December 29, 2025 - January 2, 2026.

Several high-profile court cases affecting Memphis are expected to be considered in 2026. These include ongoing federal litigation stemming from the death of Tyré Nichols, a lawsuit challenging Gov. Bill Lee’s authority to deploy the National Guard, and a legal battle between the city and the Memphis Police Association. While major criminal cases involving the murder of Eliza Fletcher and Young Dolph concluded in 2025, aspects of the Nichols case remain unresolved in federal court as does a civil lawsuit seeking more than $500 million in damages. Separately, officials are appealing a ruling over the legality of the National Guard’s deployment in Memphis, a case that could set precedent on executive power in Tennessee. And the city’s dispute with the police association over union authority and contract issues continues to move through the courts. The Commercial Appeal looks at next steps in these cases.

The TBA Young Lawyers Division, in collaboration with the Memphis Bar Association and Memphis Area Legal Services, will be conducting Free Legal Answers Clinics one Saturday a month in Memphis. The clinics will take place from 10 a.m. to noon at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, 3030 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38111. See a flyer for dates and times throughout 2026. To volunteer contact Nicole Grida or show up on the day of the event.

State lawmakers may consider imposing a statewide cap on how much local governments can raise property taxes this year, The Tennessean reports. If adopted, the proposal would allow local governments to seek larger property tax increases by triggering a voter referendum. A spokesperson for Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell said the city relies on the ability to adjust property tax rates as property values change to maintain financial stability. Nashville residents have seen two significant property tax increases in recent years, including a 34% increase in 2020 and a 26% increase last year. No bill outlining the proposal has yet been filed.

Part of a new law that took effect Jan. 1, requires different identification and driver licenses for legal permanent residents of Tennessee who are not U.S. citizens. Lawmakers who passed the measure during a special legislative session last January said the change is intended to make it easier to determine voter eligibility and prevent noncitizens from voting. Advocates and some lawmakers have raised concerns that the law could affect access to public education and enrollment. WKRN has more on the issue.

Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has announced the promotion of an existing staff member and the hiring of a new staff member to bolster the office's communications team. Kaki Carrigan, currently serving as deputy chief of staff, has been promoted to chief communications officer. In her expanded role, she will lead the office's communications team and direct both internal and external communications strategies. She will continue to serve as deputy chief of staff. In addition, Phil Buehler has been named press secretary. He will serve as the primary spokesperson for the office and manage day-to-day media relations. Read more about the moves in a news release.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue will host a free webinar for new businesses Jan. 7 at 8:30 a.m. CST. During the session, participants will learn about state tax obligations for new businesses in the state and about other resources that may help new businesses. The webinar is part of a series the department offers to the public each quarter. Each webinar covers topics such as tax registration, sales and use tax, business tax, franchise and excise taxes, and how to get help from the Department of Revenue and other state agencies. Registration is available on the department’s website.

Sessions from the 2025 Animal Law Forum are now available on demand. The sessions explore conservation funding and green business practices at the Nashville Zoo, legal challenges tied to development in sensitive habitats, key issues in equine law and ethical considerations in animal law cases. The forum also included a session on the practical realities of practicing animal law in Tennessee with a focus on dangerous dogs, veterinary malpractice and custody disputes. Additional programming examines the use of K-9s and equine in law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations, with a focus on training, regulation and legal concerns. All sessions are available individually on the TBA CLE website.

Mississippi lawyer Carlos Eugene Moore was reinstated to the active practice of law in Tennessee on Jan. 5. He had been suspended for one year on March 27, 2025, retroactive to the date of suspension in the state of Mississippi. Moore filed a petition for reinstatement on Nov. 21, 2025. The Board of Professional Responsibility found the petition to be satisfactory.

The TBA is hiring for two positions: Data & Systems Specialist and Executive Assistant. Those interested in either job should send a cover letter explaining interest in the position and a resume by email to Human Resources & Administrative Coordinator Tanja Trezise. The Data & Systems Specialist will support the TBA’s daily operations by managing and optimizing the organization’s core platforms, including the association management system, learning management system, bulk email platform and website. This role ensures data accuracy, maintains functional system workflows, builds and updates website pages, and provides consistent support to staff who rely on these systems. The Executive Assistant serves as a trusted administrative and strategic partner to the Executive Director, supporting TBA’s leadership, governance processes and organizational operations. The position manages executive workflows, coordinates high-level communications, prepares critical documentation, and ensures the Executive Director’s work is well-organized, informed, and aligned with the association’s mission and strategic goals. Learn more about both of these positions on the TBA’s career webpage.