The Tennessee Bar Association Academy offers an exciting opportunity for a limited number of Tennessee attorneys to be admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. The 2022 admission ceremony will take place Oct. 4 at the court in Washington, D.C. In addition to taking part in the private ceremony, participants will be invited to a TBA President's Reception and a special celebration dinner, and receive three hours of prepaid credits to use for future CLE programming. The group will stay at the Hay Adams Hotel, where a block of rooms has been reserved at the discounted rate of $345 a night. The cost to register is $725 for TBA members and $300 for guests. Those interested in participating should complete this online form by June 1. Applicants will be considered on a first-come basis and will be contacted to confirm their interest and complete the application process.

Keep up with the latest bar association events and top legal news with the TBA’s BarBuzz podcast. Attorney Sean Martin of Nashville’s Martin, Heller, Potempa & Sheppard law firm co-hosts this month’s episode, now streaming on the TBA’s website or anywhere you listen to podcasts. BarBuzz, one of five shows in the TBA Podcast Network, premiers a new episode each month.

TBA Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs Berkley Schwarz and Adams and Reese attorneys and TBA lobbyists Brad Lampley and Ashley Harbin, tackle this week’s news from the General Assembly on the latest episode of the TBA’s Legislative Updates. This week the trio gives a progress report on TBA-backed legislation and much more. To see a list of all of TBA’s bills, visit our online bill tracker. Legislative Updates airs every Thursday on the TBA’s Facebook page. It is also released as a podcast on the same day and can be found on the TBA’s website or wherever you listen to podcasts.

TBA Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs Berkley Schwarz and Adams and Reese attorneys and TBA lobbyists, Brad Lampley and Ashley Harbin, tackle this week’s news from the General Assembly on the latest episode of the TBA’s Legislative Updates. New this week: a meeting with House Speaker Cameron Sexton regarding elimination of the Professional Privilege Tax and the committee passage of two of TBA’s legislative initiatives, HB2357/SB2385 and HB2070/SB2056. To see a list of all of TBA’s bills, visit our online bill tracker. Legislative Updates airs every Thursday on the TBA’s Facebook page. It is also released as a podcast on the same day and can be found on the TBA’s website or wherever you listen to podcasts.

TBA Director of Public Policy & Government Affairs Berkley Schwarz and Adams and Reese attorney and TBA lobbyist tackle this week’s news from the General Assembly on the latest episode of the TBA’s Legislative Updates. New this week: a hopeful meeting with Lt. Gov. Randy McNally regarding elimination of the Professional Privilege Tax. Legislative Updates airs every Thursday on the TBA’s Facebook page. It is also released as a podcast on the same day and can be found on the TBA’s website or wherever you listen to podcasts.  

The TBA today announced a new member advantage relationship with SoFi, one of the largest providers of student and personal loans. Members seeking to consolidate and refinance student loans can save thousands of dollars thanks to SoFi’s flexible terms, low rates and no fees. TBA members also will receive an exclusive rate discount! And don’t miss this limited special offer to lock in the lowest rate and make no payments until June 1. Don't have student loans? SoFi can help you reach your financial goals with other solutions, including mortgages and personal loans. Get started today at SoFi.com/TBA.

The TBA’s BarBuzz podcast is back with the first episode of 2022! Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law Professor Akram Faizer co-hosts the January episode, bringing listeners the biggest news from the Tennessee legal community and the latest updates on bar association events and programs. You can listen to BarBuzz on the TBA’s website or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Like what you hear? Be sure to like and subscribe to all shows from the TBA Podcast Network.

The TBA this week launched the SOLACE Program to support all members of the legal community, including judges and court personnel, attorneys, law clerks, paralegals, legal secretaries, and their families. Started in 2002 by the Louisiana Bar Association, SOLACE is a voluntary program that matches those in need — due to a death, catastrophic illness, injury or other loss — with those who can help. Several bar associations across the country have adopted this program and the stories of how the legal community is helping are inspiring. In Tennessee, the program will accept requests for financial assistance, clothing, housing, transportation and medical community contacts. Requests should be sent to SOLACE@tnbar.org. The TBA will review requests and share them in TBA Today, allowing volunteers to connect directly with the parties in need. The TBA will not collect donations or facilitate any transactions. The program, which stands for “Support of Lawyers/Legal Personnel — All Concern Encouraged,” is one of TBA President Sherie Edwards’ initiatives for 2022. Learn more about the program and how it works at TBA.org/solace.

As the Tennessee Bar Association prepares to move to new offices, it has a few surplus office desk sets available. If you are interested in any of these desks or desk sets, please contact TBA Assistant Executive Director Barry Kolar at bkolar@tnbar.org. The furniture is available at no cost, however, desks must be spoken for by Nov. 24 and moved from the Tennessee Bar Center by Nov. 29.

The 10th annual Clio Cloud Conference will take place in Nashville next year! The event, planned for Oct. 10-11, will be held in-person at the Gaylord Opry Resort and Convention Center. A virtual option also will be offered. The conference has been held virtually for the last two years. Discounts will be available to TBA members closer to the event. There are also grant opportunities for those who need financial assistance. Learn more about the conference or check out the company’s practice management services available to TBA members at a discount.