State, ACLU to Settle Suit Over Sanctuary Policies Law

The Tennessee Attorney General's (AG) Office plans to settle a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union-Tennessee (ACLU), which challenged a state law penalizing local officials who support sanctuary city policies. According to WPLN, the state concedes it cannot support the law’s constitutionality, saying it “infringes[s] on principles of legislative immunity and independence.” It thus has agreed not to enforce the law. Last year, the AG's office said it was open to a settlement. In a recent statement to the news outlet, AG Jonathan Skrmetti said: “Sanctuary policies remain illegal in Tennessee, but city and county officials cannot be imprisoned for voting for such policies. As a result, we agreed that dismissal of this case was the appropriate outcome.” According to Tennessee Lookout, the settlement must be approved by the courts before it takes effect. Read more from the ACLU.

U.S. Attorney Dunavant Adds Lawyers, Support Staff

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant of the Western District of Tennessee has announced the recent hiring and assignment of five new assistant U.S. attorneys. They are Jennifer Collins, Meghan Fowler, Raven Icaza, Gavin Smith and Irris Williams. He also announced one new special assistant U.S. attorney, Darrius Samples, and two new support staff positions in his office. “With the dramatic increase in our case filings since October, these new positions are much needed, and a welcome addition to our outstanding staff who effectively represents the United States, enforces the rule of law, and protects public safety in West Tennessee every day,” Dunavant said. Read more about the new hires in a press release.

YLD Announces 2026-2027 Board Members, 3 Vacancies

Memphis attorney and TBA YLD President-elect Jennifer Sneed-Perry has announced the members of the 2026-2027 YLD Board who will take office at the TBA Convention in June. Joining her in leadership will be President-elect Darius Walker Jr., Vice President Zack Walden, Secretary Patrick Morrison, Treasurer Ashley Tipton, East Tennessee Governor Samantha Ellis, Middle Tennessee Governor Alix Rogers, West Tennessee Governor Faith Watson, Immediate Past President Alex McVeagh, and Past Presidents Sean Aiello and Billy Leslie. Sneed-Perry also announced those who will serve as district representatives and committee chairs. See the full list of members. During her year in office, Sneed-Perry plans to focus on educating attorneys on estate planning through continuing education and pro bono clinics across the state. She will expand the YLD's commitment to serving law students by appointing six law student liaisons to the YLD Board. Finally, she announced three vacancies that still need to be filled. Those interested in being considered as the district representative for the 2nd, 10th or 12th district should email a statement of interest and a resume to Laura Labenberg by April 1. Learn more about the openings.

Memphis Family Files $35M Wrongful Death Suit Against Youth Villages

The family of Matthew De'Marcus Williams, a 22-year-old shot and killed during a Memphis Allies SWITCH program meeting on April 9, 2025, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Youth Villages seeking $35 million in damages. SWITCH enlists people whom it identifies as being at the highest risk for engaging in gun violence; Williams was a participant. The Daily Memphian reports that attorneys for Williams' family allege the organization ignored multiple warning signs — including a known conflict between rival gang members attending the same sessions and the shooting death of another participant just two days prior — and failed to take additional safety precautions. In a statement, Youth Villages maintained that safety has always been a top priority, noting that metal detectors, armed security and other measures were in place that day, and that the organization has evaluated and enhanced its security protocols since the incident.

Photo of Williams: The Cochran Firm Mid-South

AG's Office Announces 2025 Top 10 Consumer Complaint Categories

In honor of National Consumer Protection Week, the Tennessee Attorney General’s (AG) Office Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) on Monday announced the top 10 complaint categories for 2025. In addition, DCA announced that it helped Tennessee consumers recover more than $3.6 million in cash, merchandise and services in 2025 through its voluntary mediation program. Last year, DCA received 9,938 formal consumer complaints and worked to route each to the appropriate agency or mediate disputes directly between consumers and businesses. The division’s informal mediation process provides a free, good-faith pathway to resolve disagreements involving purchases of products or services for personal or household use. “Our goal is simple — help Tennesseans resolve disputes and protect their hard-earned money,” said AG Jonathan Skrmetti. “In 2025, that work translated into real results for thousands of families across the state.” Read more in a press release.

U.S. District Court, Eastern Division, Announces Annual Essay Contest

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, Chattanooga Division, and the Chattanooga Chapter of the Federal Bar Association have announced the topic for their annual civics essay contest. This year, students will respond to the question, "Does the Fourth Amendment protect a cell phone user’s location data?" The contest is open to public, private and home school students in 6th to 12th grade in Bedford, Bledsoe, Bradley, Coffee, Franklin, Grundy, Hamilton, Lincoln, McMinn, Marion, Meigs, Moore, Polk, Rhea, Sequatchie, Warren and Van Buren counties in Tennessee; and Dade, Catoosa and Walker counties in Georgia. Entries for the contest should be emailed to chattcivicsessay@gmail.com or mailed to Civics Essay Contest, Attn: Kelly L. Walsh, U.S. Courthouse, 900 Georgia Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37402 by March 27. Visit the court's website for more information.

TBA Legislative Updates Podcast Covers Adoption, Probate, Family Law Bills

TBA’s Legislative Updates podcast is new this week with attorneys and TBA lobbyists Berkley Schwarz of Pier Strategies LLC and Brad Lampley and Ashley Harbin of Adams & Reese. This week's episode covers adoption bill SB2165/HB2350, probate bill SB2184/HB2451 and family law bill SB2324/HB2429. Tune in to the podcast on the TBA website or through this link. Attorneys may also support the TBA’s lobbying efforts by contributing to LAWPAC.

Senate OKs Bill to Expedite Appeals of Certain Trial Court Rulings

The Tennessee Senate passed SB1731 — sponsored by Sen. John Stevens, R-Huntingdon — on Feb. 23 by a vote of 26-6. The House Judiciary Committee is set to consider its version of the bill — HB1791 sponsored by Rep. Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville — on March 4. The legislation would authorize the attorney general to make immediate appeals of initial trial court rulings in certain cases brought against the state. These include rulings (1) granting, continuing or modifying injunctions against the state; (2) denying sovereign or qualified immunity for state officials; and (3) denying motions to dismiss in cases challenging the constitutionality of state laws, executive orders or administrative rules. Normally, the state would have to wait for a final judgment from the trial court before appealing. Supporters of the bills argue that waiting for a final judgment can drag cases out for years. Opponents warn it gives the state an unfair advantage. The Nashville Post has more on the bill.

Lt. Gov. McNally Won’t Seek Reelection Citing Health Concerns

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally announced on the floor of the state Senate that he would not seek reelection later this year, ending a nearly five-decade career in the legislature. According to the Nashville Banner, the Oak Ridge Republican was first elected to the House in 1978 and to the Senate in 1986. He succeeded Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey in the top job in 2017. McNally, who is 82 years old, cited health considerations for his decision.

Meet the Candidates for Knox Sessions Judge Division 6

Three candidates for Knox County General Session Court, Division 6, judge recently were profiled by Knox TN Today. The candidates — Andrea Kline and Rhonda Lee on the Republican ballot and Ben Houston II as the sole Democratic candidate — share their views on why they want to serve on the bench, what their top three priorities are for the court, how they will make good use of taxpayer money and more. The primary will be held May 5. The winners will face off in the general election on Aug. 6.

Shelby Court Clerk Races Draw Contenders Ahead of May Primary

The Shelby County Election Commission approved a list of candidates for the May 5 Democratic and Republican county primary elections during its meeting last week with several key court clerk races drawing multiple contenders. Jamita E. Swearengen, the current circuit court clerk, is running unopposed for reelection. Juvenile Court Clerk Janeen Gordon, a Democrat, faces two challengers in the primary, with no Republican candidate qualifying. Criminal Court Clerk Heidi Kuhn is not eligible for reelection due to term limits and instead is seeking the county mayor’s office, leaving a field of five Democrats — Rheunte E. Benson, Lawrence Denton Jr., Wanda Halbert, Carla Stotts and Joe Towns Jr. — and one Republican, Edquardo Jamison, to compete for her seat. Probate Court Clerk Eddie Jones, also a Democrat, is up for reelection and faces challenger William Chism Jr. No Republican entered that race. Read more about the candidates in the Commercial Appeal.

March/April Issue of the Tennessee Bar Journal Is Online!

The March/April issue of the Tennessee Bar Journal is now available online! The cover story by mentor and mentee pair Buck Lewis and Brock Willis offers a proactive, strategic approach that emphasizes regular engagement and long-term growth rather than reactive crisis management. In her President's Perspective column, Heidi Barcus also encourages lawyers to mentor others, not only because it strengthens the profession, but also because it strengthens the community. A feature story by Daniel Horwitz on waiver rules in Tennessee appellate procedures and columns on TLAP's 2025 annual report, competency to stand trial and Elvis' autopsy cases offer a wide variety of reading on topics of interest to Tennessee lawyers. Also get an update from the Drowota Trust and news from the TBA, including new leadership coming in 2028 and an update on construction at the new TBA office.

Volunteers Needed for Expungement Clinic in Murfreesboro

Volunteers are needed for an expungement clinic on March 14 from 9 a.m. to noon CDT at Greenhouse Ministries located at 307 Academy St., Murfreesboro 37130. The TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) will be collaborating with Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands to hold the event. To volunteer contact YLD District Representative Alyssa Fox. View a flyer for the event.

Debt Relief Legal Advice Clinic Set for March 28

The Knoxville Bar Association and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, in partnership with Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET), will hold a Debt Relief Clinic on March 28 to provide pro bono legal services to income-eligible consumer debtors. The clinic will begin at 9 a.m. EDT at the Knox County Public Defender's Community Law Office, 1101 Liberty St., Knoxville 37919. Judge Suzanne Bauknight will present a short overview of the bankruptcy system and then volunteer lawyers will conduct initial meetings with the clients to discuss their situations and options. Those interested in helping should register online. Clients seeking advice should call 865-637-0484.

Register Now for TBA's Day on the Hill, Big Shrimp Legislative Reception

The TBA’s 4th Annual Day on the Hill and the Big Shrimp legislative reception will take place March 18 in Nashville. The day will begin at 10:30 a.m. CDT at the Cordell Hull Building with presentations from TBA’s lobbying team and members of the General Assembly. Attendees then will meet with various legislators throughout the day, focusing on building relationships, championing TBA’s legislative priorities and advocating for elimination of the professional privilege tax. After the day’s meetings, attendees are invited to join colleagues, lawmakers and legislative staff at Hotel Indigo Nashville from 5-7 p.m. for the perennial favorite Big Shrimp legislative reception. The hotel is located at 315 Union St., Nashville 37201. Register here or email govaffairs@tnbar.org with questions.

Winston Law's Blackshear Gala Set for March 21

Join the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law for the 26th Annual Julian Blackshear Jr. Scholarship Gala, a tradition honoring one of Winston Law’s first Black graduates and celebrating the school's commitment to expanding access to legal education. This event supports the Julian Blackshear Scholarship Endowment, which helps recruit exceptional future students. Iké Adeyemi, senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary of Eastman Chemical is this year’s keynote speaker. Attendees should register by March 13.

Former Dickson Judge Dies at 77

Dickson Judge Shipp Robbley Weems died Nov. 14, 2025, at age 77. While attending the Nashville YMCA Night Law School (now Nashville School of Law), Weems was a teacher at White Bluff Elementary School. At the age of 29, he became the youngest Dickson city judge of record. In 1986, he established the state's first Public Defender Pilot Program. Following its success, the state adopted the model, leading to the creation of the Public Defender’s Office as it exists today. Weems also served as the elected public defender in Dickson County and surrounding counties for several decades, then served as assistant public defender in Columbia and its surrounding counties until retirement. In 2025, Weems’ daughter established the Weems-Rezapour Family Scholarship for Justice and Public Service in his honor. The scholarship supports high school seniors in Florida (where she lives and practices) who demonstrate integrity, civic engagement and a commitment to careers connected to justice and community leadership. Donations in Weems’ memory can be made here.

Memphis Lawyer Dies at 76

Memphis lawyer Byrd Douglas Earthman died Feb. 19 at the age of 76. Originally from Kingsport, Earthman moved to Nashville as a child when his father, an attorney, took a job with the Gov. Frank Clement administration. After receiving his law degree in 1973 from Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis) Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law, Earthman began a 20-year career with the Waring Cox law firm. He later served as a senior vice president at ServiceMaster Diversified Health Services. He returned to private practice at Armstrong Allen and finished his legal career at Glankler Brown. Earthman focused his private practice on municipal bonds and real estate matters. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice or the Earthman-Lambeth Family Fund with the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly (choose "Make a Gift" at the bottom of the page and then click on "use this donation as a memorial gift" and specify the fund name in the special instructions field).

Davidson County Lawyer Suspended

The Tennessee Supreme Court on Feb. 27 suspended Davidson County lawyer Michael Lloyd Freeman from the practice of law for six years with four years to be served on active suspension and the remaining two years to be served on probation. Additionally, Freeman must obtain an evaluation by the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP), pay restitution and  engage a practice monitor. A hearing panel found that during the representation of multiple clients, Freeman acted outside the scope of representation, acted in a way that was prejudicial to the administration of justice, and failed to protect client funds, communicate with clients, and act competently and diligently. These actions were found to violate Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct 1.1, 1.15, 1.16, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.2, 3.4 and 8.4.

Union County Lawyer Censured

The Tennessee Supreme Court on March 2 publicly censured Union County lawyer Anthony Marvin Avery for actions during representation of a client in a partition action. During the representation, the court found that Avery failed to provide his client with copies of relevant pleadings and following termination, failed to provide the client with her file. Upon termination of services by the client, Avery delayed his withdrawal and while still counsel of record, attended litigation related matters and failed to protect the interests of his client. The court found that Avery violated Rules of Professional Conduct 1.2, 1.3, 1.16 and 8.4(a).

Shelby County Lawyer Censured

Shelby County attorney Handel R. Durham Jr. received a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court on March 3. The court found that Durham mistakenly believed that an existing client had retained both him and another attorney for a separate matter and that the representation would be under the same arrangement as the existing representation. There was no written fee agreement executed for the new matter. The attorneys then improperly attempted to collect a contingency fee of approximately 33.3% from the client. These actions were found to violate Rules of Professional Conduct 1.5(c), 7.1 and 8.4(a).

15 Lawyers Suspended for Fee, 8 for IOLTA Violations

The Tennessee Supreme Court on Feb. 25 suspended 15 attorneys for failure to pay the annual registration fee, eight of whom also failed to file proof that client funds are held in an IOLTA-compliant account. View the fee suspension order and IOLTA suspension order. Lawyers reinstated in the last month include six in 2026, two in 2025 and one in 2024. Access all administrative suspensions dating back to 2005.

Sullivan County Lawyer Reinstated

On Feb. 24, the Tennessee Supreme Court reinstated Sullivan County lawyer Ricky A.W. Curtis to the active practice of law. Curtis was temporarily suspended on Jan. 22 for failing to respond to the Board of Professional Responsibility concerning a complaint of misconduct. The board confirmed that the petition for reinstatement was satisfactory.

TBA’s Bankruptcy Law Forum Set for April 24–25

The TBA will host its 21st Annual Bankruptcy Law Forum April 24 and 25 in Gatlinburg, offering a two-day educational retreat focused on developments in bankruptcy law. The program will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn and will feature presentations from bankruptcy judges and practitioners from across Tennessee and the Southeast, including judges from the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts in the Eastern, Middle and Western districts of Tennessee, as well as the Northern District of Georgia. The forum includes a full day of programming on April 24, followed by a networking reception and dinner, with additional sessions concluding late morning April 25. Lodging reservations must be made by March 24 to ensure availability. For more information visit the TBA website.

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