Attorneys are often asked to speak at conferences, moderate panel discussions, be interviewed for podcasts, and speak on TV or video. Public speaking is an opportunity to enhance the profession and share expertise with others, but attorneys must be comfortable appearing on video and virtual platforms and at in-person settings. On Nov. 12, Mimi Bliss of Bliss Communications will present a one-hour CLE from noon to 1 p.m. CST on how to speak with confidence. Learn more or register on the TBA website.

As Tennessee marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Legal Aid Society (LAS) Executive Director DarKenya W. Waller highlights how access to legal services can help victims safely leave abusive relationships and rebuild their lives. In the Cheatham County Exchange, Waller writes that survivors often face financial control, legal intimidation and poverty that trap them in dangerous situations, with many attempting to leave an average of seven times before succeeding. Legal Aid attorneys partner with agencies across the state that specialize in different issues related to domestic violence and provide wraparound support, from securing protective orders to addressing financial and housing barriers. Waller emphasizes that leaving an abuser is often the most perilous time for victims, making legal guidance and careful planning essential for long-term safety and independence. Those experiencing domestic violence, or those who know someone who is, can contact the Legal Aid Society at 800-238-1443 or visit the LAS website for assistance.

The Tennessee Education Association (TEA) is pushing for changes to the state’s K-12 education system. According to Fox 17, TEA’s new proposal, "Reimagining Tennessee’s Public Schools for the Future," compiles ideas from educators across the state and calls for a residency-first licensure model and more flexible school calendars with the goal of enhancing teaching and learning. Survey results show 81% of educators feel too much time is spent on mandatory assessments while 83% believe the results are not used properly. TEA is urging Gov. Bill Lee and state policymakers to adopt the recommendations to create what they say would be a more innovative and engaging education system.

The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) has launched a new, statewide portal for volunteer opportunities in partnership with Paladin, a leading pro bono management platform. The TBA Pro Bono Portal will play a crucial role in TBA’s work engaging Tennessee attorneys in pro bono and public interest opportunities by centralizing events, cases and training resources in one place. Using the portal, the TBA will work with over 15 legal aid providers across the state as well as its own Young Lawyers Division and other bar leadership groups to aggregate pro bono opportunities in a real-time, statewide database the legal community can access for free. “The TBA is proud to be part of the collaborative efforts working for quality, accessible legal services for all in our state. Paladin is the perfect tool to remove barriers that keep lawyers from volunteering. It will amplify clinics, individual cases and other opportunities for TBA members and the larger legal community,” said TBA President and Knoxville lawyer Heidi Barcus. She also thanked World Within for funding the first year of the portal. Read more about how the portal will work in a press release from the TBA or sign up for a free CLE on Nov. 5 to learn how to use the portal.

In related news, the TBA Access to Justice (ATJ) Committee recently sponsored a strategic action summit to engage bar leaders in identifying concrete ways the legal community can support legal service organizations in Tennessee. The event, hosted at Butler Snow's Nashville office, brought together leaders from key law firms, corporate legal departments and other stakeholders from across the state. Participants discussed practical ways to provide direct, meaningful pro bono assistance to organizations on the front lines of delivering legal aid to low-income and vulnerable Tennesseans. The summit, as well as ongoing ATJ Committee initiatives, will help craft TBA’s strategy for engaging Tennessee attorneys in pro bono and public interest opportunities. See photos from the day.

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday failed for the 13th time to advance a stopgap spending bill that would fund the government until Nov. 21 and end the monthlong government shutdown. The 54-45 vote was nearly identical to the previous 12 votes, as Republicans and Democrats held firm in their positions, the Tennessee Lookout reports. The measure needed at least 60 votes to advance under the Senate’s legislative filibuster. Senate leaders continued to clash over priorities, with Republicans urging passage of the House-approved bill to reopen the government and Democrats pushing for broader negotiations over tax credits and social programs. Both parties reportedly are exploring separate measures to fund nutrition assistance programs.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by state Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, that alleged Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and other legislative leaders violated his First and 14th Amendment rights, WSMV reports. The lawsuit centered on Jones’ expulsion, reinstatement and treatment as a lawmaker after he and two other representatives joined gun reform protests on the House floor following the Covenant School shooting in Nashville. The group, known as “The Tennessee Three,” drew national attention as lawmakers debated whether their actions were protected speech or disruptive conduct. In a 52-page opinion filed last week, U.S. District Judge Eli Richardson dismissed the case in its entirety, ruling that Jones lacked standing. The decision follows multiple motions to dismiss filed by Sexton and the other defendants.

TBA's Real Estate Law Section, in partnership with the Tennessee Land Title Association, will host its annual Hot Topics in Real Estate program virtually on Nov. 7. This event is a staple for Tennessee dirt lawyers, designed to keep you on the cutting edge of developments in your practice. Topics will include a comprehensive legislative update, FinCEN, the new foreclosure law, ALTA 49 endorsements, and wholesaling. Additionally, Jeff Lanier, a financial expert at Stewart Title, will provide a business and economic update titled "Rates, Resilience and the Road Ahead: Understanding the Economic Forces and Strategic Shifts Impacting Title Insurance." Don't miss this annual favorite!

Federal attorneys representing a Tennessee death row inmate are suing the state for allegedly denying them access to execution records. Federal Defender Services of Eastern Tennessee, which represents Harold Wayne Nichols, filed the lawsuit Tuesday in Knox County Chancery Court against the Tennessee Department of Correction, WSMV reports. The attorneys argue that a state secrecy statute prevents the release of records that normally would be public, including information about lethal injection drugs, testing and execution procedures. The lawsuit claims the department has repeatedly denied requests for nonconfidential data related to past executions, including those of Oscar Smith and Byron Black. Witnesses at Black’s execution reported that he appeared to be in distress. Nichols, who was convicted of the 1988 rape and murder of a woman in Chattanooga, must choose his method of execution by Nov. 11, but his attorneys say he cannot make an informed decision without access to the records. He is scheduled to be executed on Dec. 11.

A University of Memphis law student won a lawsuit against the City of Memphis on Monday, Action News 5 reports. Tyler Foster filed the lawsuit in July alleging violations of the Tennessee Public Records Act (TRPA )after the city delayed his requests for police disciplinary records through what he said were inflated fees, inconsistent policies and a sustained pattern of noncompliance. City attorneys argued the lawsuit was moot and said the delay was due to a high volume of open records requests and internal confusion. Shelby County Chancellor Melanie Taylor Jefferson sided with Foster and ordered the city to provide all requested records, reimburse his court costs and comply with an injunction prohibiting future violations of the state’s public records law.

Zoom is not the only game in town for web meetings, but it is popular for a reason. Use this chart to learn about the major web meeting vendors and what they offer. Find this and more in the Opening a Firm section of TBA’s Law Firm in a Box.