The TBA’s 36th Annual Health Law Forum kicked off yesterday in Franklin with a welcome from TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr. The two-day event is the premier health law program in the state, providing essential insights from health law providers, practitioners and regulators. Watch for a full report from the forum in Monday's issue of TBA Today. Lanquist spoke to the group about the opportunity to engage around policy issues that are important to the practice of law in Tennessee. He encouraged those in attendance to connect with TBA's Grassroots Advocacy efforts. One of the primary government affairs issues TBA remains committed to is improving delivery of legal services for indigent clients. The TBA is focused both on securing adequate resources to compensate the lawyers who do this important work and investing in new approaches to improve the indigent representation system in a way that benefits attorneys, the larger justice system and the public.

A three-judge panel, made up of Nashville Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal, 10th Judicial District Judge Sandra Donaghy and 25th Judicial District Chancellor Kasey Culbreath, on Thursday issued a ruling specifying certain conditions that fall under an exception for medical emergencies in Tennessee's law prohibiting abortion, reports the Tennessean. The ruling also blocks the state from taking disciplinary action against physicians for performing medically necessary abortions covered by the exceptions, which include previable preterm premature rupture of membranes and fatal fetal diagnoses that lead to maternal health conditions. The panel heard arguments in April on whether to issue the temporary injunction blocking the state's abortion ban for women who are suffering severe pregnancy complications or facing cases of lethal fetal conditions.

Buck Orrison from TBA's Member Insurance Solutions sat down with TBA’s Communications Coordinator Azya Thornton and answered members' questions regarding group health insurance in a recorded webinar. Enrollment for TBA's group health insurance is open now through Dec. 13.

The University of Memphis Law Review will host its 2025 symposium "The Ripple Effect: Examining the Supreme Court's Impact on the Public's Confidence in the Judicial Branch" on Feb. 21 at the law school. The event will explore issues related to public trust in the courts, including judicial transparency and challenges practitioners face in adhering to changes in common law doctrine. For more information, contact Senior Symposium Editor Megan Stillwell at mnstllwl@memphis.edu. 

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, organizations that serve victims of natural disasters are continuing to provide updated resources. The National Consumer Law Center has updated some of its natural disaster resources, including free publications for advocates assisting victims of natural disaster and others working to rebuild. In Tennessee, the Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services' website Help4TN and helpline 844-HELP4TN are always available and have specific resources and legal support for storm survivors. Lawyers from across the state are invited to complete this online form to volunteer to help disaster survivors. The TBA Disaster Resources page offers general information for those impacted by disasters, as well as those seeking to provide assistance. The TBA's Helene Disaster Response page has information and resources specific to this disaster.

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals delivered a ruling Friday that temporarily halted two permits needed to begin construction on a pipeline project proposed to fuel the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) combined-cycle natural gas facility at the site of the coal-fired Cumberland Fossil Plant that is being retired, the Associated Press reports. The panel's split 2-1 decision prevents Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company LLC from starting to build the 32-mile pipeline through Dickson, Houston and Stewart counties, which was reported to start as soon as this week. TVA’s plans to open more natural gas plants have brought opposition from advocates seeking a redirection from fossil fuels and into solar and other renewable energy. The case is set for oral arguments on Dec. 10. 

Tennessee Bar Journal Editor Julia Canada Wilburn spoke on a panel today at the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE) Communications Section Workshop in Raleigh, North Carolina. She focused her remarks on working with journal editorial boards. Other panelists talked about magazine layout and design, operations and finding new advertisers. The Communications Section holds its annual professional development workshop each fall in different cities across the country. TBA staff have a long history of participation and leadership in the section.

A federal judge has delayed sentencing for Desmond Mills Jr., one of the former Memphis police officers charged in the death of Tyre Nichols. U.S. District Judge Mark Norris moved the sentencing date to early next year after a petition from Mills’ attorney, the Daily Memphian reports. The move to postpone sentencing comes after two other former officers asked for acquittals of their convictions on charges related to Nichols’ death. Mills agreed to a federal plea in November 2023.

Belmont Law is hosting its first Reentry Simulation partnership with the Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministry on Oct. 25 from 1-4 p.m. CDT in the Baskin Building Commons Area, 1901 15th Ave S, Nashville 37212. During the simulation, attendees will take on a new identity and experience real-life situations that individuals face during reentry. Each participant is equipped with a "Life Card" detailing criminal background, living and job situations, and specific weekly tasks crucial for avoiding potential return to prison as they experience the first month of post-release life. Registration is free but required.

Faith-based leaders, law enforcement and community members will gather Oct. 24 for the “Protecting Places of Worship Forum” in Memphis. Hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service (CRS) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, the forum will address the growing concern over hate crimes targeting places of worship. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT at the FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms Park, 415 Great View Dr. E., Cordova 38018. Attendance is free, but registration is required. Get more information and register online.