This year's CLE lineup will bring together an esteemed group of panelists and speakers to cover a variety of timely, essential topics in today's evolving legal field. Hot topics include lawyers making history, AI in the life of a lawyer, legislative update, attorney wellness, the future of legal tech and more! Earn up to 8 hours of CLE! All times in Central Daylight Savings Time.

CLE CERTIFICATION FORM

CLE EVALUATION FORM

FACULTY BIOS
 

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

9 - 11:45 a.m. CLE: Bench Bar Program "Lawyers Making History," Salon 5 (2.5 GENERAL)

This collaborative program brings together Tennessee judges, the Tennessee Bar Association and practicing attorneys for an engaging discussion to kick off TBA's Annual Convention. 

9 - 9:45 a.m.

Famous Tennessee Trials - Explore landmark cases that shaped Tennessee’s legal landscape.

Speaker: Russell Fowler, Legal Aid of East Tennessee

PowerPoint

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9:45-10:30 a.m.

Trailblazing Women - Join this distinguished panel of Tennessee legal pioneers as they reflect on their experiences breaking barriers and shaping the judiciary.

Speakers: Hon. Martha Craig "Cissy" Daughtrey, U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals (ret.); Hon. Aleta Trauger, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Tennessee; Hon. Camille McMullen, Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals; Margaret Behm, Dodson Parker Behm & Capparella (moderator)

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10:30 - 10:45 a.m.

Break

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10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

Blanton Pardon Scandal - An in-depth examination of one of Tennessee’s most controversial political and legal events.

Speakers: Keel Hunt, author and columnist for The Tennessean and the USA Today Tennessee Network; Hal Hardin, Hardin Law Office; former Tennessee Gov. and U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, The Honey Alexander Center

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2 - 3:00 p.m.

CLE: AI in the Life of a Lawyer,  Salon 3 – 4 (1 DUAL)

 

Speakers: TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr., Bruce Doeg and Clint Sanko, Baker Donelson

PowerPoint

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3:15 - 4:15 p.m.

CLE: Legislative Update, Salon 3-4 (1 GENERAL)

In this annual convention favorite, join TBA Government Affairs as they walk you through the latest updates on legislation affecting Tennessee lawyers from the most recent session of the Tennessee General Assembly. 

Speakers: Berkley Schwarz, Pier Strategies; Brad Lampley and Ashley Harbin, Adams & Reese

PowerPoint

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4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

CLE: TABL/TBA Joint Program: Realign: Justice, Well-Being & the Law – Addressing Bias for a Healthier Legal System, Salon 3-4 (1 DUAL)

As legal professionals, we all share a commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that the legal system serves every individual fairly and impartially. This session will explore how unconscious influences can affect legal outcomes and contribute to disparities within the system. Through real-world examples and engaging discussions, we’ll examine practical ways to identify and address these challenges, enhancing the fairness and integrity of the legal process. Whether you are a judge, attorney or advocate, this session will offer valuable insights and strategies for fostering a more balanced and equitable legal environment for all. By working together, we can continue to build a legal system that reflects the core values of justice and fairness, benefiting all members of our community.

 

Speaker: Sunny Eaton, The Law Office of Sunny Eaton

Video Link

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FRIDAY, JUNE 13

8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (Concurrent CLE Session)

CLE: Attorney Wellness Hour: Movement, Mobility and Mindfulness; Salon 5 (1 DUAL)

Tenn. RPC 1.1 maintains competent representation requires the legal knowledge, skill, thoroughness and preparation reasonably necessary for the representation. Self-care is often overlooked as a crucial component to achieving these goals. This program will detail mobility practices specifically tailored to help lawyers address common issues in the profession, from extended periods of sitting to high-stress situations in the courtroom and beyond. Presenters will showcase specific movements designed to enhance posture and increase flexibility, and simple meditation and mindfulness techniques that can be directly applied to the demanding nature of legal work.

Speakers: Brad Bald, Lifestyle Communities; Laura Hull, Tennessee Court of Appeals

PowerPoint

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8:30 – 9:30 a.m. (Concurrent CLE Session)

CLE: Vendor Tech Panel, Salon 3 – 4  (1 DUAL)

This unique panel will bring together experts in various aspects of legal technology for a wide-ranging discussion about how tech is impacting the practice of law. Learn how technology can be used to expedite law office processes, supercharge legal research, and recruit and retain clients. Panelists include seasoned professionals who have their finger on the pulse of what is currently happening, if there are ethics to consider and what is on the horizon, in legal tech.

Speakers: Tanner Jones, Consultwebs; Phil Rosenthal, vLex Fastcase; Jake Nelson, LexisNexis; TBA President-elect Heidi Barcus, Lewis Thomason (moderator)

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10 – 11:30 a.m. 

YLD CLE: State of DEI in the Legal Profession, Salon 3 - 4 (1.5 DUAL)

Join colleagues for a conversation about what is happening in the world of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). This dynamic CLE program will explore the evolving role of DEI within the legal profession, bringing together insights from law firms, corporate legal department, and higher education institutions. Participants will hear from leaders within their organizations who will address everything from recruitment and retention to inclusive leadership and legal risk management. The focus of this CLE is to ignite an open discussion regarding how the ever-changing developments regarding DEI continue to shape legal strategy, client expectations and workplace culture. Through a panel discussion attendees should expect to gain a deeper understanding of the recent happenings surrounding the ever-changing DEI framework.

Speakers: James Crumlin, Spencer Fane Bone McAllester; Casey Duhart, Acadia Healthcare; David Hudson, Belmont University; Paige Lyle, FordHarrison; Kristen Walker, Spencer Fane Bone McAllester (moderator)

PowerPoint