There has long been a divergence between the law and practice of bail in Tennessee, writes Willie Santana. The law clearly states that setting financial conditions for release should be a last resort. However, in practice, courts have been setting financial conditions as a matter of course. Since the preliminary injunction in Torres v. Collins, bail practice in Tennessee’s courts has started its slow march toward compliance with the law. Read "Whose Burden Is It Anyway? Bail hearings post-Torres v. Collins" to find out more.

This month, President Sherie Edwards outlines the many benefits you are getting as a TBA member (including this newsletter and many other publications). She admits that even she didn't know everything TBA offered, so in her column she asks and answers the question, "What other benefits does the TBA offer members, and are our members deriving the most value from their membership?" She walks you through what you can find at the Member Advantages portal on the TBA website, including discounts on insurance (health, dental and vision, telehealth, group life, AD&D and disability, long-term care, auto, business overhead expense, court bonds, workers’ compensation, property and building, and cyber liability coverage), the TBA Practice Management Center and reduced rates on many other services.

In the 2021 session of the 112th General Assembly, the state legislature passed a multitude of laws, including several that will impact those who deal in the labor and employment law arena. "Although they may not garner as much attention as permit-less access to firearms, protect your Amazon packages from bold burglars, or get your faulty John Deere replaced," Edward Phillips and Brandon Morrow write, they are important. This month's "The Law at Work" column highlights important employment law changes. They cover clarification of the Tennessee Public Protection Act, employment protections for Tennessee National Guard members, and new categories of leave for disabled veterans who are state employees.

The first key to reducing payment delays and preventing non-payment is to clearly define all expectations related to billing and fees during client intake. The second is making it easy for your clients to pay. LawPay’s innovative online payment solution allows you to offer clients a secure, convenient payment experience that helps you get paid faster and more reliably. We’ve extended our exclusive offer for Tennessee Bar Association members! Sign up for LawPay by Sept. 30 and you’ll pay no monthly fee for three months and receive a $150 new account credit. Get started >>