The TBA today launched a new Practice Management Center for members. The center offers tech support and law office management resources at every stage of practice. TBA has teamed up with Affinity Consulting Group to offer members access to resources, whitepapers, checklists, comparison charts, best practices and ethical considerations. Content includes resources for opening a law firm, building a practice, managing a firm, protecting a firm, and winding down a practice. Members who need additional support have free access to a team of tech gurus. At no cost members can email tech questions or schedule a 30-minute free consultation for business and office management advice, including practice management, time keeping, billing and accounting, document automation and more. TBA members also can get discounts for outsourced bookkeeping, firm tech training, trust account review, new firm launch packages, tech analysis and recommendations. 

The TBA Mentoring Committee recently announced the re-launch of its Mentoring Program — a 6-month experience designed to foster mutually beneficial relationships between attorneys, no matter their age or years of practice. To participate as a mentor, you must be a TBA member and be available to talk with your mentee match two times per month via phone, email or text. Complete the online form to be matched up ahead of the program’s January launch date.

TBA member advantage partner Clio has released its annual Legal Trends Report with data collected this April to August from lawyers and legal consumers. Legal technology commentator Robert Ambrogi says the reports shows “a landscape forever changed by COVID.” Among the trends identified are: (1) a move away from brick-and-mortar offices to cloud-based technologies and virtual delivery of legal services; (2) more lawyers than ever using technology to manage their practices; (3) overwhelming support for greater use of technology by courts; and (4) use of cloud-based technologies, including a range of Clio products. Interested in learning more? TBA members receive a 10% discount on Clio products.

TBA’s member advantage partner ABA Retirement Funds is sponsoring a free webinar on retirement savings strategies. The “Behavioral Finance for Fiduciaries in the Digital Age” will take place live on Sept. 29 at 2:30 p.m. EDT. TBA members can take advantage of this free 45-minute program by registering here.

The August episode of the TBA BarBuzz podcast is streaming now, featuring guest co-host Lisa Helton of Sherrard Roe in Nashville. Helton joins the show to talk about upcoming events and legal news from across the state and to give some shoutouts to deserving Tennessee attorneys. BarBuzz is part of the TBA Podcast Network and can be found on the TBA’s website or anywhere you listen to podcasts by searching the show's title or “Tennessee Bar Association."

The 2019-2020 TBA membership year ends today, so it is important to renew your membership to ensure you continue receiving member benefits and services. In addition to TBA Today, members receive free, unlimited access to Fastcase online legal research, discounts on all TBA CLE courses and a subscription to the Tennessee Bar Journal. Take a few minutes now to renew your membership online or call 615-383-7421.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey Calkins of Memphis guest hosts this month’s episode of the TBA BarBuzz podcast. Topics of discussion include the TBA’s Virtual Convention, absentee ballot voting and an impressive skill Audrey has learned during the pandemic. BarBuzz is part of the TBA Podcast Network, available anywhere you listen to podcasts and on the TBA’s website.

TBA Member Insurance Solutions is partnering with Colonial Life to bring you special voluntary benefits. The benefits can be customized for each person at your firm, and can include life, short-term disability, critical illness and accident insurance. The plans can help to attract and retain talent at little or no cost to the employer. Get more information here. 

TBA partner Clio will hold four online “Meet Ups” this month to explore changes law firms can make to adapt to new realities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Join legal and industry professionals to learn more about how your firm can leverage technology, embrace automation and improve traditional processes. Each of the following sessions will be held at 1 p.m. CDT: June 11, Communication Tools for Law Firm Efficiency; June 17, Automating Document Management; June 24, Malpractice & Security in a New Digital Age; and June 30, Embracing Technology for Long-Term Success.

After a recess in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tennessee General Assembly is officially back in session. And if the legislature is back in session, so are TBA Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs Berkley Schwarz and Adams and Reese attorney and TBA lobbyist Brad Lampley. A new episode of the TBA Legislative Updates podcast is out now and features a status report on the professional privilege tax and TBA-sponsored bills, including legislation from the Business Law (SB1990/HB1886), Real Estate (SB1989/HB1885) and Adoption Law (SB1769/HB1676) sections. Legislative Updates is part of the TBA Podcast Network and can be found on the TBA’s website and anywhere you listen to podcasts.