of East Tennessee and the University of Tennessee College of Law. Sign up here to volunteer.

The Knoxville YWCA and the University of Tennessee College of Law are sponsoring a virtual “Great Race Against Racism” now through Feb. 28. Those who would like to participate should download the interactive “GooseChase” app on their mobile device either as a guest or a registered user. Participants also can create a team or join an existing team. Points can then be collected by visiting more than 20 sites of cultural and historical significance in Knox and Anderson counties. Participation is free. Learn more here.

Today is the “International Day of the Endangered Lawyer,” a day set aside to honor legal professionals around the globe who work to ensure that governments respect human rights obligations and commitments. This year's commemoration focuses on Colombia, where the persecution of human rights lawyers continues, while continuing support for legal professionals in places like Hong Kong, Iran, Afghanistan, Ukraine and Belarus. The ABA is marking the day by calling on lawyers everywhere to “support the inspirational prosecutors, judges and lawyers who dedicate themselves at great personal cost to championing justice, defending human rights and protecting the rule of law.”

The Tennessee Supreme Court’s Access to Justice Commission and Her Song are sponsoring a hybrid CLE on Jan. 31 on the law surrounding human trafficking and the resources available to victims. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST. The in-person component, which will be limited to 25 attendees, will be held at 317 Oak St., Room 108, Chattanooga 37403, and include lunch. The virtual component will be live streamed via Zoom. Learn more about the speakers and register here. UPDATE: Read the court's wrap up of the event.

The Washington County Bar Association has announced new officers and board members for 2022. Officers are: President Devon Muse with Pioneer Advocacy; President-elect Hunter Shepard with Herrin, McPeak & Associates; Vice President Thomas J. Smith with the Law Offices of Tony Seaton & Associates; Secretary Christa Morton with Legal on Main; and Treasurer Joseph Matherly with Hunter, Smith, and Davis. Board members are: Immediate Past President Jesse J. Campbell with Tom Bible Law; Brandon Casey with Grimes, Teich Anderson; Elizabeth Jones with the Elizabeth Jones Law Office; Nora Koffman with Baker Donelson; Solange McDaniel with Herndon, Coleman, Brading & McKee; Grace Studer with Spurrell & Studer Law Group; and Morgan Taylor with East Tennessee State University. All work in Johnson City except Jones, who practices in Erwin.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor is releasing her third children’s book tomorrow, the Associated Press reports. “Just Help! How to Build a Better World,” challenges kids to ask how they will help others, something she asks herself every night before going to sleep. The book offers practical suggestions for ways to help such as sending care packages to American soldiers overseas, recycling plastic bags, cleaning up a park or donating toys to a children's hospital. Sotomayor's other books include “Turning Pages: My Life Story” and "Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You,” about children with challenges including autism, dyslexia and Down syndrome. All of her books are published in English and Spanish.

U.S. Judge Jeffrey Brown ruled Friday that the Biden administration may not require federal employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus or discipline employees who failed to comply, The Hill reports. The case is about whether the president can, “with the stroke of a pen and without the input of Congress, require millions of federal employees to undergo a medical procedure as a condition of their employment," Brown wrote. The U.S. Justice Department immediately said it would appeal.