The 2026 law school admissions cycle just began and data from the Law School Admission Council indicates the pool of applicants is 33% larger than it was at this time last year. According to Reuters, experts attribute the increase to the political climate and a tough job market for new college graduates. The current increase comes on top of last year’s boom, when the cycle started with a 26% jump in applicants before ending in an 18% increase — with 12,000 more people seeking a seat in law school.

The Tennessee Supreme Court reinstated Maryland lawyer Mohammad Ali Syed on Oct. 9. Syed had been on inactive status since Oct. 22, 2018. The Board of Professional Responsibility reported that the reinstatement petition was satisfactory and that Syed met the requirements of Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 9, § 10.8(c).

The Trial Court Vacancy Commission met in Nashville on Oct. 15 to select nominees for a vacancy in the 20th Judicial District’s Third Circuit Court. After holding a public hearing and conducting public interviews, the commission selected the following nominees to forward to Gov. Bill Lee for his consideration: Bethany P. Glandorf, Morgan E. Smith and John R. Wilks. Read about the nominees on the Administrative Office of the Courts’ website. The lawyer chosen by the governor will fill a vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Phillip R. Robinson on Oct. 17.

Due to the resignation of Christopher R. Stanford, district attorney general for the 31st Judicial District, Gov. Bill Lee’s office is accepting applications to fill the position until the next biennial election in August 2026. Applicants must have been a resident of the state for five years and a resident of the district — which covers Van Buren and Warren counties — for one year. To be considered, attorneys should submit a resume and cover letter to Chief Counsel to the Governor Erin Merrick by 5 p.m. CDT on Oct. 27 by emailing her assistant Katelin Brown. Read more in the official notice.

While Tennessee recognizes Celebrate Pro Bono Month throughout the month of October, the American Bar Association (ABA) promotes one week of the month as a National Celebration of Pro Bono. This year’s event will take place Oct. 19-25 with the theme of "Supporting Communities." Also held during the week is ABA Giving Day, set for Oct. 23 this year. Organized by the ABA's Fund for Justice and Education, this effort raises support for programs that help others through public service, policy initiatives and education programs. Read more in a press release about the upcoming celebration.

The Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations has released its report on the state of crime labs in Tennessee. According to The Tennessean, the report found that a rise in violent crimes is threatening to create a dire situation with regard to the backlog of evidence. The report contains several recommendations to improve the situation, including moving ahead with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's (TBI) plan to renovate or expand current labs. The TBI currently operates three state-run labs in Nashville, Jackson and Knoxville. A draft version of the report released in July recommended the state build a new crime lab in Chattanooga.

The Memphis Safe Task Force — made up of federal and state law enforcement agents — reportedly is using a new state law that went into effect on July 1 to block access to its activities, the Tennessee Lookout reports. The law makes it illegal to approach a police officer within 25 feet if the officer is engaged in official duties and has ordered the person to stop advancing. Hunter Demster, a leader with Free the 901 (a coalition of groups opposing the task force) says he was told to stand 25 feet back while filming police activities. The paper notes that Tennessee’s law is similar to laws in Indiana and Louisiana, which federal courts have ruled unconstitutional. A coalition of news organizations have sued the state of Tennessee over the law.

The TBA was recognized with a major award from the National Association of Bar Executives (NABE) at the annual Communications Section Workshop in Boise, Idaho. The association earned a Luminary Award for Excellence in Special Projects for its Indigent Representation Education Campaign. Judges who reviewed the award submission remarked, “This campaign is an outstanding example of how bar communications can directly impact public policy and access to justice. Faced with a complex, urgent issue, the team created a comprehensive strategy that informed, engaged and mobilized members across multiple platforms. The campaign stood out for its breadth and sophistication — weekly primers, podcasts, Q&As, interviews, social media and event preparation all worked together seamlessly.” TBA staff Stacey Shrader Joslin and Azya Thornton were on hand to accept the award. Tennessee Bar Journal Editor Julia Wilburn co-chaired the award committee but recused herself from this award category. See photos from the event.

The Black Farmers and Agriculturalists Association plans to seek a rehearing after a U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals panel upheld a ruling barring families from filing “legacy claims” on behalf of deceased relatives who suffered from farm-lending discrimination. The lawsuit, filed in August 2023, alleged the U.S. Department of Agriculture acted arbitrarily by rejecting those claims for relief under the $2.2 billion Discrimination Financial Assistance Program. According to the Tennessee Lookout, the appeals court agreed with a lower court’s finding that only living farmers qualify for assistance, reasoning that financial aid is meant to help with ongoing needs. Attorney Percy Squire, representing the association, said the panel’s interpretation is too narrow and fails to honor Congress’ intent to address the consequences of historic discrimination against Black farmers.

Take advantage of TBA’s exclusive BlueCross BlueShield group health insurance plan and potentially benefit from substantial savings compared to your current rates. View the rates here. Enjoy convenient and easy online enrollment, guaranteed issue coverage, no health questions and no pre-existing condition exclusions. Plus, the plan includes a $15,000 life insurance policy for each employee enrolled. This year’s open enrollment ends on Dec. 5, so don’t wait. Enroll early to receive your ID card by Jan. 1, 2026! Solo attorneys can participate in our solo plan.