Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti is joining a multistate lawsuit against Mariner Finance over widespread violations of multiple consumer protection laws. The suit alleges that Mariner Finance charged consumers for hidden add-on products that consumers were not fully informed about or, in some instances, did not agree to buy, and that Mariner engages in illegal, aggressive sales tactics to extend credit to new borrowers. Any consumer who believes they have been deceived by Mariner’s harmful practices can file a complaint with Tennessee.

Knoxville's Union Ave. Books will host author Steven Hale in conversation with LMU Law professor Jason R. Smith on April 11 regarding Hale's new book, "Death Row Welcomes You: Visiting Hours in the Shadow of the Execution Chamber." In 2018, after nearly a decade’s hiatus, the state of Tennessee began executing death row inmates, bucking national trends that showed the death penalty in decline. In less than two years, the state put seven men to death, more than any other state but Texas in that time period. Hale was the leading reporter on these executions and in his book he traces the lives of condemned prisoners at the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution and the people who come to visit them. This free event will take place at 6 p.m. EDT at 517 Union Ave., Knoxville 37902. Get more information and RSVP here. Listen to an interview of Hale by the Nashville Banner or read an excerpt from the book.

Twice within the first six months of her employment with the state, Tennessee Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds signed forms certifying she had been a state employee for more than six months (the minimum requirement for free tuition eligibility for state employees) as she sought a tuition waiver for classes at the University of Tennessee at Martin, reports The Tennessean. In response to inquiries from the news outlet this week about the tuition waiver forms, the Department of Education said Reynolds filed the paperwork as the result of "an administrative error," and recently repaid the tuition money. Reynolds' qualifications to hold her position have come under scrutiny in recent months.

Vanderbilt University announced that it has hired Nashville attorney Aubrey B. Harwell Jr. to review the school’s response to a student demonstrations last week, as well as the campus media access policy. Nashville Scene reporter Eli Motycka was covering the student protest and was arrested by campus police. Four student demonstrators were also arrested and several others suspended. The Tennessean reports that Vanderbilt University Chancellor Daniel Diermeier said the university’s response to media on campus was a “rightful concern” and a “free speech issue.” The review comes after strong criticism of the arrests from community members and public officials.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has temporarily suspended Shelby County lawyer Sheila L. Robinson-Beasley after finding that she misappropriated funds and property for her personal use, and poses a threat of substantial harm to the public. The suspension will remain in effect until dissolution or modification by the court.

Williamson County lawyer Randy Wayne "R.W." Hardison was reinstated to the practice of law today after being suspended for five years by the Tennessee Supreme Court on April 17, 2019, retroactive to a temporary suspension imposed on Aug. 29, 2017. On Oct. 12, 2023, Hardison filed a reinstatement petition and the court found it to be satisfactory.

The Tennessee Supreme Court censured Shelby County lawyer William Ray Glasgow on April 3. The court found that a lawsuit Glasgow filed on behalf of a client against a sitting judge lacked any meritorious basis in fact or law, and was done solely to advance his own interests as a candidate challenging the judge in an upcoming judicial election. The court also found that the lawsuit contained a false or reckless statement that the sitting judge had engaged in "constructive kidnapping" of a minor child with "willful and deliberate malice and intent" while presiding over a dependent and neglect proceeding. These actions violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.3, 3.1, 4.4(a)(l), 8.2(a) and 8.4(d).

A number of legal groups will hold a free virtual name change clinic via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. EDT on April 11, Chattanoogan.com reports. Pre-registration is required by April 10 by calling 423-402-4766. After the virtual clinic, clients will gather on the fifth floor of The Edney on April 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT to sign and notarize completed documents. The clinic is sponsored by Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET), the Chattanooga Bar Association, the TBA Young Lawyers Division, Chattanooga Trans Liberation Collective and the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.

A three-judge panel meeting in Nashville heard arguments on whether to issue a temporary injunction blocking the state's abortion ban for women who are suffering severe pregnancy complications or facing cases of lethal fetal conditions. The lawsuit, Blackmon v. State of Tennessee, was brought on behalf of several women by lawyers at the Center for Reproductive Rights and others. The Tennessean reports on the hearing, which was presided over by 20th Judicial District Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal, 10th Judicial District Criminal Court Judge Sandra Donaghy and 25th Judicial District Chancellor Kasey Culbreath. A recording of the proceeding is available to watch online.

U.S. Rep. John Rose, R-Cookeville, has confirmed that he is looking at a potential 2026 race for governor, The Tennessee Journal reports. “Well, it’s something I’m thinking about,” the three-term congressman and former state agriculture commissioner said after hosting a discussion with Republican state lawmakers in Nashville. Rose, who represents Tennessee's Sixth Congressional District, held the event to discuss federal and state issues. Gov. Bill Lee will be term-limited from running again when his current term expires in 2026.