Most lawyers turn to mentors when a problem arises — constantly playing defense. But what if they switched to an “offensive” mindset? Mentor and mentee pair Buck Lewis and Brock Willis offer a proactive, strategic approach that emphasizes regular engagement and long-term growth rather than reactive crisis management. By meeting regularly with mentors and following a professional development plan, both new attorneys and experienced lawyers can maximize the benefits of mentorship for both parties.

Tennessee appellate practice is a precision business. Absent rare exceptions, the record is settled before an appeal begins, and well-defined procedural rules restrict the claims that litigants may raise on appeal. Daniel Horwitz breaks down Tennessee’s waiver rules and explains how to defend against waiver claims — essential tools in the appellate practitioner’s toolkit.

In this installment of President's Perspective, Heidi Barcus encourages lawyers to mentor others, not only because it strengthens the profession, it strengthens the community.

The Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) continues to refine its program as one of the top-tier professional clinical support and monitoring providers in the nation. Buddy Stockwell shares highlights from 2025 in this installment of The Buddy System.

What does it mean to be competent to stand trial? What happens when a defendant is truly not competent? Crime & Punishment columnist Wade Davies walks us through the different ways competency can be evaluated.

When Elvis Presley died in 1977, Shelby County Medical Examiner Dr. Jerry Francisco performed the autopsy, finding that Presley died of a heart attack and that there was no evidence of drug use. In History's Verdict, Russell Fowler describes the subsequent media frenzy and court cases that followed when reporters and others put aside the autopsy report in favor of scandal.

This issue's Closing Statements features answers to the question “How has the definition of success evolved throughout your legal career?”

Learn more about TBA's leadership in 2028, register for Day on the Hill, get an update on the TBA's new office construction and more!

Tennessee Bar Association members who have died recently are memorialized.

Read about the lawyers who have recently been reinstated, disbarred, suspended, censured or transferred their licenses to disability inactive status.

The trustees of the Justice Frank F. Drowota Trust, a charitable fund dedicated to providing supplemental financial support to direct providers of civil legal services, have announced grant recipients for 2025. Read more about the fund's work.