Make plans now to join colleagues on June 26 at noon CDT for an insightful and practical webcast designed specifically for family law attorneys. The seminar will guide attendees through the essential steps of conducting effective client consultations, from initial intake to preparation and execution. Topics will cover the intake process — how to gather crucial information efficiently and empathetically; preparation — strategies for preparing thoroughly to address client concerns and legal issues; and consultation mechanics — counterintuitive insights and techniques for managing the consultation to build trust and rapport. Visit the TBA website for more information and to register.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into various sectors, including the legal industry, to increase productivity and efficiency. In his final column, TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr. explores the various applications of AI in legal services, the benefits it offers, the challenges it faces and the future prospects of AI in enhancing access to justice.

It’s not an unusual situation. An employee tenders to her employer a notice that she intends to resign in two weeks. Does she work out her notice period or does the employer consider the resignation effective on the day the notice was provided? And how would that affect her unemployment benefits? Edward G. Phillips and Brandon L. Morrow provide practical guidance in the Law at Work column.

In his Day on Torts column, John Day analyzes data on civil and criminal filings and outcomes in the state court system collected annually by the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts.

Clients have many reasons to create irrevocable trusts and even more reasons to become disenchanted with them. In this issue's Where There's a Will, Eddy Smith details how attorneys can help folks understand the opportunities to make desired changes to such trusts.

The Tennessee Court of Appeals recently held in Trezevant v. Trezevant that the 12-month statute of limitations applicable to misdemeanors does not apply to all criminal contempt allegations and actions arising from domestic relations orders. Marlene Eskind Moses and Ansley Ownes Tillett break down the implications of the decision in this installment of Family Matters.

The Journal’s “back page” content looks a little different in 2025! Introducing “Closing Statements.” We’ll post a question here in each issue and invite you to submit your answer. Perhaps you’ll see your closing statement in the next issue! For this issue, members of the TBA’s Access to Justice Committee answered: “What is your most memorable pro bono experience?”

Read about the lawyers who have recently been reinstated, disbarred, suspended, censured or transferred their licenses to disability inactive status.

Tennessee Bar Association members who have died recently are memorialized.

Read the latest news from the TBA, including Mock Trial results (and see the winning entry in the inaugural Artist in the Courtroom competition), an update on the new indigent representation plan, Supreme Court swearing in and a spotlight on a new innovative CLE experience.