TBA’s Christmas in July continues on July 23 with a one-hour webcast on modern legal writing. Ryan Standil with Write To Excite will cover five techniques to avoid ambiguity so readers can clearly understand your legal writing, even when cases are complex. During the program, Standil will contrast before-and-after examples of writing, both for emails and legal documents. The program, "Crystal-Clear Communication for Lawyers: Five Techniques to Avoid Ambiguity," airs at noon central and offers one general hour of CLE credit.

The Defendant, Joseph Eugene Chestnut, Jr., was convicted by a Macon County jury of one count of first degree premeditated murder and four counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. The trial court imposed an effective sentence of life imprisonment. On appeal, the Defendant claims that the trial court erred by denying his motion to suppress the firearm seized during the warrantless search of his vehicle and that the evidence of premeditation is insufficient to support his conviction of first degree murder. Following our review and pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 36, we remand for entry of a corrected judgment in Count One to correct a clerical error. Otherwise, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

A Davidson County jury convicted Petitioner, Javarius Deshawn Baugh, of first degree premeditated murder and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, for which he received an effective life sentence. Petitioner now appeals the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief, arguing that trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance. Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

A driver appeals the circuit court’s decision that he violated an ordinance by committing careless driving. We affirm.

This fall, the TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) will visit all six Tennessee law schools. YLD Board members and YLD Fellows will highlight the benefits of the FREE TBA law student membership, including valuable networking, educational and leadership opportunities available while students are enrolled in law school. They will also answer questions about launching a legal career and what to expect in the profession. Plus, enjoy free food and giveaways! All law students are welcome to attend.

• Aug. 27 — Nashville School of Law — 5:15-6:15 p.m. CDT
• Aug. 31 — Belmont University College of Law — 12-1 p.m. CDT
• Sept. 10 — University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law — 12-1 p.m. CDT
• Sept. 28 — Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law — 12:30-1:30 p.m. EDT
• Sept. 29 — University of Tennessee Winston College of Law — 12-1 p.m. EDT
• Oct. 27 — Vanderbilt University School of Law — 12:10-1:10 p.m. CDT

Registration is open for the TBA's Journey to Sicily CLE program scheduled for April 2027. The early bird registration rate has been extended to July 20. As the largest Mediterranean island, Sicily presents a deep historical and cultural relevance to mainland Italy and is home to splendid sites such as temples, chapels, mosaics and an active volcano. This immersive program will engage with local attorneys, scholars and experts offering poignant commentary on Italian and European Union legal and political systems, art, history, architecture and religion, all while highlighting welcoming communities and iconic cuisine! The core program, scheduled for April 3-7, 2027, is a four-night experience based in Palermo with multiple day trips. Travelers also have the opportunity to explore Catania and surrounding areas by adding on a three-night or four-night extension. View a brochure for the trip or learn more online. Space is extremely limited, so reserve your spot today!

The recently held Restoration of Rights Resource Clinic in Memphis educated individuals about second-chance opportunities. Hosted through a collaborative partnership between the Memphis Bar Association's Access to Justice Committee, the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (YLD), The Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., West Tennessee Legal Services, and the Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, the clinic provided information on restoration of rights, expungement eligibility, certificates of employability and other legal resources available to eligible participants. Attendees enjoyed educational presentations and had the opportunity to ask questions and meet one-on-one with volunteer attorneys and community partners. The clinic also connected participants with organizations that provide ongoing legal assistance and support. Read more about the event.

This appeal requires us to determine whether the trial court erred in granting Appellee/Shelby County Board of Education’s motion for summary judgment on its breach of contract claim against Appellant/Contractor. Because disputes of material fact and ambiguities arising therefrom exist, the trial court’s grant of summary judgment is reversed.

This appeal arises from a divorce case following a marriage of short duration. Husband appeals the trial court’s award of transitional alimony and attorney’s fees as alimony in solido to Wife. We affirm the award of transitional alimony, vacate the award of attorney’s fees, and remand.

John Jay Starnes, Defendant, was convicted following a bench trial of two counts of unlawfully and negligently placing a child in imminent danger in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-15-401(d) (2022). Defendant argues that the trial court erred by denying diversion and by imposing a split-confinement sentence of eleven months and twenty-nine days, suspended to probation after service of thirty days in jail. Following a thorough review of the record and applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.