News

July 18, 2012
From the Clarksville Leaf ChronicleBy: Philip Grey General Sessions Judge Ken Goble banged his gavel at approximately 1:30 p.m. on July 17, and the long-awaited Veterans Court became a reality. The…

July 12, 2012
As part of the Knoxville Bar Association’s Exploring East Tennessee Series, Supreme Court Justices Sharon Lee and Gary Wade, along with KBA members, hiked to Abrams Falls Trail, which is inside Cades Cove. Following a box lunch, KBA members and their guests enjoyed a highly interactive and informal…

July 11, 2012
The recently formed Board of Judicial Conduct (BJC) has met and selected officers. Judge Chris Craft was elected aschairperson, Judge Tim Easter as vice-chair, Tom Lawless as Secretary and Judge Jeff Bivins as General Assembly Liaison.  “I appreciate the confidence the members of the Board of…

July 11, 2012
Nashville, Tenn. – The Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting applications for the Criminal Court vacancy in the 30th Judicial District, which includes Shelby County. The vacancy was created by the appointment of Criminal Court Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. as U.S. District Court Judge for…

July 10, 2012
Nashville, Tenn. – The Judicial Nominating Commission is now accepting applications for the Circuit Court vacancy in the 16th Judicial District, which includes Rutherford and Cannon counties. The vacancy was created by the appointment of Circuit Court Judge Don R. Ash as Senior Judge.  Interested…

July 9, 2012
From the Hamilton County HeraldBy:  David LapradOn June 21, dozens of friends and supporters of Legal Aid of East Tennessee joined to celebrate the achievements of a law firm, a philanthropist, a hospital…

July 3, 2012
Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Supreme Court clarified when plaintiffs may add back to a lawsuit involving comparative fault defendants previously named, but dismissed by a non-final order after the statute of limitations has run.The decision arises from a 2006 automobile accident. While driving…

July 3, 2012
Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Supreme Court has reversed a lower court’s decision and reinstated a Tennessee Board of Professional Responsibility (TBPR) hearing panel’s ruling suspending a Knoxville attorney due to misconduct. While working at the Knoxville law firm of Kennerly, Montgomery…

July 2, 2012
The Court of the Judiciary, now Board of Judicial Conduct, has issued a public reprimand against Judicial District 19 Circuit Court Judge John Gasaway, in response to a complaint filed against the judge.

July 2, 2012
Tennessee Supreme Court Enhances Language Access Services The Tennessee Supreme Court has modified its rules to provide Limited English Proficient (LEP) Tennesseans with more meaningful access to court hearings. The new rules go into effect on July 1, when an additional $2 million in funding will…

June 29, 2012
The Board of Law Examiners is responsible for the examination and review of qualifications of all persons who apply to be admitted to the bar in Tennessee. The Administrator provides management and support for all aspects of the bar admissions process, including oversight of the Board’s office and…

June 28, 2012
Recently, Chief Justice Cornelia A. Clark and Court of Appeals Judge Richard Dinkins met with students participating in the Nashville Bar Association’s Minority Opportunities Committee High School Internship Program. Chief Justice Clark and Judge Dinkins shared their experiences within the legal…

June 27, 2012
Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Supreme Court has modified its rules to provide Limited English Proficient (LEP) Tennesseans with more meaningful access to court hearings. The new rules go into effect on July 1, when an additional $2 million in funding will be available to the courts. The…

June 26, 2012
Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Supreme Court has adopted a comprehensive revision to the Code of Judicial Conduct, which sets forth the ethics rules for Tennessee judges. The new Code of Judicial Conduct, which is Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10, will take effect on July 1, 2012.  “Maintaining a…

June 25, 2012
The Court of the Judiciary has issued a public reprimand against Red Bank City Judge Johnny D. Houston, in response to a complaint filed against the judge. Judge Houston also has General Sessions jurisdiction in Hamilton County.…

June 25, 2012
Nashville, Tenn. - The Board of Professional Responsibility released data showing that more than 46 percent of Tennessee attorneys reported performing free ("pro bono") legal work for deserving Tennesseans, an increase of six percent from last year. This is the highest percentage of pro bono…

June 22, 2012
Recently, the Tennessee Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) recognized Judge Frank Clement as Appellate Judge of the Year. Judge Clement currently serves on the Tennessee Court of Appeals. Aubrey B. Harwell, Jr., the current president of the Tennessee Chapter of ABOTA,…

June 19, 2012
The Court of the Judiciary has issued a public reprimand against Bradley County General Sessions Court Judge Sheridan Randolph in response to a complaint filed against the judge. View…

June 19, 2012
From the Williamson Herald Sharon Guffee has been named the first Juvenile Court judge for Williamson County. The Williamson County Commission voted unanimously June 11 to appoint Guffee to the position effective Jan. 1, 2013. She will run for election to the position in the next general election,…

June 15, 2012
Judge Monte D. Watkins recently received the 2012 Z. Alexander Looby Lifetime Achievement Award. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in the legal community, academia and public service. Watkins has been a criminal court judge since 2003. Prior to his appointment, he worked as a private…