The new Tennessee Bar Journal ushers in a new era for the TBA’s flagship publication, as it moves to a bi-monthly schedule, with more content each month. Read how that's going to work, as the TBA's electronic publications integrate and expand total coverage. This issue celebrates the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, with several related items and articles, including a review of Bill Haltom’s book, Why Can’t Mother Vote? and Part 2 of Cody Brandon’s article, “A Short History of the Right to Vote in Tennessee’s Constitutions and Court.” See a recap of the TBA’s virtual convention – a smashing success with more than 800 registrants – which featured the swearing-in of Michelle Greenway Sellers; author of The Woman’s Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote, Elaine Weiss; awards, CLEs, meetings and more. Take a look at the entire July-August issue.

Michelle Greenway Sellers started her year as TBA president on Thursday when she was sworn in by Justice Roger Page during the Lawyers Luncheon program. Greenway Sellers takes the reins from now Immediate Past President Sarah Sheppeard, who, before passing the gavel, handed out President’s Awards to TBA general counsel, Ed Lanquist, the entire TBA staff and TBA Executive Director Joycelyn Stevenson. After being sworn in, Greenway Sellers spoke on the initiatives she has planned for the 2020-2021 bar year, including plans to highlight lawyers in the state who have gone above and beyond in their communities and in the legal profession. She made a push for members to send her the names of those attorneys who have made an impact in both areas. You can watch Greenway Sellers’ swearing-in and speech on the TBA’s YouTube page.   

TBA's Virtual Convention tomorrow will feature a special session on the anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and our first-ever virtual Lawyers Lunch. Also on tap will be law school alumni breakfasts, CLE programming and a special set of entertainment events. The TBA will feature two listening rooms where attendees can choose the music that fits their taste or mood. The two options: a music mash-up or Southern Soul music. Pick one or try them both out! Links will be provided to Convention registrants in the daily email tomorrow.

Today's convention activities started early with a fitness session, followed by the infamous “Bill & Phil Show,” featuring legal technology every lawyer needs, a local bar leaders caucus, a meeting of the TBA House of Delegates and a roundtable discussion of diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.

Day two of the TBA’s 2020 Virtual Convention began with a dance fit wellness workout before the mid-morning Past Presidents’ Morning Mixer. Nearly 400 attendees tuned in to the annual Better Right Now CLE, which featured presentations from Larry Krieger and Lindsey O’Connell of the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program. Krieger focused his presentation on findings from research he has conducted on lawyers and happiness and O’Connell presented on mindfulness and helpful practices to control stress. The program ended with a discussion on personal experiences on the path to well-being with the TBA’s Attorney Well-Being Committee. The day came to a close with roundtable discussions for in-house counsel and general, solo and small firm practitioners. Day three promises even more worthwhile programming you won’t want to miss.

A record 800 lawyers have signed up for the TBA’s 2020 Virtual Convention, which kicked off today with sessions about the recent legislative session, including the effects of the pandemic on the current and future work of the General Assembly, the status of budget negotiations and the fate of policy proposals such as elimination of the professional privilege tax. Attendees heard from House Judiciary Committee Chair Michael Curcio and committee member Bill Beck, Sen. Raumesh Akbari, TBA lobbyist Brad Lampley and Berkley Schwarz, director of public policy and government affairs. A smaller group enjoyed a morning exercise session while law firm managing partners gathered in the late afternoon to share their challenges and successes. Don’t forget to tune into tomorrow for another a great day of free programming.

The Bristol Herald Courier is being honored with the TBA's Fourth Estate Award for its multi-part series "Critical Mass," which examined the jail overcrowding problems in Sullivan County. The award will be presented on June 18, during the Tennessee Bar Association's (TBA) 2020 Virtual Convention. "The series promoted a better and deeper understanding of the overcrowding problem from a variety of angles and perspectives, while also delving into potential solutions for it," TBA Communications Section Chair Paul McAdoo said in announcing the award winner. Previous winners include the Nashville Scene's Steven Hale and WSMV Channel 4's I-Team.

The TBA’s virtual convention is being provided to members at no charge next week thanks in part to the generous support of our sponsors. Check out our sponsors’ virtual exhibit booths throughout the week and participate in our Sponsor Trivia to be entered in a drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card. We will draw two winners at the end of the day next Friday! The answers to the trivia questions will be embedded on our sponsors’ pages. Once you have found your answers, submit your entry. All correct entries will be entered into the drawing. Look for details and the entry form starting on Monday. A special thanks to presenting sponsor Fastcase and premier sponsors Attorneys Insurance Mutual, Clio, Court Buddy, The Bar Plan and Vista Points Special Needs Trust.

Memphis lawyer Alexander Hall is being presented with the Justice Joseph W. Henry Award for Outstanding Legal Writing for his Tennessee Bar Journal article "Place Your Bets: Tennessee's Sports Gaming Act Begins July 1." The award will be presented June 18 during the Tennessee Bar Association's (TBA) annual convention. Established nearly 40 years ago, the award is presented annually to the lawyer who has written the most outstanding article for the Tennessee Bar Journal during the preceding year. 

Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey S. Bivins is being honored with the Tennessee Bar Association's prestigious Justice Frank F. Drowota III Award. Bivins was chosen for his decades of service to the legal profession in Tennessee, including his unwavering support of Access to Justice and indigent representation reform, and most recently, his leadership of Tennessee's courts during the pandemic. "I thank Chief Justice Bivins for his continued attention to the challenges facing the people of Tennessee, especially over the last few months," TBA President Sarah Sheppeard said. "His leadership and willingness to listen to concerns of the legal community facilitated innovation and creativity in continuing the administration of justice across our state."

The TBA’s virtual 2020 Convention, which will take place entirely online the week of June 15, will offer several opportunities for lawyers to gather for roundtable discussions. Sessions include a Law Firm Managing Partners Roundtable on Monday, an In-House Counsel Roundtable and General Practice Roundtable on Tuesday, and a Diversity and Inclusion Roundtable on Wednesday. Check out all the roundtable options here. This year’s convention also is offering virtual law school gatherings. Connect with alumni from your law school and hear updates from the deans and other leaders. All convention programming is free for TBA members but registration is required.