A report by the ABA Commission on Women in the Profession reveals that mothers in the legal field are more likely than fathers to experience negative workplace experiences, such as disparaging comments, lower compensation and fewer advancement opportunities. The report highlights that 61% of mothers in law firms have encountered demeaning comments about being a working parent, while 60% of mothers in other practice settings also faced such comments. It emphasizes the need for legal employers to address these challenges to retain and advance women lawyers with children and suggests best practices and policies to support female lawyers with families, including flexible work arrangements and comprehensive family health insurance.

Nine Shelby County corrections officers, indicted for their alleged roles in the death of inmate Gershun Freeman, appeared in court for the first time. The Daily Memphian reports that the officers were charged in connection with Freeman's death following an altercation in the Shelby County Jail in 2022. Two of the officers, Courtney Parham and Stevon Jones, face second-degree murder and aggravated assault charges, while the others face charges of aggravated assault resulting in death. The officers are set to return to court on Dec. 1 for a report date. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Freeman's family, emphasized the significance of video evidence in obtaining the criminal indictments.

Tennessee's Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee chairman has warned against rejecting federal K-12 education funds, arguing that doing so would send Tennessee taxpayer money elsewhere. While he supports a thorough review of federal requirements tied to education funds, Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, stresses that these federal dollars are, in fact, taxpayer funds from Tennessee. The Tennessee Lookout reports that a group of House and Senate members is set to study federal education funding, examining the mandates and the possibility of recommending their rejection. Federal funds account for more than a third of Tennessee's budget, making this a significant issue for the state.

The newly created 19th Judicial District in Montgomery County has a new judge. Ashleigh Travis was sworn in as circuit court judge on Oct. 6 by Judge Jill Ayers of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. The Administrative Office of the Courts reports that Travis, most recently a child support magistrate judge, joins Judges Katy Olita, William R. Goodman, Robert Bateman, Joel Wallace Jr. and Adrienne Fry in representing Montgomery and Robertson counties as circuit court judges.

Tennessee has agreed to pay $150,000 to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Dr. Michelle Fiscus, the state's former top vaccine official. Fiscus was terminated in 2021 after facing criticism over her department's promotion of the COVID-19 vaccine for minors. WKRN has more details.

The upcoming Knoxville municipal runoff election features three competitive races. In the race for municipal judgeship, incumbent Judge John Rosson Jr., with over three decades on the bench, faces challenger Tyler Caviness, a former public defender advocating for fresh perspectives and better accessibility to justice. The city council at large, Seat B race pits community advocate Debbie Helsley against homebuilder R. Bentley Marlow, with both candidates focusing on addressing housing shortages and increasing homelessness resources. In the city council at large, Seat C race, incumbent Amelia Parker faces real estate developer Tim Hill, with Parker emphasizing progressive causes and affordable housing while Hill advocates for increased public safety and using density and public-private funding to address housing shortages. The election is on Nov. 7, following early voting through Nov. 2. The Tennessee Lookout has in depth coverage on the race.

Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS) will hold three legal clinics in November. The “Attorney of the Day Clinic” will take place Nov. 2 and 16 from 1-3 p.m. CST at the Shelby County Courthouse, 140 Adams Ave., Room 134, Memphis 38103. The monthly Saturday clinic at the Benjamin Hooks Library will take place Nov. 11 beginning at 10 a.m. The library is located at 3030 Poplar Ave., Memphis 38111. For both clinics, clients will be served on a first come, first served basis. For questions or to volunteer contact Heather Staggs or Walter Casey.

Public speaking is a core leadership skill and in today’s business environment, attorneys are expected to be comfortable with everything from moderating a panel discussion to leading a virtual meeting. Mimi Bliss of Bliss Communications has updated her highly-rated CLE on virtual presentations to cover a range of professional situations, from virtual courtrooms to professional conferences, panel discussions and informal communications. In this on-demand workshop, you’ll learn how to sharpen your message; engage your audience; master the virtual presentation, including technology tools, lighting and set-up; and use voice, gestures and eye contact to speak effectively. Attorneys who participated in last year’s workshop said the speaking tips were actionable and relevant to lawyers. Join us online Nov. 15 from noon to 1 p.m. CST for this CLE and receive one dual credit hour.

Tennessee is suing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) over millions of dollars in family planning funding the state lost after it violated federal requirements for clinics to counsel clients on all reproductive health options, including abortion, the Tennessean reports. In the complaint filed in federal court in Knoxville, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti argues HHS rules about Title X requirements have flip-flopped in recent years and that the HHS requirement violates Tennesseans' "First Amendment rights not to engage in speech or conduct that facilitates abortions."

The deadline for applying for the Tennessee Bar Association’s Leadership Law 2024 class is Nov 3. Contact Paul Burch pburch@tnbar.org if you have questions about the program or the application process.