A law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly during the recent legislative session imposes a tax on international financial transfers. Months before the law is set to take effect, an association of financial technology institutions — which includes PayPal and SoFi — has filed a lawsuit that challenges its constitutionality. “This law raises taxes on Tennessee consumers, businesses, and non-profits, and contradicts recently passed federal law while also running afoul of the Foreign Commerce Clause in the U.S. Constitution,” Financial Technology Association President and CEO Penny Lee said, at the time the law was passed. The Nashville Banner reports on the suit.

Tennessee Attorney General (AG) Jonathan Skrmetti on Jan. 12 announced a multi-million dollar settlement with Metropolis Technologies Inc., following an investigation into its business practices in Tennessee. According to a press release, part of the settlement included millions of dollars in restitution for Tennessee consumers who were improperly charged by the company. The claims process for restitution payments opens today, and payments are expected to be made in early 2027. Some consumers will immediately begin receiving email notices with information about filing a claim to receive payment from the restitution. Eligible consumers need to provide documentation of these violations to receive payment. To be eligible for payment, one must have paid for a parking session at a Metropolis parking lot in Tennessee between July 2021 and Jan. 6, 2026; were wrongfully overcharged, ticketed or booted; and have not previously received a refund from Metropolis. The electronic claim form and more information can be found on the settlement website.

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals recently heard arguments in a challenge to Tennessee’s ban on the recruitment of minors to obtain out-of-state abortions without parental consent. Courthouse News reports that state attorneys argued the law does not restrict access to abortion or violate free speech rights. The plaintiffs, state Representative Aftyn Behn, D-Nashville, and abortion rights attorney Rachel Welty, sued over the law on First Amendment grounds. Two federal judges agreed with them, finding the law punished speech based on the opinion or perspective of the speaker. Read more about the appellate court proceeding.

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) released design renderings for the new federal courthouse planned for Vine Street in downtown Chattanooga. The project is designed to bring several federal court functions under one roof while creating a new landmark for the city. According to News Channel 9, the proposed courthouse will total about 191,000 square feet and house the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and the Circuit Library. The building also will include seven courtrooms, nine judges' chambers, 40 interior parking spaces and space for federal agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney's Office. GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst said the project is intended to combine security, efficiency and accessibility in a single facility. Additional project milestones, including a construction timeline, will be announced as the project moves forward.

The University of Tennessee Winston College of Law hosted its 2026 Orr Symposium on June 3, bringing together judges, lawyers, scholars and access to justice advocates to examine attorney shortages in Tennessee's rural "legal deserts" and discuss possible reforms. According to a release from the law school, the symposium explored issues such as alternative pathways to lawyer licensure, the use of trained non-lawyer legal professionals and strategies to expand legal services in underserved communities. Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mary Wagner said the court's recent call for public comment on potential regulatory reforms is intended to encourage statewide discussion about unmet legal needs. The program also highlighted findings from Tennessee's 2025 Civil Legal Needs Assessment and introduced the proposed Legal Desert Incubator Program, which would support new lawyers who commit to practicing in rural areas with limited legal representation.

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee is accepting applications for a new full-time magistrate judge position, with an anticipated start date of April 1, 2027, subject to congressional funding. Magistrate judges handle a variety of duties, including preliminary criminal proceedings, misdemeanor cases, pretrial matters and evidentiary hearings referred by district judges, as well as civil cases upon consent of the litigants. A merit selection panel composed of attorneys and community members will review applications and recommend the five most qualified candidates to the district judges. Application forms and more information on the magistrate judge position may be obtained from Clerk of Court Designee Vicki Kinkade, 719 Church Street, Suite 1300, Nashville 37203. The form is also available here. Applications are due by the close of business July 17 and should be submitted to magistrate@tnmd.uscourts.gov. Read the court's announcement for additional information.

President Donald Trump on Monday formally nominated acting Attorney General (AG) Todd Blanche to serve permanently as attorney general, according to The Hill. Blanche, who previously served as deputy attorney general and as Trump's personal attorney, has led the Department of Justice for the past two months following the dismissal of former AG Pam Bondi. His nomination now goes to the U.S. Senate for confirmation, where he is expected to need near-unanimous Republican support. Blanche was previously confirmed as deputy attorney general in a 52-46 Senate vote.

The Nashville School of Law awarded law degrees to 66 graduates during its 118th commencement ceremony on May 23 at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mary Wagner delivered the commencement address, encouraging graduates to respect the law, embrace service and define success on their own terms. During the ceremony, seven graduates were inducted into the Cooper’s Inn Honor Society for graduating in the top 10% of their class, and Taylor Jordan received the Founder’s Award for achieving the highest grade-point average. Dean William C. Koch Jr. and leaders also recognized graduates for pro bono service and celebrated the Class of 2026’s academic achievements and contributions to the legal community. Read more in a press release and see photos from commencement.

A settlement was reached in a lawsuit against the Knox County Sheriff’s Office saying deputies arrested the wrong man with the same name. According to Knox News, Justin Clark was arrested March 17 and stayed jailed for three days without anyone checking to see if deputies had the right man, according to his lawsuit. He sought $100,000 in compensatory damages and settled for $10,000, according to records from the Knox County Law Department. Clark’s lawsuit was originally filed in Knox County Circuit Court but was moved to U.S. District Court in early April. He sued the sheriff’s office and several unnamed deputies for false arrest and false imprisonment and violations of his constitutionally guaranteed Fourth and 14th Amendment rights.

Diversity Lab, a legal industry organization focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, is shutting down after facing funding pressures tied to scrutiny from the Trump administration, according to Bloomberg Law. The closure comes nearly four months after the group paused a core DEI program and furloughed most staff, citing depleted operating funds as it responded to federal actions. Diversity Lab, founded in 2013, is best known for the Mansfield Rule, which encouraged law firms to consider at least 30% of qualified underrepresented attorneys for hiring and promotion opportunities. The Trump administration has targeted DEI initiatives broadly, including the Mansfield Rule, arguing such programs may unlawfully consider race or sex in hiring decisions. Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson has also warned law firms about participation in the program, while critics of DEI efforts have argued they are inconsistent with federal anti-discrimination laws.