Davidson County Fourth Circuit Court Judge Stan Kweller has announced that he is running for a full term. Kweller, who has more than 40 years of experience in the legal profession, was appointed to fill a vacancy on the court in January 2023 following the death of Judge Phil Smith. The special election to fill the seat will coincide with the presidential primary election on March 5, 2024. Read Kweller’s official announcement or learn more about his campaign at kwellerforjudge.com.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti recently filed what his office says is the “first-of-its-kind consumer protection lawsuit” against asset manager BlackRock Inc. The complaint alleges that Blackrock made false or misleading representations to current and potential consumers about the extent to which Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations affected its investment strategies. Skrmetti said, “BlackRock’s inconsistent statements about its investment strategies deprived consumers of the ability to make an informed choice.” The enforcement action seeks injunctive relief, civil penalties and recoupment of the state’s costs. Read more in a release from the attorney general’s office. 

Ashley McKenzie Smith — the mother of Jaylin McKenzie — has filed a pro se complaint in federal court against the Memphis Police Department and the city of Memphis for the death of her son. According to the Commercial Appeal, Smith alleges her son was killed in December 2022 during a high-speed police pursuit that followed a failed attempt to pull over his vehicle. The Shelby County District Attorney's Office announced this past fall it would not charge the police officer involved in the shooting, but would provide refresher training.

The Community Legal Center (CLC) will hold its Pro Se Parent's Clinic tomorrow and Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST. The clinic assists non-custodial parents obtain visitation rights and those seeking uncontested divorces with minor children. For more information visit the CLC online or email tinap@clcmemphis.org. On Thursday, Memphis Area Legal Services will hold its Courthouse Legal Advice Clinic from 1-3 p.m. CST at the Shelby County Courthouse. This clinic helps pro se litigants with an active or post judgment case in General Sessions Court. Attorneys willing to help can volunteer online.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee is seeking furniture donations for an upcoming office expansion. The agency is expanding to a second location in Knoxville to focus on housing stability and eviction prevention. It is requesting donations of unwanted desks, chairs, cabinets and other furniture. Those who have items to donate should contact Zachary Arnold, 865-251-4955.

The flag-draped casket of retired U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor arrived at the Supreme Court building today for a private ceremony with the current justices and O’Connor’s family, Reuters reports. The body of the nation’s first female justice will lay in repose until 8 p.m. EST today so members of the public can pay their respects. A private funeral service will be held tomorrow at the National Cathedral. O'Connor died Dec. 1 at age 93. See photos from this morning's activities from Reuters.

Artis Whitehead was released from prison last week after spending 20 years behind bars for a robbery and kidnapping on Beale Street he and the Tennessee Innocence Project say he did not commit. The Commercial Appeal reports that Whitehead's attorneys argued he should be granted a new trial, citing advances in eyewitness identification sciences, Brady violations by the Memphis Police Department and original prosecutor, and a dubious CrimeStoppers tip. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Fitzgerald granted the request for a new trial but the Shelby County District Attorney's Office says it will not re-try the case. That means Whitehead's record will show as if he was charged and had his case dropped.

There is still time to register for the TBA's Law & Culture in Ireland CLE program but spots are filling up! The trip will take place May 7-13, 2024. Two travel options are available: a four-night trip to Dublin and a six-night trip to Dublin and Belfast. In conjunction with CLE Abroad, travelers will engage with local experts, academics, officials and change makers who will offer in-depth commentary on the EU and UK legal-political systems, economics, environmental justice, history and religion. In Dublin, the group also will explore ancient castles, visit landmarks, museums and notable legal institutions, and sample local cuisine. In Belfast, travelers will learn about the region's unique political history, Good Friday Agreement, ongoing reconciliation efforts and peace process. Add on trips to the West Coast and Cliffs of Moher also are available. View a brochure for the trip or learn more online.

The Memphis Bar Association (MBA) established The Honorable Gina C. Higgins Endowment Fund in recognition of Judge Higgins’ exemplary service to the Summer Law Internship Program (SLIP). The MBA surprised Higgins when it announced the endowment fund at its annual meeting on Dec. 7, which happened to be Higgins’ birthday. Prior to the public announcement, the fund already reached $158,000. It is managed through the Memphis Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the MBA, and will be funded by 100% tax deductible donations. Read more about SLIP and the endowment in a press release from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

A former employee of the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury on Monday filed a lawsuit in federal court, alleging that leaders in the state office forced her to resign the day after she informed them she was changing her name and preferred pronouns as part of a gender transition. The Nashville Post reports that the plaintiff worked as a field staff auditor for the comptroller for more than 14 years until January 2022. She alleges in the lawsuit that supervisors forced her to resign because of her gender transition.