Former Davidson County Medical Examiner (ME) Dr. Bruce Levy has recanted his testimony in the 2000 death of Bryan Alexander Maze. Russell Maze, father of "Baby Alex," was convicted of shaking his son and causing the injuries that led to his death. Levy now says that after reviewing medical records that were not previously made available to him, as well as recent reports from medical experts who have studied the case, "If called to testify now, I would assert Bryan Maze’s brain, at the time of his death, showed no indication, to a reasonable degree of medical certainty, of prior trauma or abuse. Instead, the residual brain lesions viewed at autopsy more likely than not resulted from a natural disease process." The Nashville Banner interviewed multiple attorneys who said that they had never seen a medical examiner change a conclusion in a homicide case.

State health officials recently approved a project by Cedar Recovery to build a $2.5 million methadone clinic in Putnam County outside Cookeville. The project has met with sharp criticism from community members who testified before the Health Services Commission, which determines whether to grant a certificate of need to a health services provider. The commission's attorney reminded members when deciding how to vote that the body does not oversee zoning, and federal law protects substance use treatment centers from discrimination. “You can’t treat this any differently than you would treat [another medical provider] applicant. Otherwise, we would end up in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.” Nashville Public Radio has more on the story.

Womble Bond Dickinson and Lewis Roca have announced that the two large, multi-practice law firms will merge, creating a firm of more than 1,300 attorneys in 37 offices in the United States and United Kingdom. The merger, which will give Womble Bond Dickinson additional locations in the southwest and mountain west, will be effective on Jan. 1, 2025. The resulting firm will continue to operate as Womble Bond Dickinson under the leadership of CEO Merrick Benn and Vice Chair Kenneth Van Winkle. Womble Bond Dickinson opened an office in Nashville in 2022. It is run by managing partner Joshua A. Mullen.

The Nashville Bar Association (NBA) has announced the members of the 2025 Nashville Bar Foundation (NBF) Leadership Forum class. Of the new class, NBA President Erin Palmer Polly said, "This very select and diverse class will have the opportunity to develop exceptional leadership skills and foster strong professional relationships. We look forward to the positive impact that they will have in our profession and our community." The NBF established the Leadership Forum — a nine-month leadership program for lawyers with three to eight years of experience — in 2014 to bring together emerging leaders who participate in monthly workshops designed to help them realize their potential to benefit the legal profession and the local community.

Members of the TBA Young Lawyers Division visited University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law last week to speak with over 35 students about their entry into the profession and to share information about TBA member benefits. Membership, which is free to law students, provides access to continuing legal education that can increase students' professional knowledge, opportunities to network and savings on school supplies and insurance. Students also were also encouraged to apply for the 2025 Diversity Leadership Institute (DLI), a six-month leadership and mentoring program designed to help develop the skills needed to succeed as a law student and attorney. Thanks to YLD presenters Constance Brown, Julie Chapman and Faith Watson for their contributions to the event. See a photo from the visit.

The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is seeking to reallocate funding originally dedicated to the inmate mental health center to fund emergency projects around the Shelby County Justice Center, the Commercial Appeal reports. According to the paper, the proposal has sparked debate among county commissioners, with some supporting the move and others criticizing it as a diversion from essential mental health services. Earlier this year, Shelby County Sheriff’s deputies relocated inmates after a power surge broke cell locks at the jail. Last week, the elevators at the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center were reported to be in a state of disrepair, causing safety concerns for employees, visitors and inmates.

Campbell Perky Johnson (CPJ), a family law firm in Franklin, has expanded its practice areas with the addition of David Cañas as a new partner. According to the firm, Cañas brings 30 years of experience in commercial, bankruptcy and real estate litigation, significantly expanding the firm's capabilities. According to a press release, the move marks a new chapter for the firm as it expands its practice areas to better serve clients. Announcing the hiring, co-managing partner Sarah Perky said, Cañas' "tenacity, legal expertise and client dedication make him a perfect fit" at the firm.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Young Lawyers Division has released a student debt survey that reveals the significant impact of student debt on the lives — including career plans, financial stability and mental health — of young lawyers. According to a press release, the study found that many young attorneys delayed major life events due to debt, and many felt stressed and anxious about their finances. While the COVID-19 loan repayment pause provided some relief, the survey also highlighted the need for more comprehensive solutions to address the student debt crisis.

The Tennessee Ethics Commission has dismissed a complaint against Education Commissioner Lizzette Reynolds. The complaint, initially filed by Rep. Caleb Hemmer, D-Nashville, alleged that Reynolds accepted travel reimbursements from a national advocacy group that also lobbies to expand education choice policies. The commission considered the complaint last week behind closed doors and ultimately voted not to refer the matter to the attorney general’s office for further investigation. The Tennessean reports that Reynolds’ repayment of the funds was the deciding factor in the decision to dismiss the complaint. Hemmer this week announced plans to file legislation next year to clarify state ethics laws that prohibit officials from accepting travel paid by groups that lobby the legislature.

There is now a vacancy for a TBA delegate to the ABA House of Delegates (Position 1) due to Jonathan Cole’s selection to serve as chair of the ABA House of Delegates. In accordance with Articles 47 and 49 of the TBA Bylaws, the TBA Board of Governors will fill this vacancy at its Sept. 28 board meeting. The selected candidate will fill this vacancy for the remainder of the current term. To be considered for this position, email TBA Executive Director Sheree Wright with your interest by Sept. 19. Please include a resume as well as any other information you would like the Board of Governors to consider.