MEMBER CENTER
Friday, April 24, 2026
When Elvis Presley died in 1977, Shelby County Medical Examiner Dr. Jerry Francisco performed the autopsy, finding that Presley died of a heart attack and that there was no evidence of drug use. In History's Verdict, Russell Fowler describes the subsequent media frenzy and court cases that followed when reporters and others put aside the autopsy report in favor of scandal.
Read about the lawyers who have recently been reinstated, disbarred, suspended, censured or transferred their licenses to disability inactive status.
This issue's Closing Statements features answers to the question “How has the definition of success evolved throughout your legal career?”
Stockwell to Retire as TLAP Executive Director
J.E. "Buddy" Stockwell will retire from his position as executive director of the Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program (TLAP) effective April 15. Appointed in 2020 by the Tennessee Supreme Court, Stockwell has worked to transform the program into the "sustainable, gold-standard program it is today" according to TLAP Commission Chair Judge Michael Spitzer. Over the years, TLAP has expanded from assistance with alcoholism and drug use to all other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar issues, burnout and compassion fatigue. “The profession with all its pressures and the speed of information these days, and just how tough it can be to practice law, it has ushered in a new era for LAPs. Substance use disorder cases are still significant, but TLAP is comprehensive now. We have a professional clinical staff that can help address any type of mental health issue,” Stockwell said. “It’s become very complex, but our program works really well, and we cover all of those bases.” Read more in this profile from the Administrative Office of the Courts. Stockwell has written "The Buddy System" column for the Tennessee Bar Journal since 2021. His final installment will be published in the July/August 2026 issue.
Tennessee Bar Journal
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