Among the 38,000 or so first-year law students who began their studies this year are 51 who did not make the cut when they applied two years ago. Instead of rejecting them outright at the time, 22 law schools sent these aspiring lawyers — most of whom were racial minorities — into a new, year-long program to prepare them for the rigors of legal education. The program, called LexPostBacc, is hosted by AccessLex Institute and guarantees law school admission and scholarships for those who finish. The first cohort had a completion rate of 69%, Reuters reports. Among the participating schools is Tennessee's Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law.

The Nashville Chapter of the American Constitutional Society is holding its annual U.S. Supreme Court Preview on Sept. 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. CDT at the Nashville offices of Holland & Knight. A virtual attendance option also is available. The event will feature New York University School of Law professor Melissa Murray, co-author of “Cases and Materials on Reproductive Rights and Justice” and co-host of the Supreme Court podcast “Strict Scrutiny.”

Baker Donelson has named J. Allen Roberts as the new managing shareholder of its Nashville office. Roberts succeeds Brigid Carpenter, who has been in the role since 2017, the Nashville Business Journal reports. Carpenter will remain with the firm, where her practice focuses on product liability defense and class-action defense. A Nashville native, Roberts has been with the firm for more than 11 years. He will continue his practice, which focuses on corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and public and private equity.

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals promised a swift ruling on the fate of Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care for minors following a hearing last week. A three-judge panel of the court heard arguments Friday on whether to set aside a lower court’s ruling temporarily blocking the law, Tennessee Lookout reports. The court previously intervened on an emergency basis, allowing the law to take effect until it could hear arguments in the case. Also on Friday, the court heard a nearly identical challenge to a ban on gender-affirming care for minors in Kentucky.

Chattanooga attorney John McConnell Wolfe Jr., a frequent candidate for political office, died Monday at 69. Wolfe earned his law degree from the University of Memphis School of Law. After graduating, he established a private practice as a trial attorney. A reflection on his life notes that Wolfe “was notorious for representing those with cases no one else wanted to take. He did his best to give a voice and justice to those who otherwise would not have access to it, focusing his practice on civil rights and many pro bono cases in his later practice years.” The Chattanoogan noted his many campaigns in its report: he ran unsuccessfully in 2012 and 2016 for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination; in 2007 for the state Senate; in 1998, 2002 and 2004 for the U.S. Congress; and in 2001 for Chattanooga mayor. Memorial donations may be made to the Notre Dame High School Tuition Assistance Program, 2701 Vermont Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37404 or to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 501 South Moore Road, Chattanooga, TN 37412.

U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Columbia, has once again drawn the ire of federal election officials, who have sent him two more warning letters, Tennessee Lookout reports. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is now threatening to audit and potentially fine Ogles’ campaign account for possible improper reporting and illegal contributions, including an alleged contribution exceeding allowed limits and alleged illegal corporate donations. Ogles is a first-year congressman who won the newly-drawn Tennessee 5th Congressional District previously held by Jim Cooper.

The Memphis mayoral and municipal election is set for Oct. 5 when voters will choose between 17 candidates for mayor, a host of candidates for city council and three candidates for city court clerk (though the city council recently passed an initial ordinance ending elections for that office). Current clerk Myron Lowery is not seeking reelection. Candidates are Demeatrise Givens, Janice Hooker and Michael R. Williams. Candidates for mayor include Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner, state Rep. Karen Camper, businessman J. W. Gibson, former mayor Willie W. Herenton, county school board member Michelle McKissack and former Memphis NAACP president Van Turner. Current mayor Jim Strickland is term limited. Early voting runs from Sept. 15-30. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Sept. 28. See the full list of races and candidates in the Commercial Appeal.

A second federal judge in Tennessee has ruled against a new law aimed at limiting drag performances in public places, the Associated Press reports. U.S. District Judge Ronnie Greer of Knoxville on Friday granted a temporary restraining order against District Attorney Ryan Desmond preventing him from enforcing the state law against a Blount County Pride festival over the weekend. The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee and other civil rights lawyers brought the lawsuit on behalf of festival organizers. The decision is the second in the state to block the law. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Parker ruled over the summer that the law was unconstitutional and blocked its enforcement in Shelby County.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Standing Committee on Ethics and Professional Responsibility released a formal opinion today providing a roadmap to help lawyers stay within the parameters of ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct when they prepare a witness or client to testify before a deposition or adjudicative proceeding. Formal Opinion 508 explains the difference between legitimate witness preparation and guidance and unethical efforts to influence witness testimony, especially in the era of remote proceedings.

The repayment pause on federal student loans ended Aug. 31. Interest will begin to accrue this month and payments will begin again in October. TBA member benefit partner SoFi is offering a free webinar on Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. CDT to educate members about next steps, so resuming payments can feel as manageable and stress-free as possible. Topics to be covered include the latest news on federal student loans and payments resuming, tips to help manage student loan debt, and how to use relevant information and tools to make informed decisions. Register for the webinar or learn more about SoFi’s loan and refinancing services at SoFi.com/TBA.