In this compensation appeal, the employee challenges the trial court’s order granting the employer’s motion for summary judgment. Following multiple discovery-related motions, the trial court imposed numerous sanctions on the employee due to her failure to participate in discovery. It then granted summary judgment to the employer based on its conclusion that, in response to the employer’s properly-supported motion, the employee had failed to come forward with evidence creating any genuine issue of material fact as to an essential element of her claim. The employee argues that her former attorney is to blame for the actions that resulted in sanctions and that she should be allowed to proceed with her case. Having carefully reviewed the record, we affirm the trial court’s decision and certify it as final.

The Knoxville Bar Association and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, in partnership with Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET), will hold a Debt Relief Clinic on Sept. 13 to provide pro bono legal services to income-eligible consumer debtors. The clinic will begin at 9 a.m. EDT at the Knox County Public Defender's Community Law Office, 1101 Liberty St., Knoxville 37919. Judge Suzanne Bauknight will present a short overview of the bankruptcy system and then volunteer lawyers will conduct initial meetings with the clients to discuss their situations and options. Those interested in helping should register online. Clients seeking advice should call 865-637-0484.

The Tennessee Supreme Court reinstated Shelby County lawyer Archie Sanders III to the active practice of law on Sept. 3. He had been suspended on May 27 for one year with two months to be served on active suspension and the remainder on probation subject to conditions. The court noted that the reinstatement is conditioned on continuing compliance with the conditions set forth in the May order.

The Tennessee Supreme Court temporarily suspended Davidson County lawyer Michael Lloyd Freeman on Sept. 3 after finding that Freeman failed to respond to the Board of Professional Responsibility about four complaints of misconduct. Freeman is immediately precluded from accepting any new cases, and he must cease representing existing clients by Oct. 3.

Having “everywhere access” to your documents requires Internet-connected storage. If you’re a Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace customer, you already pay for terabytes of online storage. Use this comparison chart to find the right cloud storage vendor for your organization. Access this and more resources in the Opening a Firm section of TBA’s Law Firm in a Box.

TBA's Adoption Law Section will present its annual forum on Sept. 19 in Nashville. The schedule is jam-packed with useful and practical sessions, including legislative updates and review with previous section chair Meredith Brasfield, as well as case law updates from the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) and a judicial panel discussing best practices in contested hearings. Speakers include Sammi Maifair and Amy Smith with DCS, Montgomery County General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Sharon Massey Grimes, Circuit Court Judge Kathryn Olita, Joe Thompson with the State of Tennessee and Jennifer Williams with Adopt4Kids. Make plans now to attend!

This year’s TBA Topgolf Estate Planning Tee-off will feature essentials on trust concerns. Seasoned expert and GSRM Law estate planning section leader Grayson Cannon will provide a session on the basics of public benefits and how to spot a case where a special needs trust might be warranted or helpful. Other topics include the fundamentals of income taxation of trusts and estates, best practices for trustees and more. The package includes breakfast, lunch and two hours of Topgolf after the presentations. Space is limited, so register now before it's too late!

TBA Elder Law Section Chair Elect Glen Kyle will provide an estate planning primer at the Knoxville Community Action Commission Office on Aging’s annual Aging: A Family Affair event on Nov. 6. Now in its 41st year, the program features a variety of workshops on topics of interest to older adults, their families and elder care professionals. Vendors will be onsite offering information about resources and services, and providing health screenings. Registration is $25 and includes light breakfast, lunch, workshops, handouts and entrance to the Resource Expo. Learn more here.

The Kingsport Senior Center and Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) will host a free legal clinic to help older adults complete powers of attorney on Sept. 18. The event will take place from 2-4 p.m. EDT at the senior center’s office, 1200 E. Center St., Suite 121, Kingsport 37660. Attendees will meet with lawyers who will assist in completing necessary legal forms. Pre-registration is required by Sept. 4 to attend. Contact LAET at 423-928-8311 or click here for more information.

General, Solo & Small Firm Section members have access to quality TBA CLE programming that can be purchased using a section member discount. Join colleagues for any of these upcoming forums this fall: Adoption Law Forum, Creditors Practice Forum, Animal Law Forum or the Disability Law Forum. Next week, learn more about estate planning while working on your golf skills at the Estate Planning Tee-off at Topgolf. Or, later this month, tune in for a Rookie Series webcast Making the Most of Mediation, a program that will provide practical guidance for lawyers to prepare themselves and their clients for mediation. Looking for something else? Check out the TBA CLE catalog to find more courses focused on the needs of solo and small firm practitioners!