The TBA will offer a one-hour webcast on Dec. 16 providing employment law attorneys an overview of the American Arbitration Association’s (AAA) updated Employment and Workplace Rules. Led by AAA Employment Vice President Cassie Lively and attorney and AAA arbitrator Mark Travis, the program will address recent rule changes expanding arbitrator authority over discovery, subpoenas and dispositive motions, and new administrative procedures. The session will offer insights from both administrative and arbitrator perspectives on the evolving landscape of employment arbitration. For more information and to register, visit the TBA website.

The TBA's Year End CLE Event includes a three-hour "Attorney Wellness" package designed to help Tennessee lawyers quickly earn dual credit. The package includes courses on combating burnout through mentorship, compassionate lawyering and addressing bias, providing a focused path for attorneys seeking well-being–centered programming.  Check out the specific courses included in the package on the TBA website. Looking for something else? TBA also has six, eight, 10, 12 and 15-hour packages, packages based on specific topics or practice areas, live webcasts and on-demand video all month long. Explore all the Year End options to complete your CLE requirement by Dec. 31.

The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) has a number of resources for members interested in incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into their law practice. Content includes four white papers: Vetting AI for Attorneys, Introduction to Generative AI in Legal Practice, Effective AI Prompting for Legal Professionals, and Using Legal-Specific AI Tools in Your Practice; and two checklists: Keys to a Good AI Prompt and Questions to Ask Your AI Provider. All are available as part of TBA’s Law Firm in a Box. Watch for new resources coming soon, including white papers on how AI works and top products on the market, and a checklist on how to fact-check AI.

The TBA has announced that open enrollment for its group health insurance has been extended to Dec. 15. Due to strong enrollment, member interest and requests for additional time to review coverage options, TBA Member Insurance Solutions has negotiated a one-time extension. After Dec. 15, enrollment will be closed until Fall 2026. The plan, offered through BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, is available exclusively to TBA members and offers guaranteed issue coverage with no health questions or pre-existing condition exclusions. For rates, plan details and enrollment information, visit the TBA website.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has held that the defendants in a legal malpractice and fraud action were not entitled to dismissal of the lawsuits under the Tennessee Public Participation Act (TPPA) because the lawsuits were not filed in response to the defendants’ exercise of the right to petition. Access the press release from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The judges of the Davidson County General Sessions Court announced that they have directed Justice A.A. Birch Courthouse security to heighten security measures following remarks by Congressman Andy Ogles that "appeared intended to incite violence against elected officials in Davidson County." In a joint statement, the judges said, "We stand united in condemning any language or actions that target judges — or any elected officials — with threats of violence as a means of expressing political disagreement. In light of the numerous acts of political violence witnessed in recent years, the statements made by Mr. Ogles are unacceptable." Read the full statement. The judges also sent a formal request to Gov. Bill Lee requesting that the state take "immediate steps to ensure the safety and security of the public in and around" the courthouse.

Former Memphis Police Office Patric J. Ferguson pleaded guilty in August to civil rights, firearms, kidnapping and obstruction charges connected with the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Robert Howard. Ferguson was sentenced last week to 38 years in prison. The Tennessee Lookout reports that in 2021, Ferguson used a police database to search for Howard, who at the time was in a relationship with a woman who previously dated Ferguson. Ferguson was charged with kidnapping Howard, killing him in the back of his patrol car and dumping the body in the Wolf River.

Montgomery County Commissioner Michael Lankford on Dec. 8 was chosen to serve as the interim state House District 75 representative by the Montgomery County Commission. The Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle reports that the commission voted for Lankford to complete the term of the late Rep. Jeff Burkhart, R-Clarksville, following Burkhart's unexpected death on Nov. 14. "I appreciate the confidence that the commission has in me, and I look forward to working with this body in the future at the state capitol," Lankford said, addressing the commission after the meeting. Six candidates submitted resumes and letters of interest to the commission for consideration for the seat.

A Shelby County jury convicted the Defendant, Darrell Peterson, of one count of first degree premeditated murder, two counts of attempted first degree murder, and two counts of employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony. The trial court imposed a life sentence plus twenty-five years. On appeal, the Defendant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support his convictions, and the trial court improperly ordered consecutive sentencing. After review, we affirm the trial court’s judgments.

In 2022, the Petitioner, Keshon Ford, pleaded guilty to attempted second degree murder in exchange for a sentence of ten years of incarceration. Thereafter, the Petitioner filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus, alleging that his plea was not entered voluntarily. The habeas court entered an order dismissing the petition. On appeal, the Petitioner claims that the habeas corpus court erred when it denied his request for appointment of counsel and when it summarily dismissed his petition. We affirm the habeas corpus court’s judgment.