After attending a police use-of-force training session hosted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Shelby County District Attorney (DA) Steve Mulroy wrote an opinion piece about the experience for USA Today. The piece has drawn criticism from several other district attorneys in the state and at least one local police chief. In their own opinion piece, published in the Tennessean, three DAs say they “strongly reject” Mulroy’s assertions “regarding law enforcement, police training and the prosecution of officer-involved shootings.” Eight DAs also signed a letter rejecting the assertions in Mulroy’s piece. In response, Mulroy says his piece was not meant to criticize law enforcement, but rather the company that provided the training. According to Mulroy, Force Science is one of the main trainers of law enforcement agents across the country but embraces a “siege mentality” and mocks de-escalation techniques. Action News 5 has more on the story.

Three candidates are running in the Republican Party primary for this fall’s gubernatorial race, and they have different views on death penalty methods, Tennessee Lookout reports. U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has said she supports bringing back the electric chair, while U.S. Rep. John Rose of Cookeville supports continued use of lethal injection. State Rep. Monty Fritts of Kingston says the state’s efforts on executions have been a “failure,” noting the length of time it takes to carry out sentences. Read more about the candidates’ responses to a questionnaire on the topic from the news source.

Bring your lunch and join colleagues for Sandwiches & Sidebars, a new quarterly networking meet-up hosted by the TBA Mentoring Committee. This casual gathering is a great opportunity to meet new people, expand your professional network, exchange ideas and connect with fellow members of the legal community in a relaxed setting. The first event will take place on July 20 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. CDT at the TBA Office located at 3010 Poston Ave., Nashville 37203. Free street parking is available. TBA members should drop in as their schedule allows — stay for a few minutes or the full two hours. From experienced to mid-career attorneys to young lawyers to law students, all members of the legal community are encouraged to attend. This event is supported by the Young Lawyers Division. Hope to see you there!

TBA’s Christmas in July continues on July 23 with a one-hour webcast on modern legal writing. Ryan Standil with Write To Excite will cover five techniques to avoid ambiguity so readers can clearly understand your legal writing, even when cases are complex. During the program, Standil will contrast before-and-after examples of writing, both for emails and legal documents. The program, "Crystal-Clear Communication for Lawyers: Five Techniques to Avoid Ambiguity," airs at noon central and offers one general hour of CLE credit.

This fall, the TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) will visit all six Tennessee law schools. YLD Board members and YLD Fellows will highlight the benefits of the FREE TBA law student membership, including valuable networking, educational and leadership opportunities available while students are enrolled in law school. They will also answer questions about launching a legal career and what to expect in the profession. Plus, enjoy free food and giveaways! All law students are welcome to attend.

• Aug. 27 — Nashville School of Law — 5:15-6:15 p.m. CDT
• Aug. 31 — Belmont University College of Law — 12-1 p.m. CDT
• Sept. 10 — University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law — 12-1 p.m. CDT
• Sept. 28 — Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law — 12:30-1:30 p.m. EDT
• Sept. 29 — University of Tennessee Winston College of Law — 12-1 p.m. EDT
• Oct. 27 — Vanderbilt University School of Law — 12:10-1:10 p.m. CDT

Registration is open for the TBA's Journey to Sicily CLE program scheduled for April 2027. The early bird registration rate has been extended to July 20. As the largest Mediterranean island, Sicily presents a deep historical and cultural relevance to mainland Italy and is home to splendid sites such as temples, chapels, mosaics and an active volcano. This immersive program will engage with local attorneys, scholars and experts offering poignant commentary on Italian and European Union legal and political systems, art, history, architecture and religion, all while highlighting welcoming communities and iconic cuisine! The core program, scheduled for April 3-7, 2027, is a four-night experience based in Palermo with multiple day trips. Travelers also have the opportunity to explore Catania and surrounding areas by adding on a three-night or four-night extension. View a brochure for the trip or learn more online. Space is extremely limited, so reserve your spot today!

The recently held Restoration of Rights Resource Clinic in Memphis educated individuals about second-chance opportunities. Hosted through a collaborative partnership between the Memphis Bar Association's Access to Justice Committee, the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (YLD), The Memphis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., West Tennessee Legal Services, and the Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, the clinic provided information on restoration of rights, expungement eligibility, certificates of employability and other legal resources available to eligible participants. Attendees enjoyed educational presentations and had the opportunity to ask questions and meet one-on-one with volunteer attorneys and community partners. The clinic also connected participants with organizations that provide ongoing legal assistance and support. Read more about the event.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) argues in July 13 court filings that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may never weigh in on Metro Nashville's lawsuit demanding the agency settle which board controls Nashville International Airport. The Nashville Business Journal reports that the filings say that Metro is not entitled to an injunction over "hypothetical action" that the FAA has not taken. The lawsuit stems from a new Tennessee law that stripped Metro's exclusive control of the airport authority board on July 1 in favor of a state-majority panel — a shift Metro says triggers federal requirements the FAA is ignoring. The DOJ says the FAA will not recognize any board before July 27, though it is unclear if that timeline will hold. In related news, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti is seeking standing in the case. Both the old and new airport boards were set to hold competing meetings today.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee, Hamilton County Juvenile Court, the Chattanooga Bar Association and the TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) are sponsoring a free Family Law Advice Clinic on Aug. 5 from 3-5 p.m. EDT. Volunteers are needed for the event, which will be held at the Dr. Carol B. Berz Family Justice Center, 5705 Uptain Rd., Chattanooga 37411. Contact YLD District Representative Mary Frances DeVoe for more information. Learn more about this opportunity on the TBA Pro Bono Portal.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee and the TBA Young Lawyers Division will hold a virtual name change clinic on Aug. 18 via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. EDT. Interested attorneys should contact Mary Frances DeVoe for more information or volunteer for this opportunity on TBA's Pro Bono Portal.