This issue's Legal Life highlights 2026 Mock Trial results, a retiring Journal columnist, TBA Board of Governors appointments to vacant seats, June swearing in ceremonies and more.

Tennessee Bar Association members who have died recently are memorialized.

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

The TBA Mentoring Committee and the TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) held its April monthly meet up at Streetcar Taps in Nashville. See a photo from event and make plans now to join colleagues for the May monthly mentoring meet up at a Nashville Sounds game! A block of tickets in the 4 Tops section has been reserved for May 28, perfect for making connections in a relaxed setting. Tickets are only $20. Half the price, all the fun — thanks to TBA covering the other half. All are welcome and guests are encouraged. Come connect, build relationships and enjoy the game with the mentoring community! See a flyer for more information and purchase tickets here. Tickets are limited. Learn more about the TBA Mentoring Committee on the TBA website.

The Tennessee Supreme Court issued an order on April 30 directing that Washington County attorney Jeffrey Dennis Johnson will be reinstated to the active practice of law on May 1. Johnson was suspended by the court for two years on April 1, with 30 days to be served on active suspension and the remainder on probation subject to conditions. During the probationary period, Johnson must employ a practice monitor and repay all costs of the disciplinary proceeding.

The Tennessee Supreme Court placed Davidson County lawyer Courtney Michelle Rogers Perrin on disability inactive status on April 29. Rogers Perrin may not practice law while on inactive status and must comply with the obligations and responsibilities of attorneys transferred to disability inactive status. She may return to the active practice of law by filing a petition and obtaining a court order granting the petition.

The TBA today filed comments with the Tennessee Supreme Court on potential regulatory reform of the state’s legal profession. The comments respond to the court’s call for feedback on seven potential regulatory reforms to increase access to legal representation while also ensuring the competency of attorneys and safeguarding the public. Over the past seven months, the TBA has provided a range of opportunities for members of the legal community to share their thoughts on these possible changes. In announcing the filing of TBA’s comments, President Heidi Barcus thanked all those who participated. “The TBA is grateful for the thoughtful and insightful feedback shared by lawyers across the state during this process. Whether through emails to the TBA's Legal Access & Regulatory Reform Task Force, submissions to TBA’s survey or attendance at six virtual town hall meetings, your input greatly assisted the task force and Board of Governors in developing the comments that were filed today.” Read the TBA's comments or learn more about the issues under consideration.

A Dickson County jury convicted the Defendant, Barry J. Zbleski, Jr., of second degree murder by the unlawful distribution of fentanyl or carfentanil and of the knowing sale and distribution of fentanyl resulting in death or bodily injury. The trial court imposed an effective sentence of twenty years’ imprisonment. On appeal, the Defendant raises two issues: (1) whether the evidence is legally sufficient to support his conviction for second degree murder; and (2) whether the trial court violated his Sixth Amendment right to confront witnesses by admitting testimony from a substitute medical examiner. Upon our review, we respectfully affirm the judgments of the trial court.

This accelerated interlocutory appeal requires us to determine whether the trial court erred in denying Appellant’s motion for recusal, which was brought pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10B § 2.02. Because Appellant’s petition fails to comply with the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10B§ 1.01, the appeal is dismissed.

The Tennessee Supreme Court will hear oral arguments for its May docket in Knoxville on May 6. The proceedings will take place at the Tennessee Supreme Court building and be livestreamed on the court’s YouTube page. The court will hear two cases — Timothy Allen Curtis and Tammy Curtis Webb, as next of kin of Virginia Curtis ex rel. Bruce Allen Curtis v. Tiffany L. Sharp et al. and James W. Grubb et al. v. Joe D. Grubb et al. — beginning at 9 a.m. EDT and two cases — Emily Elizabeth Buckner v. Complete Wellness Chiropractic Center et al. and In re Nathaniel D. — beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT. Read more about the cases from the Administrative Office of the Courts.