Davidson County Chancellor Russell T. Perkins last week announced that he will seek re-election in 2022. Perkins was first appointed as Chancellor of Part IV of the Davidson County Chancery Court by former Gov. Phil Bredesen, before being elected to the position in 2008 and again in 2014. Prior to his time on the bench, Perkins served in the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, worked in the Nashville law firm of Williams & Dinkins for nearly 12 years, and served in the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office for 14 years. “This position requires fairness, impartiality, and a respect for the rule of law,” Perkins said in a statement announcing his campaign. “I believe I have provided those during my 13 years on the bench.”

The Tennessee Supreme Court is set to once again hear arguments over Gov. Bill Lee’s school voucher program, the Tennessean reports. Chief Justice Roger Page announced the rare move in a signed order last week, setting Feb. 24 as the date the court will rehear the case. "Upon due consideration, and in light of the untimely death of Justice Cornelia A. Clark, this Court has concluded that re-argument will aid the resolution of this appeal," Page wrote. Clark passed away in September after the high court had heard arguments in the case, but before a ruling was made. The court has appointed Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge Thomas R. Frierson II to fill out the panel. Page wrote that Frierson was added "in the interest of the efficient and orderly administration of justice." The Tennessean writes that the addition of Frierson indicates the justices are tied 2-2 on the issue.

Hamilton County Circuit Court Clerk Larry Henry has announced he will seek another term, the Chattanoogan reports. Henry has held the position for seven years. “During that time, the Circuit and General Sessions Court Clerks’ Offices have improved online access to court records, made it easier to handle court-related business, and worked closely with Circuit and General Sessions Court judges as they decide civil cases in Hamilton County,” he said in a statement regarding his campaign.

State Sen. Katrina Robinson, D-Memphis, and two co-defendants have entered a plea deal in a federal case against them, the Daily Memphian reports. Robinson, alongside Katie Ayers and Brooke Boudreaux, will enter a pretrial diversion program to avoid prosecution on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Robinson will be monitored by a pretrial diversion supervisor and must attend work regularly at a lawful occupation. The three were indicted in January for allegedly using Robinson’s business, The Healthcare Institute, to defraud Bordeaux’s boyfriend out of $14,470 which Boudreaux claimed would pay her tuition for The Healthcare Institute. Boudreaux did not complete any classes and was issued a refund. Robinson is currently awaiting sentencing after being convicted of four counts of wire fraud earlier this year. Despite her conviction, Robinson has maintained her innocence.

Metro Nashville Councilmember Larry Hagar this week picked up a petition to run as a Democrat for Davidson County Division 7 Circuit Court, the Nashville Post reports. Hagar has served Metro’s District 11, which includes Old Hickory and other neighborhoods near Old Hickory Lake, since 2015. “I pretty well accomplished everything I set out to do in the district,” he told the Post. In his law practice, Hagar handles probate matters like those heard by Division 7. He seeks to fill the seat held by retiring Judge Randy Kennedy, whose legacy Hagar says he hopes to continue.  

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon G. Lee this month honored three state employees for their years of service in the Tennessee Appellate Court’s Eastern Division. Becky Doyle (20 years), Francesa Kraft (10 years) and Andy Whaley (10 years) were presented with awards at the celebration, which also included Jim Hivner, Clerk of the Appellate Courts, and members of the Knoxville Appellate Court Clerk’s Office. Doyle and Kraft work in the Appellate Court Clerk’s Office in Knoxville. Whaley is senior clerk to Court of Appeals Chief Judge D. Michael Swiney. The Administrative Office of the Courts has more on the ceremony.

The upcoming webcast, Essential Law Firm Technology - The Best of What's Out There, will define and explain the technologies that can help any lawyer solve problems, improve client service and make life easier. The program, set for Dec. 23 from 3 to 4 p.m. CST, will teach the essential software and hardware tools to protect client confidentiality, organize case information, manage a practice more efficiently and improve profitability. It is part of the TBA’s annual Year End CLE Event, which offers a variety of live virtual or on-demand programs, CLE packages and much more to help meet your last minute CLE needs. 

Learn practical solutions to take back to your firm in the TBA CLE webcast Driving Profitability in Your Firm, playing at 3 p.m. CST tomorrow. The seminar will show how to track and measure the impact of change, demonstrate real-life examples of productivity tips, deliver tools to transfer to your firm to build a plan for maximum efficiency and more. This program is part of the TBA’s annual Year End CLE Event, which offers a variety of live virtual or on-demand programs, CLE packages and much more to help meet your last minute CLE needs. 

Former Chattanooga City Court Judge Walter Williams was honored over the weekend by the Psi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity for his lifelong achievements, Chattanoogan.com reports. Judge Williams first won a seat on the bench in 1991. His “no-nonsense approach” gained him national attention and is credited with helping to reduce repeat offenders in city court by 50% during his tenure, fraternity officials said. Williams retired in 2003 after serving 12 years on the bench.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue will hold its next free webinar on state tax issues on Dec. 28 at 9 a.m. CST. This second December session will focus on reporting out-of-state sales by delivery destination as well as a number of important changes that have been made to the filing process for these sales. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of department staff.