Pass rates on the February 2024 bar exam are trending up, following what has been a multi-year slide in many states. Reuters reports that among the 42 jurisdictions that have reported February results thus far, 31 have a higher overall pass rate than in February of 2023 according to data, compiled by the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). However, only 15 had pass rates above 50%, according to the NCBE data. Tennessee had a 40% pass rate. Nationwide, 19,496 people took the February bar.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has announced that it will move to reclassify marijuana from a Schedule I drug (like heroin and LSD) to a less dangerous Schedule III drug (like ketamine and some anabolic steroids). The Associated Press reports that the proposal would recognize the medical uses of cannabis and acknowledge it has less potential for abuse than some of the most dangerous drugs. However, it would not legalize marijuana outright for recreational use. Schedule III drugs are controlled substances and subject to rules and regulations, and those who traffic them without permission still can face federal criminal prosecution.

American Bar Association (ABA) President Mary Smith was in Nashville recently on business and had the opportunity to get together informally with members of the local legal community. She was welcomed to Tennessee by Nashville lawyer Jonathan Cole, who has been nominated to be the next chair of the ABA House of Delegates, the second ranking officer position in the ABA. Cole, who practices at Baker Donelson, will take office at the group’s annual meeting in August. Cole also is chair of the TBA’s ABA Resource Committee. A reception for Smith was held at Baker Donelson. See photos from the gathering.

Attorneys from Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (LAS) joined representatives from several other partner agencies for an expungement clinic on April 13. Held at Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church in Hermitage, the event provided free legal assistance to nearly 100 attendees. LAS representatives Savannah Quintero, Tomi Robb, Shelby Dodson and Mustafa Enver took part in the clinic, partnering with Judges Robin Kimbrough Hayes and Cynthia Chappell, as well as representatives from the Tennessee Justice Center, Napier-Looby Bar Association, the Office of Howard Gentry, Davidson County Criminal Court and District Attorney General Glenn Funk’s office. A total of 324 expungements were handled during the clinic, resulting in thousands of dollars in court costs being waived for the participants. Read more in a news release from LAS.

The Tennessee Bar Association is now accepting applications from candidates interested in the position of Communications Coordinator. This full-time position is responsible for maintaining an effective TBA presence on social media, gathering news and court opinions for the TBA Today e-newsletter, contributing content for the TBA website and other publications, and producing TBA’s podcasts. The TBA currently works in a hybrid arrangement. To apply, send a cover letter explaining interest in the position and a resume by email to Human Resources and Administrative Coordinator Tanja Trezise. The full job description can be accessed here.

J. Daniel Breen, a senior judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee and a former Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) president, will be honored in June with the Judge Pamela L. Reeves Tennessee Professionalism Award. The award, given jointly by the TBA and the Tennessee American Inns of Court, will be presented at the TBA Annual Convention’s Bench Bar Luncheon June 13 in Memphis. In a letter nominating Breen for the award, Jackson lawyer Sarah Barnett wrote of his "legal professionalism and outstanding character" and his work co-founding the Howell Edmunds-Jackson American Inns of Court Chapter. Others highlighted his mentorship of younger lawyers and new judges, his support for colleagues rising to leadership roles and his work promoting mediation as an alternative to trial. TBA President Jim Barry praised Breen's selection. “Judge Breen exemplifies the ideals of the Tennessee Professionalism Award. His service to the judiciary and the legal profession reflects the highest standards of the rule of law and the legal profession in Tennessee.” Read more in the TBA's press release.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has announced that he will hold a press conference at 2 p.m. CDT tomorrow about Tennessee’s response to the federal government’s attempted overhaul of Title IX and women’s equality in sports. Joining Skrmetti at the event will be Chief Deputy Attorney General Lacey Mase, Solicitor General Matt Rice, Strategic Litigation Unit Senior Director Whitney Hermandorfer, Litigation Counsel and Assistant Solicitor General Jenna Adamson and Skrmetti’s Chief of Staff Brandon Smith. The event will take place on the steps of the John Sevier Building, 500 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Nashville 37219. RSVP to timothy.meads@ag.tn.gov if you would like to attend.

On Friday, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti sued Dr. Jaime M. Vasquez, M.D., and his fertility clinic, the Center for Reproductive Health, following sudden closure of the clinic. The suit was brought under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act and seeks immediate relief from ongoing harms to patients. Skrmetti argues that the clinic closed without warning, leaving patients, many of whom were in the middle of expensive and time-sensitive treatments, in limbo. In addition to filing the suit, Skrmetti also obtained an injunction against Vasquez, freezing operations and putting a local oncologist in charge of the clinic. Read more in a news release.

The 2024 Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Initiative Gala was hosted April 20 in the Nashville offices of Bass, Berry & Sims, offering a wonderful opportunity for supporters to meet and connect with colleagues from across the state. Event attendees included representatives from sponsoring companies and firms, as well as leaders from the TBA and the Tennessee chapter of Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC). The event included presentation of the inaugural Branham Grants, in support of a pilot legal services project between West Tennessee Legal Services and Aspell Recovery Center. The Branham Grants were established in honor of long-time access to justice champion Andy Branham, who passed away in 2022. Read more and see photos from the event. 

After news that the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) will not fund Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS) for the next fiscal year, leaders with the organization are asking the federal agency to reconsider its decision. Brian Heim, president of MALS’ Board of Directors, says: “We can be better, and that’s what we are trying to do. We think that MALS, especially with our new leadership and our people here in Memphis, are best positioned to continue to serve our community.” Under the LSC’s plan, money previously given to MALS would go to Jackson-based West Tennessee Legal Services, which would then be responsible for serving the Memphis area. Read more Helm’s response in reporting by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, a nonprofit newsroom in Memphis.