Nashville lawyer Ashley L. Upkins was sworn in as president of the National Bar Association at the group’s annual meeting in Las Vegas in August. becoming the first Tennessee woman to serve in the role. Upkins was elected president-elect in 2024 and has been preparing for her year in office. In a recent statement, Upkins called on members to join in advancing the organization’s mission of advocacy and service. She noted the NBA’s long history of protecting civil and political rights, improving economic conditions and upholding the integrity of the legal profession. “Together, we have the power to shape history, safeguard democratic ideals and leave a lasting legacy of justice and equality,” she said in a release. Upkins is serving as the 83rd president of the association, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

The Tennessee Attorney General’s (AG) Office has announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has closed a matter in which it alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners (TBLE) and the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP). DOJ opened an investigation in 2023 after TBLE referred two bar applicants with histories of concerning conduct to TLAP, which required those applicants to comply with reasonable medical assessments and monitoring as conditions for practicing law in Tennessee. The office called the investigation a "baseless overreach" in a press release announcing DOJ's decision. The TBLE oversees attorney admissions, ensuring candidates meet required standards of character and fitness. TLAP provides confidential support to attorneys facing substance abuse, mental health and related challenges. Both organizations operate under the authority of the Tennessee Supreme Court, which has long promoted policies ensuring fair treatment for all applicants.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) recently announced that it has received a generous gift to establish the James T. McCoin II Memorial Scholarship Endowment, which will support undergraduate students who intend to pursue law school following graduation. To qualify for this scholarship, students must hold at least 75 credits toward degree completion, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better and be enrolled full-time. McCoin was an APSU graduate and lawyer who advocated for youth and community-focused clients. "This scholarship honors James's legacy as someone who dedicated his career to advocating for youth and creating positive environments across Tennessee," said endowment funder Angie McCoin. "By supporting future law students, we hope to continue the important community-focused work that was so central to James's professional life."

Nashville General Sessions Court officials are moving forward with a plan to add six judicial assistants to help night court judges set and enforce bond conditions, aiming to close gaps in criminal history checks and ensure defendants sign off on bond terms. Supporters, including Judge Jim Todd, say the changes will improve public safety and enforcement, especially with a new law making bond violations an arrestable offense. Public Defender Martesha Johnson, by contrast, warned the process could pressure defendants into self-incrimination and compromise judicial neutrality, since many arrestees will not yet have access to legal counsel when questioned. Metro Nashville Police Department spokesperson Don Aaron said the goal is for a patrol officer who pulls someone over for a traffic violation to be able to see if the person is violating a current bond condition, information that is not immediately accessible now. The Nashville Banner has the story.

Former Knox County Juvenile Court Magistrate Robin Gunn has filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was illegally discriminated against and fired for opposing unconstitutional practices in the juvenile court system. Gunn, the only Black member of the county judiciary, alleges Judge Timothy Irwin and Family Services Supervisor Stacey Turpin engineered her termination after she objected to policies she claims violated due process and parental rights, and after a dispute over handling a custody case that led to an endangered child alert. Knox News reports that the suit contends her race played a role in how her actions were judged, and that she faced retaliation including reprimands, surveillance and exclusion before being fired on Sept. 16, 2024.

Phillip Young, a partner in the Nashville-based Thompson Burton law firm, has been appointed receiver for Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey amid a lawsuit alleging more than $100 million in loan defaults to Farm Credit Mid-America. According to the Nashville Post, U.S. District Judge Charles Atchley ordered the receivership, citing concerns about the company’s solvency and loan security, though Uncle Nearest’s operations will continue as usual. Company owners supported the appointment saying the move is intended to stabilize and strengthen the business. But they also blamed a former financial officer for fraudulent activity that contributed to the dispute.

The American Bar Association (ABA) has issued a public alert regarding a sharp increase in the number of individuals fraudulently posing as immigration attorneys, often falsely stating they work for reputable legal services organizations, including the ABA, or that they have special relationships with government officials. The alert comes as the ABA says it has been contacted about immigration practitioners claiming to be legally qualified to provide immigration representation despite lacking any credentials or authority. With improvements in technology, the scams may be more difficult to discern as false, the group says. Fraudsters are using ABA branding and office addresses to trade on the ABA’s reputation, often charging thousands of dollars for services that are never provided, said Adonia R. Simpson, deputy director for policy and pro bono at the ABA Commission on Immigration. Read more in a press release.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Cullen on Tuesday dismissed the Trump administration’s lawsuit against all 15 federal judges in Maryland over a standing order that briefly delays deportations for migrants who file legal challenges. Cullen called the lawsuit an improper and confrontational attack on the judiciary and criticized the impugning of judges as “unprecedented and unfortunate.” He ruled that the dispute was a political clash between branches of government and said the administration’s proper recourse is to appeal the order, not sue the entire bench. The Hill has the story.

A three-judge panel in Gibson County — comprised of Chancellor Michael Mansfield of Trenton, Judge Wyatt Burk of Shelbyville and Judge Lisa Rice of Elizabethton — ruled that Tennessee’s laws against carrying weapons “with the intent to go armed” and in state parks are unconstitutional, finding they violate both the U.S. and state constitutions. The Tennessee Lookout reports that the lawsuit, filed by Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners Foundation and several individuals, argued the statutes criminalize lawful gun carrying, effectively creating a “gun-free” zone statewide. While the panel declared the laws void, it said it did not have authority to impose an injunction, leaving enforcement in limbo. Rep. Chris Todd, R-Jackson, praised the decision but said he asked Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti to appeal the ruling for clarity on the enforcement issue. Democrats, including Sen. London Lamar of Memphis, warned the decision will worsen gun violence and hinder law enforcement’s ability to intervene before crimes occur.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the 20th Judicial District Circuit Court in anticipation of the retirement of Judge Phillip R. Robinson on Oct. 17. The district serves Davidson County. The Third Circuit Court primarily handles domestic relations cases. Applicants must be licensed attorneys in Tennessee, at least 30 years old and state residents for five years, and reside in the judicial district. A public hearing for the position will be held Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. CDT at the Nashville School of Law, 4013 Armory Oaks Dr., Nashville 37204. The application and instructions are available here. Applications must be received by the Administrative Office of the Courts by noon Sept. 12. For more information, contact Assistant General Counsel John Jefferson at john.jefferson@tncourts.gov or 615-241-2687.