Programs 2021-2022

PROGRAMS FOR 2021-2022

AUGUST 17, 2021
Reception

SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
Canons of Construction
(responsible for May Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours)

Courts throughout the United States often turn to canons of construction to assist them in interpreting statutes, regulations, contracts and other legal documents. These canons are more like guidelines than actual rules. Some canons are contradictory on their face; others work against each other in particular contexts. The purpose of this program is to provide a review and practical overview of the most frequently cited canons of construction and their application.

Neal McBrayer, Co-Captain
Lisa Helton, Co-Captain
Edmund Sauer, reporter
Chris Sabis, liaison

Nicholas Bellamy
Ryan Davis
Tanner Gibson
James Haltom

Martesha Johnson
Valerie Moore

OCTOBER 19, 2021
The Tulsa Race Massacre:
What Have We Learned in the Last 100 Years?

(responsible for April Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours)

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is among the worst incidents of racial violence in United States history. Between 100 and 300 persons were killed and more than 8,000 persons were rendered homeless when a white mob attacked residents, homes, and businesses in the predominantly Black Greenwood neighborhood of Tulsa, Oklahoma. This program will review the civil and criminal cases resulting from this massacre and their outcome. It will also explore the litigation and claims that could have been brought to assist the victims. It will also discuss the lessons this event should teach the legal profession and the lawyers’ ethical obligations in these circumstances.

Allegra Walker, Co-Captain
Candi Henry, Co-Captain
Ryan Loofbourrow, reporter
Sue Kay, liaison

Alan Bean
Grant Benere
Daniel Boddie
Waverly Crenshaw

Heather Curliss
Ronald Dowdy
Quynh-Anh Kibler
Lauren Kilgore

NOVEMBER 16, 2021
Whiskey and the Law
(responsible for March Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours)

Alcoholic beverages have been around since as early as 6600 BC. English colonists in America began brewing beer in the early 1600s, and government regulation and taxation of alcoholic beverages followed shortly thereafter. The Whiskey Rebellion, the Temperance Movement, and the adoption of the Eighteenth and Twenty-First Amendments are milestones in government oversight. The purpose of this program identify the manner in which the federal, state, and local governments regulate and alcoholic beverages and beer produced in Tennessee or sold in Tennessee but produced elsewhere. The program will also address constitutional issues regarding the manner in which state and local government regulates the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages and beer.

Eli Richardson, Co-Captain
Ed Lanquist, Co-Captain
Danielle Nellis, reporter
Bill Ramsey, liaison

Sam Boukli
Skip Gant
Zachary Gitman
Ryan Haynes

Gregory Hazelwood
Lyndsay Smith
Mary Stoner
Latonya Todd

JANUARY 18, 2022
Over the Hurdles: Title IX and the Rights of Biologic Female and Transgender Female Athletes
(responsible for February Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours)

Whether transgender individuals should be able to compete in sport in accordance with their gender identity is a contested question within legal literature and among sports organizations, fellow competitors, and spectators. Because of concerns regarding athletic advantage (particularly regarding transgender females), several sports organizations have placed restrictions on transgender competitors, and legislature in several states, including Tennessee, have enacted legislation barring transgender female athletes from competing in female scholastic sports. The purposes of this program are: (1) to define who transgender athletes are and the history of transgender athletes; (2) to review the competition and qualification standards adopted by various athletic governing bodies; and (3) to review the history and purpose of Title IX and its application to female transgender
athletes.

Lynne Ingram, Co-Captain
Erin Polly, Co-Captain
Laylah Smith, reporter
Matt Sweeney, liaison

Tayo Atanda
Daniel Clayton
Rascoe Dean
Chip Frensley
Renee Glosson

Callie Hinson
Angela Jones
Chase Pritchett
Liz Sitgreaves

FEBRUARY 15, 2022
The Difference Between Demanding Payment to Avoid Litigation and Extortion
(responsible for January Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours)

Lawyers constantly search for means to assert leverage on an opponent to secure an advantageous settlement for their clients. While Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 4.4(a)(2) prohibits a lawyer from ?threaten[ing] to present a criminal or lawyer disciplinary charge for the purpose of obtaining advantage in a civil matter,” it does not prohibit threats to instigate ancillary civil proceedings against an adverse party. However, such threats could be found to violate Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 8.4(b), (c), or (d). A threat to instigate a civil proceeding could also subject a lawyer to discipline if it is made without sufficient basis in law and fact. Threatening a civil proceeding could also implicate Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 3.1 or 4.4(a)(1). The purpose of this program is to discuss the application of these Rules of Professional Conduct to these circumstances, as well as the profession considerations that
employing this tactic entails.

Patricia Moskal, Co-Captain
Ed Yarbrough, Co-Captain
Christen Blackburn, reporter
Bernadette Welch, liaison

Jason Gichner
Molly Gray
Alison Grippo
Ben Harrison

Nicole Keefe
Shannon Kerr
Robert Peal
Marie Scott

MARCH 15, 2022
The Current Case for Reparations as a Constitutional
and Appropriate Remedy for Past Racial Discrimination

(responsible for November Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours)

The issue of the financial effects of slavery on African Americans and the appropriate remedies for these effects have been discussed and debated since the end of the Civil War and the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment. As early as 1865, General William Tecumseh Sherman proposed setting aside land for former slaves, but his order was countermanded by President Andrew Johnson several months later. During the ensuing decades, other legislative and judicial efforts to seek reparations for African Americans were proposed and sidelined. New attention was drawn to the reparations issue in 2014 with the publication of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ article ?The Case for Reparations” in The Atlantic magazine. Many other scholarly books and articles on the subject have been published, and the House of Representatives is currently conducting hearings concerning the creation of a commission to study history of slavery and its effects on African Americans. This program will (1) review the history of the reparations remedy, (2) identify legal and constitutional issues surround reparations, and (3) discuss the alternative forms reparations could take and the economic impact of each of these alternatives.

Alistair Newbern, Co-Captain
Joycelyn Stevenson, Co-Captain
Mandy Floyd, reporter
Luther Wright, liaison

Andrae Crismon
Candace Fox
Benjamin Glover
Michele Hodges

Judith Lojek
Stephanie Nolan
Rebekah Shulman

APRIL 19, 2022
Environmental Justice Protection and
Remedies for Under-Represented Communities
(responsible for October Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours)

 

Environmental justice means not only protecting human health and the environment for everyone, but is also means that all people should be treated fairly and given the opportunity to participate meaningfully in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws. It addresses the disproportionate effect of environmental polices and practices on communities of color, indigenous communities, low income communities, and other vulnerable populations. This program will (1) examine environmental justice through the lens of current developments by government actors, non- government environmental organizations, activists, academics, and corporations, (2) focus on some Tennessee and national cases of note, and (3) the role lawyers can play to identify practical ways to advance the goals of environmental justice.

Angelita Dalton, Co-Captain
Anne Martin, Co-Captain
Bart Pickett, reporter
Jackie Dixon, liaison

Ashonti Davis
Sherie Edwards
Liz Leiserson
Miles Malbrough
Paul McAdoo

Alexa Reed
Maggie Reidy
Dillon Sykes
Melissa VanPelt

MAY 17, 2022
“The Merchant of Venice” Mock Appeal
(responsible for September Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours)

William Shakespeare’s play “The Merchant of Venice” is a drama raising issues involving religion, social status, and gender. It involves a trial to enforce a loan agreement in which the borrower agrees to pay the lender “a pound of flesh” if he is unable to repay the loan. When the borrower defaults, the lender files suit to enforce the contract. Even though the contract is upheld, the lender is forced to settle for monetary compensation and is eventually ruined financially by the judge. In this program, the lender is appealing from the decision not to enforce his contract. The lawyers “representing” the lender, seeking to overturn the refusal to enforce the contract as written, will present argument regarding a number of irregularities at trial, including the bias of the judge and the religious discrimination against the lender.

Donald Capparella, Co-Captain
Hank Hildebrand, Co-Captain
Emily Mack, reporter
Chasity Goodner, liaison

Seannalyn Brandmeir
Allison Cooley
Katharine Fischman
Barbara Holmes

Nick Leonardo
John Spragens
Stephanie Williams

The Merchant of Venice Mock Appeal Takes the Prize

In a close vote, the May 2022 team’s program – The Merchant of Venice Mock Appeal – edged out the November 2021 team’s program – Whiskey and the Law – to win the Harry Phillips AIC’s Best Program of the Year award. Based on the trial in Shakespeare’s play, the program focused on ethical issues arising from ethnic animus and conflicts of interest related to Shylock’s efforts to collect his “pound of flesh.”

Directed and produced by Donald Capparella and Hank Hildebrand, the trial featured Denice Hicks (“Best Actress”) as Portia; Brian Russell (“Best Actor”) as Shylock; Barbara Holmes (“Best Judge”) as the Duke of Venice; John Spragens (“Best Supporting Actor”) as Bassanio; and Bill Koch (“Most Skin in the Game”) as Antonio. Nick Leonardo and Nick Barris provided “live” color commentary during the trial. Donald Capparella and Hank Hildebrand argued the case on appeal before Judges Neal McBrayer, Anne Martin, and Luther Wright. A distinguished panel consisting of Chasity Goodner, Seannalyn Brandmeir, and Emily Mack presented simulated podcasts providing the legal and historical context for the play. Allison Cooley, Katherine Fischman and Stephanie Williams were the program’s indispensable key grips and stage managers.

The members of the team celebrated their success during a gala dinner on July 19, 2022 at the internationally famous Loveless Café. There are unconfirmed rumors that a major production company has approached the team about taking its program on a national tour.

Loveless Motel Celebration 2022
Front row: Nick Barris, Bill Koch, Donald Capparella, Hank Hildebrand, and Brian Russell. Back row: Nick Leonardo, Barbara Holmes, Stephanie Williams Allison Cooley, Katharine Fischman, Chasity Goodner, Seanna Brandmeir, Denise Hicks, and John Spragins.
Loveless Sign
Loveless Sign

Programs 2020-2021

PROGRAMS FOR 2020-2021

SEPTEMBER 15, 2020
Can the Government Do That? Legal Issues Raised by
Government Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic

(responsible for May Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

Sherie Edwards, Co-Captain

Anne Martin, Co-Captain

Tayo Atanda, reporter

Chasity Goodner, liaison

Sam Boukli

Alison Grippo

Ryan Haynes

Laura Heiman

Lisa Helton

Quynh-Anh Kibler

Andrea McCoy

Melissa Mitchell

Luther Wright

OCTOBER 20, 2020
How Much Judicial Deference is Too Much?
(responsible for March Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

Eli Richardson, Co-Captain

Sarah Campbell, Co-Captain

Rachelle Gallimore-Scruggs, reporter

Bill Koch, liaison

Rascoe Dean

Jackie Dixon

Ellen Hendrickson

Pat Moskal

Bart Pickett

Edmund Sauer

Marie Scott

Latonya Todd

Connor Webber

NOVEMBER 17, 2020
ABA Resolution No. 115: Improving Access to Justice? Or Handing Over
the Reins of Civil Litigation to Special Interests

(responsible for February Toast) CLE Program (1.5 dual hours)

Joycelyn Stevenson, Co-Captain

Ben Harrison, Co-Captain

Emily Mack, reporter

Bill Ramsey, liaison

Kathryn Barnett

Alan Bean

Rachel Berg

Daniel Clayton

Ryan Everette

Jennifer Foster

Chip Frensley

Michael McGee

Liz Sitgreaves

Stephanie Williams

DECEMBER 15, 2020
The Efficacy of State and Federal Collateral Challenges
to State Criminal Convictions

(responsible for January Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

Alistair Newbern, Co-Captain

Dominic Leonardo, Co-Captain

Seanna Brandmeir, reporter

Sue Kay, liaison

Andrae Crismon

Michele Hodges

Lynne Ingram

Martisha Johnson

Melinda Kirkham

Andrew Merritt

Danielle Nellis

Rob Peal

Mary Stoner

JANUARY 19, 2021
Tennessee’s Approach to a Prosecutor’s Duty
to Disclose Exculpatory Evidence

(responsible for September Toast) CLE Program (1.5 dual hours)

Skip Gant, Co-Captain

Jason Gichner, Co-Captain

Lauren Kilgore, reporter

Chris Sabis, liaison

Angie Dalton

Ronald Dowdy

Philip Elbert

Mandy Floyd

Michele Foreman

Tanner Gibson

Nicole Keefe

Ed Lanquist

Lindsay Smith

John Spragens

FEBRUARY 16, 2021
The African American Attorneys Who Got Into
“Good Trouble” in Nashville

(responsible for October Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

Richard Dinkins, Co-Captain

Erin Palmer Polly, Co-Captain

Ryan Davis, reporter

Bill Koch, liaison

Allison Cooley

Waverly Crenshaw

Candace Fox

Tom Haroldson

Brittani Kendrick

Liz Leiserson

Ryan Loofbourrow

Rebekah Shulman

Emily Slifkin

Kelli Woodward

MARCH 16, 2021
Understanding the Complicated Landscape
of Civil War Monuments

(responsible for November Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

Neal McBrayer, Co-Captain

Candi Henry, Co-Captain

Ashonti Davis, reporter

Jackie Dixon, liaison

Bernadette Welch, liaison

Donald Capparella

Heather Curliss

Katharine Fischman

James Haltom

Barbara Holmes

Hannah Lackey

Judy Lojek

Paul McAdoo

Sydney Raines

Laylah Smith

Allegra Walker

APRIL 20, 2021
30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

MAY 18, 2021
State of Tennessee v. Duncan Cooper and Robin Cooper
(responsible for December Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

Hank Hildebrand, Co-Captain

Dawn Deaner, Co-Captain

Christen Blackburn, reporter

Matt Sweeney, liaison

Stephanie Brake

Rebecca Castañeda

Benjamin Glover

Charles Grant

Callie Hinson

Valerie Moore

Maggie Reidy

Melissa Van Pelt

Ed Yarbrough

Programs 2019-2020

PROGRAMS FOR 2019-2020

August 20, 2019
ORIENTATION AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS

SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands: Looking Back Over the First Fifty Years
(responsible for May Toast) CLE Program (1.5 dual hours)

The Preamble to Tennessee’s Rules of Professional Conduct prompts lawyers to “seek improvement of . . . access to justice” and to “be mindful . . . of the fact that the poor, and sometimes persons who are not poor, cannot afford adequate legal assistance.” Accordingly, Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 8, RPC 6.1 requests lawyers to “aspire to render at least 50 hours of pro bono publico service per year,” and to “voluntarily contribute financial support to organizations that provide legal services to persons of limited means.” The purposes of this program are (1) to review how the Legal Aid Society has provided lawyers with an opportunity to fulfill these ethical obligations for the past 50 years and (2) discuss the ways that lawyers can currently fulfill their obligations to serve the public good and to promote access to justice.

Barbara Holmes, Co-Captain

Skip Gant, Co-Captain

Alex Dickerson, reporter

Sue Kay, liaison

Ryan Davis

Mandy Strickland Floyd

Rachel Harris

Lisa Helton

Liz Leiserson

Scott Pilkinton

Andrew Ross

Rachel Sodee

Joycelyn Stevenson

OCTOBER 15, 2019
Social Media and the First Amendment
(responsible for April Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

The First Amendment protects individuals from censorship by the government. However, because social media platforms are private companies, they can censor content posted by persons using their platform as they see fit. Because of the growing role of social media in public discourse, important issues have arisen regarding the role these platforms should play in the “marketplace of ideas.” The purposes of this program are (1) to explain how various social media platforms censor content, (2) to compare these policies with the protections of the First Amendment, (3) to discuss the extent to which social media should be held responsible for curtailing misinformation and lies, and (4) to ask whether First Amendment protections should be extended to persons who post on social media.

Neal McBrayer, Co-Captain

Erin Polly, Co-Captain

Ashonti Davis, reporter

Bill Ramsey, liaison

Jingwei Fan

Chip Frensley

Seth Granda

Candi Henry

Chris Javillonar

Ed Lanquist

Judy Lojek

Paul McAdoo

I’Ashea Myles-Dihigo

NOVEMBER 19, 2019
Give It a Shot: Vaccines and the Law
(responsible for March Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

The Centers of Disease Control recommends 9 vaccines for children between birth and 6 years old. While federal law does not currently require vaccinations, all 50 states make certain vaccines a prerequisite for children who attend public schools. All but 3 states permit exemptions from vaccinations for various medical, religious, and philosophical reasons. While the medical support for vaccinations is uniform, a significant number of parents question the safety and efficacy of vaccines for children. This program is designed (1) to examine the competing rights and interests at stake in the current debate about compulsory vaccination of children and (2) to highlight the legal precedents that inform the debate.

Anne Martin, Co-Captain

Tom Haroldson, Co-Captain

James Haltom, reporter

Andrée Blumstein, liaison

Alan Bean

Seanna Brandmeir

Sherie Edwards

Katharine Fischman

Alison Grippo

Phyllis Hildreth

Martesha Johnson

Elizabeth Spurbeck

Tyler Valeska

DECEMBER 10, 2019
MEMBER/GUEST HOLIDAY RECEPTION

JANUARY 21, 2020
Profiles in Courage: Tennessee Lawyers Taking a Stand
(responsible for February Toast) CLE Program (1.5 dual hours)

It is commonplace to hear about attorneys behaving badly. From crass lawyer jokes, to mass media portrayals of scheming litigators, to stories about real life lawyers who create ethical quagmires for themselves and others, accounts of the legal profession can be demoralizing. In the face of these perceptions, it is important to remember that the Preamble to Tennessee’s Code of Professional Conduct sets high standards. It emphasizes that lawyers are expected “to promote justice and the public good” and to “further the public’s understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system because legal institutions in a constitutional democracy depend on popular participation and support to maintain their authority.”

By its very nature, the practice of law can be difficult. Recognizing this reality, the Preamble points out that “many difficult issues of professional discretion can arise” and advises that “[s]uch issues must be resolved through the exercise of sensitive professional and moral judgment guided by the basic principles underlying the Rules.” The goal of this program is to profile lawyers whose conduct under difficult circumstances exemplifies the Preamble’s aspirational expectations. By focusing on lawyers who represented unpopular clients, advocated for unpopular causes, challenged the powerful, or advocated the rights of minorities, this program will encourage other lawyers to follow in their footsteps.

Richard Dinkins, Co-Captain

Maria Salas, Co-Captain

Stephanie Williams, reporter

Chris Sabis, liaison

Heather Curliss

Ronald Dowdy

Jim Edwards

Jason Gichner

Nick Leonardo

Danielle Nellis

Nathan Rogers

Liz Sitgreaves

Callie Tran

FEBRUARY 18, 2020
Lyft, Uber and AirBNB: Legal Issues from the “Sharing Economy”
(responsible for January Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

The sharing economy, a relatively new way of distributing goods and services, is one of the fastest growing business trends in history. Merriam-Webster defines “sharing economy” as “economic activity that involves individuals buying or selling usually temporary access to goods or services especially as arranged through an online company or organization.” Although the sharing economy offers numerous opportunities to those who participate as both providers and consumers, it has grown so rapidly that safety and legal concerns are still being worked out. Consequently, businesses like Lyft, Uber, and AirBNB have operated in a legal gray area as the law learns how such business work, and governments enact regulatory laws. The purpose of this program is to review the legal issues confronted by the parties involved in various types of sharing economy transactions, including employment classification, taxation, premises liability, local regulation, property use restrictions, and insurance coverage and liability.

Alistair Newbern, Co-Captain

Tony Orlandi, Co-Captain

Emily Mack, reporter

Bernadette Welch, liaison

Tayo Atanda

Larry Bridgesmith

Cole Browndorf

Elizabeth Foy

Tanner Gibson

Michele Hodges

Callie Jennings

Lauren Kilgore

Luther Wright

MARCH 17,  2019
How Much Judicial Deference Is Too Much?
(responsible for November Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

In Chevron, U.S.A. v. National Resources Defense Council, 467 U.S. 837 (1984) and Auer v. Robbins, 519 U.S. 452 (1997), the United States Supreme Court articulated the standards to be used by federal courts to review administrative agencys’ interpretation of the statutes they administer and their own regulations. The judicial deference to these agency interpretations mandated by Chevron and Auer has entered a period of uncertainty. This program provides an opportunity (1) to explore the reasoning, criticisms, and practical impact of Chevron and Auer and the role the courts should play in reviewing agency decisions, (2) the growth of the administrative state and Congress’s delegation to rule- making authority to administrative agencies, and (3) the extent that the Chevron and Auer doctrines have been adopted by Tennessee and other state courts.

Eli Richardson, Co-Captain

Sarah Campbell, Co-Captain

Rachelle Gallimore-Scruggs, reporter

Bill Koch, liaison

Rascoe Dean

Jackie Dixon

Pat Moskal

Russell Perkins

Bart Pickett

John Romero

Edmund Sauer

Marie Scott

Latonya Todd

APRIL 21, 2020
European Union 101: Is This Really a Happy Union?
(responsible for October Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

The European Union is a unified trade and monetary body of 28 member countries. It eliminates all border controls between members. That allows the free flow of goods and people, except for random spot checks for crime and drugs. The EU transmits state-of-the- art technologies to its members. The areas that benefit are environmental protection, research and development, and energy. Its purpose is to enable Europe to be more competitive in the global marketplace. At the same time, it must balance the needs of its independent fiscal and political members. Three bodies run the EU. The EU Council represents national governments. The Parliament is elected by the people. The European Commission is the EU staff. They make sure all members act consistently in regional, agricultural, and social policies. Contributions of 120 billion euros a year from member states fund the EU.

The purposes of this program are (1) to review the EU’s historical background, particularly the role WWII played in its formation, (2) the purpose, structure, and governance of the EU, (3) the current legal disputes between the EU and member states arising from conflicts based on national sovereignty, conflicting laws, and nationalism, (4) the potential impact of Brexit on the EU, and (5) the future of the EU.

Waverly Crenshaw, Co-Captain

Kathryn Barnett, Co-Captain

Jennifer Lankford, reporter

Chasity Goodner, liaison

Angie Dalton

Ben Harrison

Laura Heiman

Brittani Kendrick

Byron Pugh

Mike Sandler

Dustin Skilbred

John Spragens

Mary Stoner

MAY 19, 2020
State of Tennessee v. Duncan Cooper and Robin Cooper
(responsible for September Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

On November 9, 1908, Edward Carmack, a prominent attorney, newspaperman, and political figure was killed in a shootout with Colonel Duncan Cooper, a journalist, publisher, and leading figure in the Democratic Party, and his son Robin Cooper. This incident was the culmination of a bitter dispute between the two men. Colonel Cooper and his son were tried for first degree murder. Notwithstanding Governor Malcolm Patterson testimony on Colonel Cooper’s behalf, both defendants were convicted of second degree murder and sentenced to twenty years in prison. While the case was pending before the Tennessee Supreme Court, the Democratic Executive Committee, controlled by Governor Patterson, attempted to influence the outcome of the appeal by giving the governor more control over the selection of Supreme Court nominees for the upcoming judicial elections. Despite these efforts, the Tennessee Supreme Court, in a split decision, upheld Colonel Cooper’s conviction and remanded Robin Cooper’s case for a new trial. Soon after the Court announced its decision, Governor Patterson pardoned Colonel Cooper.

The purposes of this program are (1) to explore the background of the dispute between Colonel Cooper and Mr. Carmack and the conduct of the trial, (2) to discuss the impact of Governor Patterson’s efforts to manipulate the judicial selection process while the case was pending and their impact on the independence of the judiciary, and (3) to examine the results of the 1910 judicial elections and the long-term effects on the judiciary in Tennessee.

Hank Hildebrand, Co-Captain

Dawn Deaner, Co-Captain

Raquel Bellamy, reporter

Matt Sweeney, reporter

Christen Blackburn

Rebecca Castañeda

Benjamin Glover

Charles Grant

Callie Hinson

Valerie Moore

Maggie Reidy

Melissa Van Pelt

Ed Yarbrough

Aleta Trauger is the recipient of the American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Sixth Circuit

Aleta Trauger is the recipient of the American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Sixth Circuit

https://www.innsofcourt.org/AIC/Awards_and_Scholarships/Professionalism_Awards/Professionalism_Awards_Recipients/2020_6th_Trauger.aspx

2020 Professionalism Award for the Sixth Circuit

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA—Aleta A. Trauger has been selected to receive the prestigious 2020 American Inns of Court Professionalism Award for the Sixth Circuit. Since 1998, she has served as a U.S. district judge in the Middle District of Tennessee.
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The Honorable Ruth M. Kinnard

The Honorable Ruth M. Kinnard

Ruth McDowell Kinnard was the essence of Southern gentility, a pioneering lawyer, and a respected judge.

She was born in Camden, Alabama and spent her early years at a nearby plantation named Liberty Hall.  After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Alabama in 1940, she worked briefly as a newspaper reporter in Montgomery, Alabama before becoming the traveling secretary of her college sorority, Delta, Delta, Delta.  She would later become the Tri Delts’ national president.

While living in Montgomery, Ruth met and married a dashingly handsome Army Air Corps pilot from Franklin, Tennessee named Claiborne H. Kinnard, Jr.  She continued to live in Montgomery while Clay was stationed in England where he distinguished himself as a much decorated fighter pilot and as commanding officer of the 4th Fighter Group.  Colonel Kinnard was credited with destroying twenty-five enemy aircraft in one year.  

Ruth and Clay moved to Franklin, Tennessee after Clay returned from the war.  They brought sophistication and style with them. They lived in the Kinnard family home, Martlesham Heath, which Ruth decorated with refined and exquisite taste.  Clay became a very successful businessman and inventor, and Ruth made a home for him and their three children. One of their contemporaries noted that the Kinnards “added civility and verve” to Franklin.  For a time, Ruth drove the only Cadillac in town, and Clay drove the only Jaguar.  

Invitations to Martlesham Heath became sought-after and prized. People were drawn to Ruth because she was genuinely interested in them.  She found common ground with most everyone she met and became deeply involved with the community. Ruth attended St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and, over the decades, prepared generations of twelve-year-olds for Confirmation.

The Kinnards’ life changed when Clay was diagnosed with brain cancer.  One day during his long illness, Ruth, who was forty-seven at the time, told Clay that she had just found Jesus.  Clay replied “just be glad you are not sixty-seven.” Clay died in September 1966, leaving Ruth with three children – the youngest of whom was twelve – and an uncertain financial future.

Displaying her quiet courage, Ruth told a friend, “I want to have something important to get up for every morning.  I don’t want to spend all my time playing bridge and going to luncheons.” That mindset led her to enroll in Vanderbilt Law School in the fall of 1967.  She was one of three women in a class of more than one hundred, and she was significantly older than her fellow students, most of whom were in their twenties.

United States District Court Chief Judge Frank Gray, Jr., who had served as mayor of Franklin before being appointed to the bench, recommended Ruth for a clerkship with the United States Attorney for Middle Tennessee.  As a result, Ruth worked as the United States Attorney’s first law clerk during the summer following her first year of law school. 

Ruth excelled academically at Vanderbilt, but perhaps more significantly, as one of her classmates later recalled, “she was the soul of our class.”  Another classmate explained that “[w]e confided in her, and she confided in us. She gave us excellent advice we did not always take.” He added that Ruth “had a certain class, a certain sophistication, and a certain way of understanding what was going on that put her on a different level.”  Martlesham Heath became the class’s favored venue for study groups and class parties.

Women lawyers in Nashville were still a rarity in 1970 when Ruth graduated from law school and was admitted to the bar.  She joined the Trust Department of Commerce Union Bank. Two years later, Chief Judge Gray appointed her to serve as a Bankruptcy Referee for Middle Tennessee.  With this appointment, Ruth became the first woman to hold a federal judicial position in the State of Tennessee and the first woman to serve as a judge on the state or federal bench in Nashville.

Ruth had little experience with bankruptcy when she was appointed, but as more experienced lawyers discovered, “she had a reputation as a quick study.”  Those who appeared in her court found her to be “dignified and precise.” At the same time, “her graciousness and compassion suffused [the] courtroom.” One attorney recalled that “Judge Kinnard spent countless hours rehabilitating bankrupt clients, offering good legal advice and, more important, a shoulder to cry on, a sympathetic ear, and suggestions for how to turn lives around.”  In 1972, the Professional Women’s Club of Davidson County, the only professional women’s association in Nashville at the time, named Ruth its “Woman of the Year.”

When Ruth stepped down from the bench in 1978, she joined the firm of Chambers & Wiseman.  After Thomas A. Wiseman, Jr. was appointed to the United States District Court, she continued to practice with John L. Chambers in the firm of Chambers & Kinnard.  During this time, Ruth was elected to the Board of Directors of the Nashville Bar Association. In 1985, the association presented its Pro Bono Award to Ruth because she had represented more clients pro bono than any other NBA member since the inception of the pro bono program.

In 1989, Ruth became “of counsel” at Stokes & Bartholomew.  The lawyers who practiced with her there remember her as a “warm, giving, and understanding friend . . . who understood more than the rest of us by valuing personal relationships and allowing those relationships to trump greed and power.”  The younger lawyers in the firm viewed her life as a “lesson in grace and compassion.” One young lawyer who did not smoke valued Ruth’s company so much that he purchased an ashtray for Ruth’s use when she visited his office.

Throughout her career, Ruth continuously served the Nashville community where she worked and the Franklin community where she lived.  She served on the boards of the Nashville Symphony, the Cumberland Heights Alcohol & Drug Treatment Center, O’More College, the Vanderbilt Law School Alumni Board, and many others.  In Franklin, she served as an alderman, a member of the Franklin Board of Zoning Appeals, the Franklin Airport Authority, and the Franklin Charter Study Commission.

Ruth was a founder and three-time president of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County.  She was instrumental in establishing historic zoning for the City of Franklin. On the day of her death, she was scheduled to be recognized at the Heritage Foundation’s Annual Banquet for her many contributions to historic Franklin.  

In 1990, the Nashville Bar Association bestowed its highest award, the John C. Tune Public Service Award, on Ruth.  This award is given to lawyers who have shown the highest degree of dedication, not only to their work as a lawyer, but also to the betterment of the community in which they live.  Ruth was the eighth lawyer to receive this award. During the presentation ceremony, Ruth was recognized as “one of the most compassionate professionals in this Association – and perhaps the most beloved.  Her entire life is a legacy of giving – giving to her family, to her profession, to her community, and to her church.” Indeed, as one of her colleagues put it, “Judge Kinnard taught an entire generation of lawyers to give back.”

Ruth was particularly interested in helping women, not only those already in practice but also those considering going to law school.  Many sought her counsel, particularly women with children. Ruth’s advice, based on her own experiences, was always candid and encouraging.  Today, scores of women at the bench and bar fondly remember Ruth’s support along their professional path.  

Ruth’s sense of style remained impeccable following her retirement from the practice of law.  She was always seen in her trademark black dresses, her Ferragamo pumps with grosgrain bows, and when needed, her large sunglasses.  A huge Tiffany gold Cross on a massive chain around her neck completed her ensemble. Sometimes the Cross would be empty, but sometimes a Star of David would be superimposed at its center.

Ruth remained committed to her friends and the community following her retirement from the practice of law.  She was a much sought after guest at many social occasions. When the holidays rolled around, her friends eagerly awaited her homemade jellies and the peppermint candy wreaths she made herself.

For a time, Ruth was an urban pioneer when she moved into a townhouse in Franklin on the second floor above the D-Roy Entertains store.  She loved living downtown and could often be seen walking to this store or that restaurant and greeting virtually everyone she passed by name.  She always had time for people and never failed to stop to ask them about their families or their work or something else important to them.

Ruth later moved to her little cottage on Evans Street which she named Saffron Walden after a town south of Cambridge, England where Clay had been stationed.  Because of her fondness for angels and for Thomas Wolfe’s Look Homeward Angel, she received a large stone angel for her seventy-ninth birthday.  As she described it, the angel “guards over my cottage and tries to keep me happy.”

Throughout her life, Ruth was gentle and genteel with an independent nature and an iron will.  She was firm, committed, and goal-oriented, often without others realizing it. Ruth always knew precisely what she was doing, and she did things for the right reason.  She was an excellent lawyer whose clients received every ounce of her attention and the best legal advice available. She was a treasured mentor to many of Nashville’s and Franklin’s best and brightest attorneys.  She loved the law and was a fierce advocate for her chosen profession. 

Ruth was the best friend a person could have.  She was unfailingly interested, unconditionally loyal, and always there when you needed her.  When you were with her, she gave you the gift of peace, no matter what was swirling around in your life.  She was a lovely and gracious lady who never lost her childlike curiosity or her enchantment with learning something new.  She was a faithful correspondent whose notes and letters were treasured by their recipients. She was a gifted writer and avid reader who could be found pouring over a scholarly legal tome or burning the midnight oil with a hot new murder mystery.

When Judge Kinnard, Ruth, Ruthie, Dar died on May 17, 2001, it was as if the lights had gone out in Nashville and Franklin.  Ruth and Clay are buried at Mount Hope Cemetery in Franklin, and stained glass windows in their memory grace St. Paul’s Church in Franklin.

Programs 2018-2019

PROGRAMS FOR 2018-2019

AUGUST 21, 2018
ORIENTATION AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS

SEPTEMBER 18, 2018
DISCOVERY DISPUTES:
WHAT CAN TRIAL JUDGES DO AND WHEN SHOULD THEY DO IT?
(responsible for May Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

2018 Inn Problem (01771308)
Draft Inns of Court RFPs
Inn of Court 30.02(6) cbh redline (002)
Inn of Court 30B6 (01796203)

Richard Dinkins, Co-Captain

Anne Martin, Co-Captain

Alan Bean, reporter

Jackie Dixon, liaison

Sarah Anderson-Daniels

Joy Baxter

Josh Cantrell

Elizabeth Foy

Ben Harrison

Valerie Moore

I’Ashea Myles-Dihigo

Scott Pilkinton

Andrew Ross

Charles Grant, Co-Captain

Candi Henry, Co-Captain

Bart Pickett, reporter

Bill Ramsey, liaison

Blake Bernard

Larry Bridgesmith

Chandler Farmer

Rachelle Gallimore-Scruggs

Mitchell Galloway

Melissa Grimes

Laura Heiman

Emily Mack

Eli Richardson

NOVEMBER 20, 2018
THE CONCEPT OF CORPORATE PERSONHOOD:
CITIZENS UNITED AND HOBBY LOBBY
(responsible for March Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

Alix Cross, Co-Captain

Tom Haroldson, Co-Captain

Emily Warth, reporter

Andrée Blumstein, liaison

Jessica Dragonetti

Sherie Edwards

Ned Hildebrand

Chris Javillonar

Jimmy Maners

Tony Orlandi

Christina Read

Mike Sandler

Melissa Van Pelt

DECEMBER 11, 2018
MEMBER/GUEST HOLIDAY RECEPTION

JANUARY 15, 2019
ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM IN APPELLATE PRACTICE
(responsible for February Toast) CLE Program (1.5 dual hours)

Waverly Crenshaw, Co-Captain

Kathryn Barnett, Co-Captain

Liz Sitgreaves, reporter

Bill Koch, liaison

Sarah Campbell

Mackenzie Hayes

Lauren Kilgore

Neal McBrayer

Amy Mohan

Chris Rubino

Tyler Valeska

Bill Young

FEBRUARY 19, 2019
PROPOSITION: THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO TENN. SUP. CT. R. 8, RPC 8.4 VIOLATES THE FIRST AMENDMENT
AND TENN. CONST. ART. I § 19
(responsible for January Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

Barbara Holmes, Co-Captain

Jason Gichner, Co-Captain

Raquel Bellamy, reporter

Bill Koch, liaison

Will Ayers

Adam Barber

Rebecca Castañeda

Madison Crooks

Connor Crum

Erin Polly

Joycelyn Stevenson

Russell Taber

Callie Tran

MARCH 19,  2019
CAMPUS FREE SPEECH FROM MARIO SAVIO TO MILO YIANNOPOULOS
(responsible for November Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

Alistair Newbern, Co-Captain

Luther Wright, Co-Captain

Alex Dickerson, reporter

Matt Sweeney, liaison

Hannah Bernard

Skip Gant

Will Hicky

Brittani Kendrick

Byron Pugh

Maria Salas

Dalton Thompson

Stephanie Williams

APRIL 16, 2019
INVASION, RESISTENCE, AND MODERN INDIAN TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY
(responsible for October Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours)

Dawn Deaner, Co-Captain

Hank Hildebrand, Co-Captain

Ashonti Davis, reporter

Matt Sweeney, liaison

Tayo Atanda

Sonia Boss

Marcus Floyd

Chasity Goodner

Seth Granda

Martesha Johnson

Jennifer Lankford

Donna Roberts

Chris Sabis

MAY 21, 2019
KELLEY V. METRO. COUNTY BD. OF EDUCATION:
NASHVILLE’S DESEGREGATION CASE
(responsible for September Toast) CLE Program (1.5 general hours) 

Russell Perkins, Co-Captain

Ed Yarbrough, Co-Captain

Christen Blackburn, reporter

Sue Kay, reporter

John Ray Clemmons

Jim Edwards

Chip Frensley

James Haltom

Phyllis Hildreth

Callie Jennings

Rob McGuire

Anne Passino

John Wilks

Programs 2013-2014

PROGRAMS 2013-2014

SEPTEMBER 17, 2013
CIVILITY MATTERS: WHY CIVILITY AND WHY NOW?
(responsible for May Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours credit)

Civility

C.J. Gideon, Co-Captain Bahar Azhdari Rich McGee
Randy Kinnard, Co-Captain Jacques Cabell Meg Sutton
Chad White, reporter Richard Dinkins Drew Warth
Andrée Blumstein, liaison Sandy Garrett  Luther Wright
Blind Akrawi Lauren Kilgore  

 

 

OCTOBER 15, 2013
A REFRESHER COURSE IN HEARSAY
(responsible for April Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours credit)

Crawford v Washington
Davis v Washington
Rule 801 Definitions That Apply to This Article
Rule 801 Definitions
Rule 803 Exceptions to the Rule Against Hearsay
Rule 803 Hearsay Exceptions

 

Kathryn Barnett, Co-Captain Brigid Carpenter John Manson
Kevin Sharp, Co-Captain Blake Carter Daniel Satterfield
Dixie Cooper, reporter Jason Gichner J.P. Urban
Sue Kay, liaison Lynne Ingram Ed Yarbrough
Emma Bellamy Wells Johnson  

 

 

NOVEMBER 19, 2013
NFIB V. SEBELIUS AND THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
(responsible for March Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours credit)

ACA 4.13
BECKER BIO August 2013
Bill’s Power Point Presentation – Slides 1-10
Blumstein bio 4-06-12
Haowei Claire Tong
Inns of Court – State Challenges to the ACA (The Expanded Medicaid Mandate) [11-19-13]
John Graves Bio
Mandates
Medicaid Expansion 2
Medicaid Expansion Outline
Power Point Presentation – Slides 1-10
THE HEALTH INSURANCE MARKETPLACE SLIDES
Tony Hullender Brief Bio 082012

 

Randy Kennedy, Co-Captain Andrew Free Mark Peckham
Herbert Slatery, Co-Captain Chasity Goodner Heather Piper
Alistair Newbern, reporter Gigi Grayer Audrey Seamon
Bill Ramsey, liaison Jenney Keaty  Bill Young
Matt Buchbinder Bob Mendes  

 

 

DECEMBER 3, 2013
MEMBER/GUEST HOLIDAY RECEPTION

 

 

JANUARY 21, 2014
EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION
(responsible for February Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours credit)

Jeff Bivins, Co-Captain John Belcher Mark Murray
Dawn Deaner, Co-Captain Lauren Curry Jimmie Lynn Ramsaur
Matt Grosland, reporter Marian Harrison Scarlett Singleton
Bernadette Welch, liaison Ken Jones
Monier Abusaft Joe McKinney  

 

 

FEBRUARY 18, 2014
MILITARY TRIBUNALS AND COURTS MARTIAL
(responsible for January Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours credit)

Written Materials for 2-14-2014

 

Winston Evans, Co-Captain Mandy Floydr Mike Passino
Monte Watkins, Co-Captain James Haltom Matt Pietsch
Kenny Byrd, reporter Tricia Herzfeld Sara Reynolds
Charles Grant, liaison April Knox Linda Yang
Mark Donnell Bill Leader  

 

 

MARCH 18, 2014
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION: THEN AND NOW
(responsible for October Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours credit)

2013 Workers Comp Reform Act Presentation
TN Bar Journal Article- June 2013
WORKERS COMPENSATION PROCEDURE- prior to 7.1.14

 

Russell Perkins, Co-Captain Dusty Brandon Lyndsay Smith Hyde
Gregg Ramos, Co-Captain Josh Burgener Jennifer Lankford
Andie McKellar, reporter Cindy Chappell Peter Malanchuk
Jackie Dixon, liaison Curtis Harrington Mike Sandler
Roland Baggott Barbara Holmes
Robb Bigelow

 

 

APRIL 15, 2014
TITLE IX: GENDER EQUALITY IN EDUCATION
(responsible for November Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours credit)

Anne Martin, Co-Captain John Burns Brooke McLeod
Sheree Wright, Co-Captain Eddie Davidson Tim Roberto
John Coke, reporter Beth Fleming Jude White
Sue Kay, liaison Anton Jackson Sean Wlodarczyk
Mark Bell Rhonda Kinslow  

 

 

MAY 20, 2014
THE TRIAL OF SUSAN B. ANTHONY
(responsible for the September Toast) CLE Program (1.5 hours credit)

Title IX At Forty –  An Introduction and Historical Review of Forty Legal Developments
Title IX Myths and Facts
Title IX Turns 40
How Title IX Sneakily Revolutionized Womens Sports
It Was Just a Pair of Shoes
Long Fights for Sports Equity, Even with a Law

 

Hank Hildebrand, Co-Captain Bill Harbison Phil Smith
Aleta Trauger, Co-Captain Lisa Helton Shannon Walker
Nicole Paulk, reporter Cornell Kennedy Kyle Young
Matt Sweeney, liaison Tom Lawless
Samar Ali  Austin Payne  

Programs 2017-2018

PROGRAMS FOR 2017-2018

AUGUST 15, 2017
ORIENTATION AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS

SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
EXPUNGEMENT: WHAT IT MEANS AND HOW IT WORKS
(responsible for May Toast) CLE Program 209284 (1.5 general hours)

This program will address the history and purpose of expungement and will discuss the requirements and procedures for expungement under state and federal law. It will provide a step-by-step explanation of an expungement proceeding from client intake to the entry of an expungement order. It will also address the common misconceptions about expungement.

Ed Yarbrough, Co-Captain

Rob McGuire, Co-Captain

Liz Sitgreaves, reporter

Jackie Dixon, liaison

Kathryn Barnett

Sonia Boss

Jacob Clabo

Marcus Floyd

Will Hicky

Alexis Hoag

Alistair Newbern

Andrea Sinclair

Rachel Wright

OCTOBER 17, 2017
SIGNIFICANT UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT CASES FROM TENNESSEE
(responsible for April Toast) CLE Program 209282 (1.5 general hours)

The main thrust of this program is to introduce the attendees to the most significant civil and criminal cases from Tennessee that have been decided by the United States Supreme Court. In addition to presenting these cases, the program will address (1) the Court’s criteria for deciding to hear a case, (2) how lawyers prepare to argue before the Court, and (3) the pros and cons of the recent trend of using a small group of elite counsel to argue cases before the Court.

Jane Stranch, Co-Captain

Chris Javillonar, Co-Captain

Tyler Yarbro, reporter

Sue Kay, liaison

Tracy Alcock

Evan Baddour

Blake Bernard

Sarah Campbell

John Ray Clemmons

Nicole Keefe

Lauren Kilgore

Tony Orlandi

Donna Roberts

NOVEMBER 21, 2017
EXECUTIVE ACTIONS: THE POWER OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PEN
(responsible for March Toast) CLE Program 209285 (1.5 general hours)

This program focuses on legal issues relating to “Presidential Actions” such as executive orders, presidential memoranda, presidential proclamations, and presidential directives. It will explain the legal basis for these actions and the differences between them. Using examples, the program will discuss the legal and policy issues triggered by the use of these actions and will also discuss the use of similar actions and statements at the state level.

Winston Evans, Co-Captain

Dwight Tarwater, Co-Captain

Chasity Goodner, reporter

Bernadette Welch, liaison

Laura Baker

Waverly Crenshaw

Beau Creson

Ned Hildebrand

Jennifer Lankford

Karolyn Perry

Scott Pilkinton

Chris Sabis

Mike Tackeff

Joe Watson

DECEMBER 12, 2017
MEMBER/GUEST HOLIDAY RECEPTION

JANUARY 16, 2018
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE . . . ARTIFICIAL LAWYERS
(responsible for February Toast) CLE Program 209287 (1.5 dual hours)

This program focuses on the ethical implications of the legal profession’s incorporation of artificial intelligence legal proceedings and in the practice of law in general. While artificial intelligence holds the promise of greater accuracy and cost savings, it will prompt complicated questions regarding unauthorized practice of law, a lawyer’s duty of supervise both lawyers and non-lawyers, and a lawyer’s duty of competence, including staying up to date on “the benefits and risks associated with relevant technology.” Accordingly, this program will describe the current and potential uses of artificial intelligence in the practice of law and will identify and discuss the ethical implications of these applications.

Jimmie Lynn Ramsaur, Co-Captain

Tom Haroldson, Co-Captain

Ashonti Davis, reporter

Bill Ramsey, liaison

John Ballard

Tony Cain

Alix Cross

Elizabeth Foy

Chip Frensley

Ben Harrison

Candi Henry

Amy Mohan

Ashley Wilson

FEBRUARY 20, 2018
PRETRIAL RELEASE AND BAIL: NO “GET OUT OF JAIL FREE” CARD
(responsible for January Toast) CLE Program 209289 (1.5 general hours)

This program will focus on issues relating to pretrial release and bail, particularly the role that commercial bail bonds currently play in the state and federal criminal justice system. The program will identify the current requirements and procedures for making pretrial release decisions in state and federal courts. It will also discuss the difficulties with current pretrial release procedures and suggest solutions to these problems.

Bill Koch, Co-Captain

Dawn Deaner, Co-Captain

Alex Dickerson, reporter

Bill Ramsey, liaison

Adam Barber

Christen Blackburn

Wayne Edwards

Alex Fisher

Phyllis Hildreth

Russell Perkins

Andrew Ross

Russell Taber

Paulson Varghese

MARCH 20,  2018
S
OVEREIGN CITIZENS: DOES THE POSSE RIDE AGAIN?
(responsible for November Toast) CLE Program 209286 (1.5 general hours)

This program will focus on the impact of the Sovereign Citizen movement, a group of litigants, commentators, and protesters who insist that the courts have no jurisdiction over them and that they have a right to decide which laws to obey and which laws to ignore. They are having an impact on civil and criminal judicial proceedings because they are (1) clogging up the courts with indecipherable filings, (2) ignoring court decorum and rules, (3) attempting to intimidate judges and other officials by filing suits against them or attempting to encumber their property, and (4) threatening violence. The FBI now characterizes the Sovereign Citizens as a growing domestic threat to law enforcement. This program will illustrate the ways Sovereign Citizens operate and will discuss the appropriate responses.

Hank Hildebrand, Co-Captain

Bill Young, Co-Captain

Nicole Paulk, reporter

Andrée Blumstein, liaison

Matt Barry

Raquel Bellamy

Philip Clark

Chris Rubino

Maria Salas

Joycelyn Stevenson

Mary Stoner

Paul Tennison

Stephanie Williams

Luther Wright

APRIL 17, 2018
THE COLLATERAL CONSEQUENCES OF CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS IN TENNESSEE
(responsible for October Toast) CLE Program 209283 (1.5 general hours)

This program will address the potential collateral consequences of a criminal conviction, including but not limited to (1) the loss of the right to vote, to serve on a jury, or to hold public office, (2) limitations on the ability to pursue certain occupations, and the eligibility to participate in government programs such as public housing, student loans, and food stamps. It will explain the long-standing public policy reasons for these consequences and explore whether these reasons continue to be valid. It will also provide examples of how persons have overcome these consequences.

Skip Gant, Co-Captain

Jason Gichner, Co-Captain

Anne Passino, reporter

Charles Grant, liaison

Hannah Bernard

Jon Dowell

Eileen Forsythe

Rachelle Gallimore-Scruggs

Barbara Holmes

Laurence Pendleton

Emily Warth

John Wilks

Beth Woodard

Adam Jefferson

MAY 15, 2018
LAWYERS WITHOUT RIGHTS: JEWISH LAWYERS IN GERMANY UNDER THE THIRD REICH
(responsible for September Toast) CLE Program 209288 (1.5 dual hours) 

This program will describe the treatment of Jewish lawyers in Germany under the Third Reich. It will focus on the actions and inactions of lawyers and judges in the face of the repressive laws that were passed and the actions that were taken that restricted political freedoms, civil rights, and the guarantees of property and security. The program will address the ethical obligations of the bench and bar to act and the appropriate ways action could have been taken. It will also address the ethical reasons for not acting. It will describe the fate of the lawyers and judges who opposed the Third Reich. Finally, the program will address the lessons that American lawyers and judges should learn from the treatment of Jewish lawyers by the Third Reich and will ask whether similar events have occurred in this country and whether it could happen here again.

Charles Grant, Co-Captain

Anne Martin, Co-Captain

Erin Polly, reporter

Samar Ali

Steve Anderson

Richard Dinkins

Jessica Dragonetti

Chandler Farmer

Emily Mack

Erin Merrick

David Oldham

Bart Pickett

Programs 2016-2017

PROGRAMS 2016-2017

AUGUST 16, 2016
ORIENTATION AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS

 

SEPTEMBER 20, 2016
TEEN VIOLENCE AND THE SCHOOL TO PRISON PIPELINE
(responsible for May Toast) CLE Program 000000 (1.5 hours general credit)

agenda-bios
articles-a
articles-b
nyv-summit-report
powerpoint
Dawn Deaner, Co-Captain Tiffany Burba Jennifer Lankford
Gregg Ramos, Co-Captain John Ray Clemmons Laurence Pendleton
Zach Wiley, reporter Chris Fowler Russell Perkins
Bernadette Welch, liaison Skip Gant Meghan Blackwell
Vidhi Joshi

 

OCTOBER 18, 2016
THE MANY FACES OF ARBITRATION
(responsible for April Toast) CLE Program 000000 (1.5 hours credit)

1-arbitration-101-privilege-pdf-01455260
2-arnold-v-morgan-keegan-and-co-inc
3-pughs-lawn-landscape-co-inc-v-jaycon-development-corp
4-morgan-keegan-co-v-smythe_-401-s-w-3d-595
5-21-williston-obligations-and-rights-of-persons-who-are-not-parties-to-arbitration-agree
6-jlw-class-action-waivers-powerpoint-4828-8424-7609-v-1
7a-morris-v-ernst-young_-llp_-2016-u-s-app-lexis-15638
7b-lewis-v-epic-sys-corp-_-823-f-3d-1147
8-d-r-horton_-inc-v-nlrb_-737-f-3d-344
9-whisenant-v-bill-heard-chevrolet_-inc-_-2005-tenn-app
10-d-and-e-const-co-inc-v-robert-j-denley-co-inc
11-lasco-inc-v-inman-construction-corp
12-how-not-to-draft-arbitration-clauses-by-david-coale
13-drafting-arbitration-clauses-the-seven-deadly-sins
14-how-to-write-a-bad-arbitration-clause
15-sample-arbitration-clauses-with-comments
materials-for-arbitration-presentation-00402190xaa7b8
Donna Roberts, Co-Captain Thomas Christian Barbara Holmes
Winston Evans, Co-Captain Philip Clark Tony Orlandi
Erin Polly, reporter Jon Dowell Joe Watson
Matt Sweeney, liaison Elizabeth Foy Angela Williams
Raquel Bellamy Elise Heuberger

  

NOVEMBER 15, 2016

A LAWYER’S ETHICAL DUTIES REGARDING ELECTRONICALLY STORED INFORMATION

(responsible for March Toast) CLE Program 000000 (1.5 hours dual credit)

a-lawyers-ethical-duties-regarding-electronically-stored-information
ca-ethics-opinion
inn-of-court-nov-15th-program-top-10-electronic-usage-tips
law-firm-electronic-survey-results
tn-ethics-opinion-re-storing-information-in-the-cloud
Sandy Garrett, Co-Captain Laura Baker Nora Machuga
Brigid Carpenter, Co-Captain Eddie Davidson Jeremy Oliver
Lyndsay Smith Hyde, reporter Tom Haroldson Andrea Sinclair
Bill Koch, liaison Chris Javillonar Eric Winters
Tracy Alcock

  

DECEMBER 6, 2015

MEMBER/GUEST HOLIDAY RECEPTION

  

JANUARY 17, 2017

THE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM RESTORATION ACT AND ITS UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

(responsible for February Toast) CLE Program 000000 (1.5 hours general credit)

1 – Sherbert v Verner
2 – Wisconsin v Yoder
3 – City of Boerne v Flores
4 – 2000bb Congressional findings and declaration of purposes
42 U.S.C.A. § 2000c et seq 1994 WL 266290
A New Era of Inequality (Articla)
Employment Div Dept of Human Resources of Oregon v Smith
Hearing HR 2797
Hearing HR 5377
Hearing S 2969
Hobby Lobby ~8335531
HR REP 103-88
Perez v Paragon Contractors Corp
Petitioner’s Opp’n to Mot. Sustain
Remarks on Signing
RFRA ARTICLE
RFRA MEMO
RFRA, as amended
S REP 103-111
Washington Post Article
Tennessee RFRA Materials
Anne Martin, Co-Captain Steve Anderson Taber Hunt
Jason Gichner, Co-Captain Beau Creson Mike Passino
Erin Merrick, reporter Eileen Forsythe Andrew Ross
Andrée Blumstein, liaison Charles Grant Jane Stranch
Samar Ali  Alysse Gregory  

  

FEBRUARY 21, 2017

JUDICIAL DISCRETION: WHAT IS IT AND HOW IS IT REVIEWED?

(responsible for January Toast) CLE Program 000000 (1.5 hours general credit)

A Assessing the Exercise of Closely Confined Discretion
B Assessing the Exercise of Broad or Undefined Discretion
C Application of the Abuse of Discretion Standard of Review in the Post- Booker
February Inn of Court Case Summaries
Inn of Court Feb. 21 2017 – Written Materials Tennessee Standards of Review and for Appeal
Kathryn Barnett, Co-Captain John Belcher Andrea Smith
Alistair Newbern, Co-Captain Jeff Bivins Alexis Soler
Liz Sitgreaves, reporter Ashonti Davis Dwight Tarwater
Bill Koch, liaison Tyler Ricker Drew Warth
John Ballard

  

MARCH 21, 2017

THE ROLE OF GUARDIANS AD LITEM IN JUVENILE AND ADULT PROCEEDINGS

(responsible for November Toast) CLE Program 000000 (1.5 hours general credit)

Alix Cross, Co-Captain Will Hicky Maria Salas
Ed Yarbrough, Co-Captain Randy Kennedy Daniel Simonds
Tyler Yarbro, reporter Richard Leiderman Emily Warth
Jackie Dixon, liaison Marian Mikhail Luke Willoughby
Alex Fisher   Anne Passino

  

APRIL 18, 2017

WEED: REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT UP IN SMOKE?

(responsible for October Toast) CLE Program 000000 (1.5 hours general credit)

Marajuana Script
IOC April
Updated IOC April
Jimmie Lynn Ramsaur, Co-Captain Richard Dinkins Andrew Nutt
Hank Hildebrand, Co-Captain Kimberly Faye Shannon Walker
Seannalyn Brandmeir, reporter William Johnson Luther Wright
Bill Ramsey, liaison Rob McGuire Bill Young
Alex Dickerson


May 16, 2017

THE STRATEGY AND SETTLEMENT OF IN RE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE PLAYERS CONCUSSION INJURY LITIGATION

(responsible for September Toast) CLE Program 000000 (1.5 hours general credit)

C.J. Gideon, Co-Captain Waverly Crenshaw Scott Pilkinton
Randy Kinnard, Co-Captain Tricia Herzfeld Chris Sabis
Matt Barry, reporter Billy Leslie Jessica Schultz
Sue Kay, liaison Sean Lyons John Spragens
Cindy Chappell