Walgreens has agreed to pay $300 million to settle allegations by U.S. prosecutors that it illegally filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances, the U.S. Justice Department said Monday. Under the agreement, the amount will be paid over six years with 4% annual interest, and the company will owe an additional $50 million if it is sold, merged or transferred before Fiscal Year 2032, Reuters reports. Prosecutors alleged Walgreens violated the Controlled Substances Act by ignoring “red flags” and filling unlawful prescriptions. The company said in a regulatory filing that it does not anticipate any major future opioid-related cases. Walgreens joins a number of other entities — drug manufacturers such as Purdue Pharma, Teva and Allergan, pharmacy operators such as Kroger, CVS, Walmart and Food City, marketing firms and consulting firms — that have agreed to pay billions of dollars to resolve multiple lawsuits tied to the nation’s opioid epidemic.

The law firm of Rainey Kizer Reviere & Bell celebrated its 50th anniversary on Monday with a ribbon cutting at its Jackson office. Founded in Jackson in 1975 by Tom Rainey and Jerry Kizer, the firm now employs 50 lawyers and has offices in six cities across Tennessee and Kentucky. WBBJ was on site to record the ceremony and interview the firm's president, Dale Thomas.

The Tennessee Safe Baby Court program has expanded to Blount County with the overall goal of reducing the amount of time a child is removed from a home. “Children are their most vulnerable and most resilient at this age, so if children are removed from their home into the child welfare system ... the long-term effects of that trauma are significant,” Blount County Juvenile Court Judge Kenlyn Foster told WATE News. The Safe Baby Court will operate out of the Juvenile Court. WVLT reports that last year, Knox County’s program took on the most cases of any county in the state, helping more than 20 families, totaling nearly 40 children. Twenty-two counties across the state operate Safe Baby Courts, which are focused on children ages 0 to 3 who are involved in the child welfare system.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a class action lawsuit over the Trump administration’s decision to terminate the legal status of some student visa holders in four northeastern states and Puerto Rico. The group argues the move puts those students in danger of being deported, The Hill reports. The U.S. State Department defended the actions saying it revokes visas every day to secure the borders and to keep communities safe. According to the Associated Press, about 1,100 students at more than 170 schools have been impacted since last month. In Tennessee, three schools so far — Christian Brothers University, University of Memphis and University of Tennessee — have reported impacts on their students.

Baker Donelson has opened new offices in Princeton and Iselin, New Jersey, adding 26 new attorneys, including a health care transactional team, a litigation team, and several real estate attorneys in a significant expansion. Of the 26 new attorneys, 17 are joining as shareholders, two as of counsel and seven as associates. Also joining are two paralegals and six support staff. All of these professionals are joining from the health law firm of Epstein Becker Green. Baker Donelson Chair and CEO Timothy M. Lupinacci said, "A key aspect of our strategic vision is elevating our ability to serve clients as trusted advisors with industry depth and proactive counsel ... As a national firm, expanding our footprint to include New Jersey is exciting, and our growth will continue to be driven by adding the right talent who share our vision." Read more in a press release from the firm.

The Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility on April 21 voted to withdraw Formal Opinion 2025-F-172, which was issued March 14 and addressed limited scope legal services provided by a private attorney. Formal Opinion 2025-F-171, also issued March 14 and still applicable, addresses the ethical propriety of a non-disparagement clause in a products liability case settlement agreement that makes the lawyers in Firm A parties to the settlement proposed by Firm B. See all past opinions from the board.

Death row prisoner Harold Wayne Nichols on April 18 sued Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, Tennessee Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada, Riverbend Maximum Security Institution Warden Kenneth Nelsen, as well as the unknown members of the execution team — listed as "John Does" in his lawsuit — in an attempt to delay his Dec. 11 execution until litigation over the state's new execution protocol is resolved. The Tennessean reports that the state has agreed to not execute at least two others on death row until their lawsuits conclude. Nichols argues the terms of that agreement must be extended to him or else the state is "unequally applying" its laws. Nichols' suit also makes several arguments against the new protocol itself, echoing many of those made in an earlier filing by other Tennessee death row prisoners. The U.S. Department of Justice in January rescinded its protocol allowing single-drug lethal injections for federal executions.

University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law Assistant Dean for Law Admissions, Recruitment and Scholarships Dr. Sue Ann McClellan has announced her retirement, effective June 30. “Sue Ann’s vast experience and wealth of knowledge far exceeds that of so many peers,” said former law school Dean Katharine Schaffzin. “As a faculty member on the Admissions Committee or as dean, I have always deferred to her assessment in informing admissions decisions and recruitment strategies. Sue Ann’s kindness and humanity shine when she interacts with prospective students." In commenting on her career, McClellan stated, “It has been a privilege and an honor to open the door to the legal profession for every single one of these students." Read this tribute to McClellan from the law school.

The final episode of the season for the TBA’s Legislative Updates podcast features TBA lobbyists and attorneys Berkley Schwarz of Pier Strategies LLC and Brad Lampley of Adams & Reese. In this legislative session wrap-up, they discuss the passage of the state budget, key accomplishments from the TBA’s lobbying efforts and a preview of priorities for the 2025 session. Listeners can support the TBA’s advocacy work by contributing to LAWPAC. Tune in to the podcast on the TBA website or through this link.

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission is accepting applications for a circuit and chancery court judge in the 32nd Judicial District and to fill a vacancy in the 6th Judicial District Criminal Court. The 32nd Judicial District vacancy was created following the retirement of Judge Michael E. Spitzer. To be considered for the vacancy, interested individuals should apply by noon CDT on May 14. The commission will hold a public hearing to interview candidates on June 10. The vacancy in the 6th Judicial District Criminal Court follows the elevation of Judge Steven Sword to the Court of Criminal Appeals. Applications for this vacancy also must be submitted by May 14 at noon CDT. A public hearing for this position will be held June 17. Applications and additional information for both vacancies can be found on the Administrative Office of the Court's judicial resources page.