Knox County leaders are denying claims by former interim superintendent Rodney Bivens that the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Detention Center is unsafe, saying the facility has improved significantly since the county assumed control in July. Chief Operating Officer Dwight Van de Vate told the committee overseeing the center that conditions are in “infinitely better shape” and not unsafe, though he acknowledged more improvements are needed. Bivens, who resigned Nov. 11, said in a statement that the county failed to address dozens of issues outlined in a University of Tennessee County Technical Advisory Service report and that the center “is not safe, nor is it secure.” Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin said he was “mystified” by Bivens’ departure and that the facility is operating well under current staff. According to Knox News, county leaders plan to ask Capt. Cory Dauer to serve as interim superintendent, while Commissioner Andy Fox said he intends to subpoena Bivens to explain his resignation.

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has named Jim Holcomb as its new judicial safety program manager. In the role, Holcomb will lead a coordinated, proactive strategy to protect those who serve in Tennessee’s justice system. He will serve as the primary safety liaison across state and local law enforcement, courts and state agencies, as well as oversee implementation of judicial safety policies, support education and training efforts, and monitor the effectiveness of investigative responses when security concerns arise. Holcomb previously served as a senior special agent in protective operations, investigations and training for the U.S. Secret Service. “We are excited to welcome Jim to our team and into this newly established role. His high-level background and heart for service are a great match for the safety and security needs of our judiciary,” AOC Director Michelle Long said in a press release.

Calling all early birds! The TBA is launching a new series in December that will bring lawyers compelling CLE webcasts from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. CST. The Sunrise Series will begin Dec. 2 with “College Mascots and Legal Ethics: Lessons from the Sidelines,” during which legal educator Stuart Teicher will use tigers, eagles and other college icons to explore what mascots can teach lawyers about loyalty, character and protecting clients. The second installment will air on Dec. 9 with “Good Lawyers Gone Bad: Ethics Lessons from True Lawyer Slime and Crime.” This true-crime-with-coffee session, again with Teicher, will examine real attorney misconduct, why lawyers sometimes go off the rails and the ethics rules that can keep them grounded. Make plans now to get your day started with a CLE boost and watch for more topics coming soon!

The TBA is inviting members to share their lighthearted or inspiring stories about helping clients, spreading goodwill or finding moments of gratitude during the holiday season. Selected stories may be featured in an upcoming episode of BarBuzz as we reflect on the lighter side of lawyering and celebrate TBA’s accomplishments from the past year. Submit your reflections by email to TBA Communications Coordinator Azya Thornton.

Shelby County courts have declined extra judges to help with the increased caseload created by the Memphis Safe Task Force. According to the Commercial Appeal, on Oct. 31, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris sent a request to the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) for additional help with what he described as "never-before-seen capacity" in the county's judicial system. On Nov. 12, Supreme Court Chief Justice Jeff Bivins wrote to Harris that Senior Judges Mark Ward and Roy Morgan were available to assist through a standing order that is effective through the end of the year, and which could be extended if necessary. However, Bivins also noted that the county General Sessions Court had declined assistance, telling the AOC that its dockets were under control. According to The Daily Memphian, Bivins wrapped up his communication stating: "the Court is ready to provide additional judicial resources in addition to these senior judges, should the courts of Shelby County advise that such assistance is needed."

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Thursday that full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits would be restored by Monday, The Hill reports. “We immediately last night began moving out, making sure that the program continues unabated starting once the government reopened, and hopefully by the end of this week most will receive it, at the very latest on Monday,” Rollins said during an appearance. Two lower courts had directed the Trump administration to reinstate partial benefits, while one judge ordered full benefits to be paid for the month of November, NPR reports. The administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block that ruling, which it did. On Wednesday, lawmakers advanced a stopgap bill to fund much of the government through Jan. 30, 2026, ending the longest shutdown in U.S. history.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant has appointed four assistant United States attorneys (AUSAs) for management and supervisory roles in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. Beth C. Boswell, a longtime career prosecutor who joined the office in 2014, was named first AUSA. Patrick Neal Oldham, a former Shelby County prosecutor who joined the office in 2018, will serve as criminal chief. Gregory D. Allen, an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force prosecutor and former criminal defense attorney, was appointed deputy chief of the Homeland Security Task Force. Naya Bedini, an appellate attorney who has written more than 120 briefs and argued before the 6th Circuit, was named appellate chief. Dunavant said in a press release, “All four of these AUSAs are career prosecutors with unquestioned reputations for effective prosecution and sound legal and ethical judgment. I have full faith and confidence in all of them to help me effectively lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office in West Tennessee, and I am proud to appoint them to these important positions.”

Hulu’s new Ryan Murphy drama "All’s Fair" is drawing harsh reviews, but real-life female divorce attorneys say the series, led by Kim Kardashian and Naomi Watts, gets surprising pieces of their profession right, Yahoo reports. While the show leans heavily into camp and luxury — from private jets and designer wardrobes to outrageous legal antics — attorneys interviewed said its portrayal of misogyny in the legal field, high-pressure client work, strategic negotiations and the unique challenges facing women in family law rings true. They noted that some depictions, including lavish offices, high-net-worth clients and round-the-clock demands, mirror aspects of elite divorce practice, even if the show sacrifices courtroom reality for glamour and drama.

The newest episode of BarBuzz explores the intersection of love and law with Memphis attorney Lucie Brackin, a partner at Rogers & Brackin. In “The Legal Side of Love: Family Law and Celebrity Prenups,” TBA communications coordinator and podcast host Azya Thornton sits down with Brackin to discuss common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements, navigating tough relationship conversations and what high-profile couples like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might include in a prenup. Brackin also shares insight into her work on international child abduction cases under the Hague Convention and offers practical advice for couples on protecting themselves legally and emotionally. Missed a past episode? Check them all out in the BarBuzz archive.

The TBA’s 37th Annual Health Law Forum wrapped up in downtown Nashville Friday. Close to 250 attendees heard updates on AI in health care, regulatory fraud and abuse, controlled substances enforcement, federal enforcement actions, ethics and the rise of compounded drug products. At the section’s annual meeting and luncheon, Imad Abdullah, senior vice president and chief legal officer with Regional One Health in Memphis, passed the Section Cup to incoming chair Travis Lloyd, a member in the Nashville office of Bass Berry & Sims. Members of the section also voted on Jesse Neil with Foley & Lardner in Nashville as the new vice chair and Kelly Street with Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis in Knoxville as the new East Tennessee delegate on the section executive council. Special thanks to those who helped plan the event or spoke at sessions, as well as this year's sponsors. Thanks also to Barnes & Thornburg for hosting the Health Law Primer on Wednesday. See photos from last night's reception and sessions today.