In Memphis, Central High School educators Roland Wilson and Mary McIntosh are two of six plaintiffs taking a stand against Tennessee's "prohibited concepts" law. The law, enacted in 2021 amid debates around teaching critical race theory, restricts discussions on race and gender in classrooms. Wilson, a choir director known for his innovative teaching of African American spirituals, and McIntosh, a history teacher, argue that the law impedes their ability to provide a comprehensive understanding of American history. The Daily Memphian has the story.

The Tennessee Supreme Court is unfamiliar territory for most lawyers and success in this court requires not only thorough preparation but mastery of oral and written advocacy as well. This boot camp allows lawyers to observe oral arguments in real cases being presented to the court, followed by analysis and discussion on preparation, tips and considerations for deciding to seek review in the TSC. Join your colleagues in Nashville Oct. 4 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CDT and earn one dual and 3.75 general credits.

What happens when a client sorta, kinda lies? Is it really even a lie? And what’s a lawyer to do about it? Well, it depends. Is it in a tribunal or a negotiation? Is it a statement of fact or law? Stuart Teicher, the CLE Performer, is going to try to help you keep your head afloat by explaining it all. Topics include: a deep dive into Rule 3.3, an even deeper dive into Rule 3.3’s Comment [10] and a shallow swim around Rule 1.0(m) and the definition of a tribunal — discussion of Rule 4.1. Join your colleagues for this webcast on Oct. 12 from 9-10 a.m. CDT and earn one dual CLE credit.

Join members of the TBA Attorney Well Being Committee for a live interactive roundtable for law students and young lawyers on how best to manage work-life balance as a legal professional. This 45-minute Zoom event on March 28 at 12:30 p.m. CDT will feature seasoned lawyers discussing their day-to-day practice, and provide effective tools for personal well-being. The event is free and open to all currently enrolled law students and TBA members but registration is required. Questions and feedback are encouraged for this interactive roundtable. Submit questions in advance to jword@tnbar.org.

The Board of Claims voted earlier this month to award Adam Braseel $1 million for his wrongful imprisonment, reports the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Braseel served over 13 years for murder before being exonerated by Gov. Bill Lee in 2021. Braseel’s civil suit against the county government and officers of the sheriff’s department is pending.

A Germantown attorney filed a lawsuit Monday claiming the city failed to fulfill a public records request for documents related to last month’s diesel fuel spill, reports the Commercial Appeal. Residents first reported smelling diesel fuel in their water on July 20. Shortly after, the city issued an alert warning all residents to avoid city tap water. Officials initially said the diesel spill was around 100 gallons but later upgraded to "no more than 300 gallons.”

Julian Mann III, a former chief administrative law judge for North Carolina, today was named chair of the American Bar Association’s Judicial Division. Mann previously served 32 years as the state’s chief administrative law judge and director of the office of administrative hearings. In 2021, Mann received the Friend of the Court Award, the highest award bestowed by the state’s judicial branch, and the Order of the Longleaf Pine, the highest award for state service.

A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled yesterday that a law prohibiting users of illegal drugs from owning firearms was unconstitutional, reports Reuters. Citing a landmark 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the panel concluded that the original 1968 law violated the defendant's right to "keep and bear arms" under the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment.

University of Tennessee College of Law Dean Lonnie Brown has announced three new appointments to the school's leadership team. Michael Higdon, the W. Allen Separk Distinguished Professor of Law, has been named interim associate dean for academic affairs. Teri Baxter, the Williford Gragg Distinguished Professor, will serve as the interim associate dean for faculty development. And Brad Morgan, who joined the college in 2011, was named assistant dean for student affairs. Read more about the new appointees.

Join your colleagues in Nashville on Oct 4. for the Intersections of Family Law CLE hosted by the TBA Family Law Section. The program will examine how domestic law intersects with other legal segments, providing a more holistic view to incorporate into practice. Find out more and register here.