The Tennessee Information Protection Act (TIPA), which was passed by the Tennessee General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Bill Lee in 2023, requires certain businesses to ensure consumers’ data and information are protected while giving consumers more control over how their data is collected, processed and used by those businesses. In preparation for TIPA to go into effect July 1, Attorney General (AG) Jonathan Skrmetti's office has released a guide to assist consumers and businesses in understanding the new requirements. "This new law protects consumer privacy and gives Tennesseans more transparency and control over corporate data collection and retention," said Skrmetti. "[M]y office is glad to provide clear guidance so companies know what they need to do, because Tennessee wants to continue to be an easy place to build and run a business." Read a press release and FAQs about TIPA from the AG's office.

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.

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.

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.

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.