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UPFRONT Supreme Court news, Blackburn plans ABOTA judiciary defense, Sen. Cooper's woes, US AG visits Baptists, TSSAA-Brentwood Academy, TMA-Blue Cross litigation, progress in the Ganier and 1Point cases, Corker's counsel, Rep. Cohen, Caremark, the crack tax and more

COURTS Both Tennessee's approach to judicial selection and Attorney General powers may be in for some tweaking; Vines back in the spotlight; local lawyers head for SCOTUS; court rulings; escalation in Shelby County, and  more

FOCUS: ETHICS & OPEN GOVERNMENT Ethics Commission's Androphy seems to have bull's-eye on his chest, just as an unprecedented amount of information is becoming public about government officials' cash, causes and kinship. more

LAW FIRMS Harwell Howard's Cox provides corporate update, Waller and National Health, Baker Donelson, Haskell heads coalition, NAIOP allies, Bone, firm moves and name changes, Hale Dewey Knight spinoff, talent recruited and more

FOCUS: Accountants' litigation services LBMC says straight talk is its stock-in-trade, as the litigation-services sector starts heating up. more

PEOPLE New general counsels at Healthways, Louisiana Pacific, FirstBank; comings and goings, and people making partner; new firms launched, civic groups led, books in the works, and more

ENTERTAINMENT: Neal & Harwell champion Keith Urban in court The redhot country singer complains that a New Jersey resident is trading off the performer's fame. more

SPOTLIGHT: Board of Professional Responsibility Tennessee disciplinary agency was propelled in national rankings by the end of Tennessee's gag rule. Next, will the General Assembly and BPR make lawyers' punishments more 'public'?  more

GOVERNMENT MS13 Gang takes a hit, AG Cooper active on many fronts, TennCare monitors report, Cain at Law, Governor's moratorium, Girls Gone Wild, English only, cable franchising, cigarettes, predatory lending, litigation and more

LAW EDUCATION Lindquist discusses judicial selection, Geier urges altruisum, Memphis lawyers push for diversity, VU Law gets new money-raiser, faculty move from Duke to VU, new courses and resources, and more

PUBLIC SERVICE Bar Fellows, legal services, Skadden winner, and leadership in pro bono service, statewide. more

ATTORNEY RESOURCES U.S. Attorneys selection process, Tennessee judges and national security, Ray challenges bankruptcy law, sentencing guidelines, session-musicians' rights, court rules, patents, privilege... more

REGIONAL Lawyer profiles, verdicts, deaths and demarcations, plus class actions, murderers brought to justice, celebrities in extremis, music assets in play and other goings-on. more

UPFRONT

SUPREME COURT:   As a result of a Supreme Court ruling issued earlier today, the Judicial Selection Commission must submit a new three-name panel for consideration by Gov. Phil Bredesen in choosing the fifth member of the court. Gov. Phil Bredesen and AG Cooper largely persuaded the Supreme Court of Tennessee that, when  it comes to naming the justices' next colleague, the Governor and Chancellor Lyle pretty had it figured best, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 21. For more background, see this issues COURTS section and for insights regarding the diversity factor in merit selection of judges, see today's LAW EDUCATION section. Backgrounder on Supreme Court contender and complainant Houston Gordon, up to the point of the Supreme Court's earlier reach-down decision, BusinessTN, Jan. 2007.

JUDICIARY DEFENSE:  Under newly installed President Gary Blackburn, founding partner of Blackburn and McCune PLLC, the Tennessee chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is launching several initiatives; among them, a "defense of judicial independence" Gary Gary BlackburnBlackburnprogram, to support judges unfairly criticized as a result of their rulings. Blackburn cites the example of former Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Penny J. White, who in 1996 became the only Tennessee judge to lose a retention election, as a result of an alliance that took revenge for her role in overturning a death-penalty case. At the national level, ABOTA's strong reaction to Bush Administration criticism of lawyers who chose to defend detainees at Guantanomo Bay led to the resignation of a Pentagon official. ABOTA will also conduct two Master's educational programs in trial advocacy, and will confer annual awards to trial and appellate judges. Blackburn said ABOTA also plans to honor Douglas M. Fisher of Howell & Fisher PLLC, on March 30, with the John Hooker Sr. Lifetime Achievement Award. Blackburn describes Fisher as "a true lion of the bar." ABOTA will also honor TSC Chief Justice E. Riley Anderson with a lifetime achievement award named in honor of the late Justice Joe Henry. Blackburn said ABOTA will also present an award to NewsChannel5 News Anchor Chris Clark, who will retire in June.♦

U.S. Attorney General Gonzales met yesterday here with Baptist Convention officials to discuss launching the First Freedom Project, an anti-discrimination initiative. Local ACLU leader Hedi Weinberg questioned why a single denomination's venue was chosen, Tennessean, Feb. 21. City Paper, Feb. 21.

Al GanierGanier update: On Friday, Feb. 9, U.S. District Judge Karl S. Forester told representatives of defendant Al Ganier and prosecutors from the office of the U.S. Attorney in Nashville that he will proceed to set a trial date for Ganier's trial on charges of obstruction of justice while an investigation into suspected state-contracting fraud was underway. At that time, Ganier was CEO of Education Network of America, which he left more than a year ago. As of yesterday afternoon, Judge Forester had not set a trial date. The court is reviewing a brief submitted Feb. 16 by Eli Richardson, assistant U.S. Attorney, as part of the continuing federal effort to win approval to introduce forensic evidence that Ganier and an employee had searched their computers for e-mails containing names of key persons linked to questionable dealings. The U.S. Attorney argues the findings "could shed crucial light on what was on the Defendant's mind," and whether or not Ganier was actively dealing with public officials on contract-related matters, in behalf of ENA, at the time. Earlier full NashvillePost.com coverage, here.

DUI test results prompt Cooper arrest warrant:  State Sen. Jerry Cooper is arrested for DUI,Sen. Cooper (WKRN) reckless driving, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 20; Tennessean, Feb. 21. Times Free Press, Feb. 21. City Paper, Feb. 21. WKRN 2, Feb. 20. WTVF 5, Feb. 20. WSMV 4, Feb. 20. Earlier, Federal Judge Curtis Collier denied a request from state Sen. Jerry Cooper, D-Smartt, to delay his March 5 trial while the General Assembly is in session. Chattanoogan.com, Jan. 30. In the bank and mail fraud court case, Sen. Jerry Cooper's defense counsel awaiting evidence to support allegations of prosecutorial misconduct in form of coaching witnesses, Times Free Press, Jan. 16.  Cooper's post-accident blood test results not released to public, due Rutherford DA's request, Tennessean, Feb. 10. Sen. Cooper at home recovering, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 12; City Paper, Feb. 14.

1POINT Affair: Trustee McLemore's blog says he and his associates continue to look for others who might have been Barry Stokesinvolved with Stokes; U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Lundin has set March 20 for hearing on Stokes' motion that McLemore be removed from the Chapter 11 proceeding, and challenging creditors' lawyers with charges of conflict of interest. Trial on embezzlement is set for May 22.  Related story on sale of Stokes' Japanese art collection, Tennessean, Feb. 11. Auction set for March 17, Tennessean, Feb. 17. 1Point Founder Stokes again complains that in attorney Paul Buchanan of Round Rock, Texas, he has had inadequate counsel, and asked that he be represented by attorney from federal defender program. Nash. Bus. Journal, Jan. 8. Stokes was given a federal defender and his trial was delayed months, into the spring. Tennessean, Jan. 22. More coverage, click here.

CAREMARK RX — Caremark SVP Susan Bro confirmed Friday that corporate General Counsel and EVP Edward L. Hardin Jr., 66, a past president of the Alabama Trial Lawyers Assn., has announced his plans to leave company, contingent on Caremark merging with CVS. With the Caremark shareholder vote on the CVS Corp. merger on hold til at last March 9, and with Delaware Chancellor Chandler expected to rule by Feb. 23 on the crucial shareholder vote, suspense is building. At one point, Caremark reportedly failed in its attempt to get Skadden Arps Slates Meagher & Flom ejected as Express Scripts counsel, Wall Street Journal, Jan. 25. For NashvillePost.com coverage, search term CAREMARK. Caremark's communications here.  Express Scripts' here. VU Owen School's Luke Froeb comments on the proposed $21 billion-plus merger, AP via Kiplinger, Feb. 18. Columnist says ISS investor comments reflect Chancery judge's critical view of Caremark, Tennessean, Feb. 21.
 
CRACK TAX — Defense lawyer Gregory P. Isaacs is becoming adept at handling questions on Tennessee's so-called "crack tax" on illegal drugs. The statute, which allows state tax officialsGreg Isaacs to seize money and property before the accused has been convicted of any crime, was ruled unconstitutional last year by a Davidson County judge. Isaacs said a number of appeals on this matter are working their ways through the system. He told NATTY that sometimes "revenue officers are at the jail before my client calls me," ensuring less than adequate due process, and the fines are nontrivial, with $8K and $70K fines on record. Isaacs has been interviewed on our illegal-drugs tax  by the New York Times, Jan. 4, as well as by Fox News and the London Dispatch. Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 22.

TSSAA & BRENTWOOD — The U.S. Supreme Court will hear April 18 the long-running lawsuit over alleged recruiting violations, involving Brentwood Academy and the TennesseeColbert for TSSAA Secondary Schools Athletic Association, the organization that oversees high school athletics in the state. Brentwood Academy has been represented by James F. Blumstein, who is also a professor at Vanderbilt University School of Law; and, by Lee Barfield of Bass Berry & Sims, among others. TSSAA lead Barfield, pro Brentwoodattorney is Rick Colbert, of Colbert & Wilbert.  Brentwood argues they have the First Amendment on their side; TSSAA their recruitment protocols should prevail, and are constitutional. Related story, Tennessean, Jan. 10. Earlier, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 2001. Supreme Court schedule. Colbert told NATTY Feb. 7, in part, "...the free speech claim in this case has been concocted as a vehicle to enable Brentwood Academy to create a judicial challenge..." A day earlier, Barfield said the issue for the Supreme Court is speech, and not recruiting inducements. He said TSSAA's recruitment protocol is unconstitutional, adding he believes the association is "betting the life of the organization on their ability to restrict the dissemination of information to parents of middle-school students..." 

HEALTHCARE — U.S. District Court Judge William Cain ruled, with prejudice, Jan. 9 that Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle was correct in dismissing an appeal by Tennessee Medical Association in its litigation against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, describing TMA'sDavid Steed initiative as "consistent with a nationwide attack on the actions of managed care entities...", with the complaint being virtually "a carbon copy" of complaints filed in earlier multi-district ligitation cases. These cases center on allegations of improper claims handling and reimbursement.  Among reasons cited by the court: TMA's lack of contract with BCBSTN, which might provide standing for a complaint related to the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, on which TMA largely relied in this action, in an attempt to litigate in behalf of TMA physician members. Judge Cain said BCBSTN still has compulsory arbitration as an option, and noted the that congressional action or free-market forces are also avenues open to BCBSTN. Yarnell Beatty, GC of Tennessee Medical Association, referred NATTY to outside counsel David Steed of Cornelius & Collins, who noted that lawsuit's such as TMA's are driven by managed-care organizations' efforts to minimize payments to providers, through coding choices advantageous to the MCO, but inappropriate for the charges involved, and inconsistent with reimbursement agreements.
  On Steed's website Monday, text alluded to "bundling, downcoding, and other unfair claims payment practices." Steed also notes that the "bullet-proof arbitration" clauses in MCO contracts are cost-prohibitive and are therefore illusory remedies. Steed promised further action in the wake of Cain's ruling, probably via other cases that have been filed for individual physicians. In a bit of tutorial, Judge Cain seemed to suggest in his ruling that BCBSTN should have relied more on the physicians' cases. General background: Physicians News Digest, Sept. 2003. In addition to Steed, TMA also retains Edith M. Kallas, who was with Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP, New York, until some of that firm's name partners were hit with indictments related to kickbacks to plaintiffs. Kallas was active for New York physicians in settling similar disputes with Excellus BCBS in that state. After the indictments, Kallas joined her lawyer-husbands's firm, Birmingham-based Whatley Drake, now Whatley Drake & Kallas LLC, and opened a New York City office on Broadway. For BCBSTN and Tenn. Healthcare Network: Baker Donelson's team of Gary Shockley, John Hicks, Mary Ann Miranda.

MURDER AFAR — Nashvillian Eric Volz is due to be sentenced in Nicaragua today, after having been convicted by a judge of murdering his girlfriend. The judge reportedly threw outVolz testimony  establishing an alibi for Volz. City Paper, Feb. 18. Volz' family in shock, City Paper, Feb. 20. The CP reported earlier that Rep. Jim Cooper and Sen. Lamar Alexander had begun monitoring the trial, during which Nicaraguan mobs demand Volz death. City Paper, Feb. 15 and Jan. 24. The Nashville music community, of which father Jan Volz is part, held a benefit concert here Jan. 24.

Steve CohenOverriding advice to the contrary, new U.S. Rep. Stephen Cohen (D-9) was interviewed Feb. 9 by Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central's "Colbert Report." We're told the bit will air on the cable channel in March. Comm. Appeal, Feb. 10. 

Nashville attorney Paul A. Fassbender, a 31-year-old Wisconsin native,Fassbender became Sen. Bob Corker's legislative counsel, Jan. 15, focusing chiefly on issues before the Judiciary and Commerce committees. (Todd Womack is Corker's acting chief of staff, while the original CoS designee, Armand Dekeyser, is now senior adviser. Corker's Middle Tennessee representative in Nashville is Paul Goode.) Before taking leave of absence for the Corker campaign, Fassbender was an associate in the Nashville office of Atlanta-based Hall Booth Smith & Slover PC. Earlier, was with Brewer, Krause, Brooks, Chastain & Burrow in Nashville; and, with Wilkinson, Goeller, Modesitt, Wilkinson, & Drummy in Terre Haute, Ind. He is a 2001 graduate of Southern Illinois University Law School. BA, 1998, University of Minnesota-Duluth. He has practice primarily in civil litigation, with healthcare, construction (defect claims) and labor and employment clients. Other Corker appointments, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 20.

COURTS

Gov. Phil Bredesen vows that after next Supreme Court justice is appointed, he'll move to change system of appointing state's top judges, possibly seeking to reconstitute or abolish the selection commission and making the process more transparent. Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 15. Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey told The Associated Press, published Jan. 24 in the OakChief Justice Barker Ridger, he plans to recommend members of Judicial Selection Commission who will ensure more conservative appellate nominations. Two days later, Lt. Gov. RamseyTennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice William M. "Mickey" Barker told a Chattanooga audience that moving to partisan elections for judges who serve statewide would be a mistake. Barker's remarks reported in Chattanoogan.com, Jan. 26. Proposed legislation to amend the Tennessee Plan for merit selection, evaluation and retention of judges were pointed-out Feb. 2 by Tennessee Bar Association. TBA said Sen. Randy McNally introduced SB171, which would preserve yes/no retention elections and evaluation-commission process, but would fill the selection commission with people elected by House and Senate  caucuses of Democrat and Republican parties. The more radical HB127 filed by Rep. Mike Bell would abolish the Tennessee Plan, turning instead to contested statewide partisan elections. State Supreme Court justice-selection process examined by Grisham, partner in Memphis' Weintraub, Stock & Grisham PC. Memphis Daily News, Feb. 8. TBA's Ramsaur notes this is only one of 76 appointments under Tennessee Plan that has had "material controversy." Observers expect to see legislative proposals to change selection process. During the gubernatorial campaign, Republican Jim Bryson argued for popular election of the justices, WPLN, Aug. 30. Supreme Court JSC record here.

Lt. Gov. Ramsey will influence appointments to 53 state boards and commissions and to the Tennesseee Judicial Selection Commission, and he could influence the makeup of the Supreme Court. Times Free Press, Jan. 24.

Sen. KuritaSpeaker Pro Tem Sen. Rosalind Kurita, D-Clarksville, is still pressing her case for direct election of the state's constitutional officers. City Paper, Jan. 31. Editorial says it's time to take 'politics' out of appointments, but goes on to suggest popular election of state's treasurer, secretary of state, comptroller and attorney general. City Paper, Jan. 31.

Legislators wonder aloud whether Attorney General should have powers to prosecute, rather than relying on federal agencies, AP via Comm. Appeal, Feb. 15.  This occurred against the backdrop of debate of a Kurita-Kelsey proposal to push for popular direct election of the state's AG.  AP via Times Free Press, Feb. 15.

Jim VinesFormer U.S. Attorney Jim Vines remains the focus: Attorney Hal Hardin pursues federal case for former assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Moon, with fresh depositions filed in court before District Court Judge Jordan. NashvilleScene, Feb. 15.

In Nashville on Feb. 12, Bankruptcy Judge Marian Harrison denied creditors' request that the bankruptcy of the North Carolina-based American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association be transferred from Nashville to New York. Costs associated with other protracted litigation with creditors had led AHRMA to seek bankruptcy. AHRMA is represented by Sam Crocker and Tim Niahros of Crocker & Niahros, while Hank Hildebrand represents the creditors (06-06626). Roadracingworld.com, Feb. 6. The case was originally set in Nashville, in part because the former AHRMA lived in Middle Tennessee. Background here and here.

U.S. District Judge Robert Echols has been named a civilian aide to U.S. Secretary of the Army Dr. Francis Harvey. Echols is a retired Army National Guard brigadier.  The secretary's aides provide essentially public affairs counsel. Release, Feb. 16.

U.S. District Judge Jordan faces moment of truth in sentencing contrite drug trafficker, opts to extend sentence as message to those considering illegal drug trade, Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 12.

Judge Collier sentences Edward Bibbins, whom judge said repeatedly abused the federal court system with unfounded court actions, to more than three years in jail, after man is found guilty of perjury in latest bankruptcy filing, Chattanoogan.com, Feb. 9.

U.S. Supreme Court: Nashville lawyers Presnell and Shea of Miller & Martin will representShea for BCI Los Angeles-based BCI Coca-Cola Bottling Company before the U.S. Supreme Court, April 18, addressing subordinate bias liability standards.  The attorneys and such observers as VU Law Professor Robert Belton see great portent in this case.  NashvillePost.com, Jan. 10;  includes Belton view, City Paper, Jan. 11.

RFP JPP-07-001, administered by the Administrative Office for the Courts, invited bids for data-management and statistical reporting associated with cycles of the Tennessee Judicial Performance Program. Two offerors responded: National Center for State Trial Courts (Denver) and Research and Information Specialists Inc. (Mesa, Ariz.). Those proposals will soon be reviewed.

Tennessee Supreme Court ruling limits judges' latitude, prosecutors' power and victims' rights to be heard at key junctures (Layman; Taylor), Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 30. Anderson County DA Clark tosses plea agreements, arguing Tenn. Supreme Court ruling on victims' rights to be heard cast doubt on cases, Knox. News Sentinel, Feb. 2. The TSC ruling and Justice Wade's dissent were posted during the week of Jan. 29.

Department of Children Services chastised by Sevier County Circuit Judge Ogle for inadequate response to court orders, editorial, Mountain News, Feb. 17.

Magistrates: Attorney General Cooper has been asked for an opinion regarding authority of magistrates of hear cases involving municipalities; query arose in Hamilton County when Chief Magistrate Meeks said City Judge Bean inquired about the magistrates handling some city jail cases. Chattanoogan.com, Jan. 29. Elsewhere: Blount County Mayor Jerry Cunningham said it doesn't appear the county has any liability in a federal lawsuit filed by the mother of a girl allegedly photographed inappropriately by magistrate Dustin Hatcher. BlountToday, Dec. 21.

Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Stern sees no merit in grand jury suggestion of need for term limits for judges, Times Free Press, Jan. 2. Grand jury chair, Dr. Robert A. Smith, is silent on reasons for suggestion. Concurrent Grand Jury recommends term limits on judges, creation of DUI court, and limits on postponing cases. Chattanoogan.com, Dec. 22.

Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Stern will rule by March 26 whether or not a secondary-murder statute is unconstitutionally vague, Times Free Press, Feb. 20.

U.S. District Judge Jarvis writes to caution TVA board on land dealings, Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 8.

Memphis attorney Alan Crone, a partner at Crone & Mason PLC, believes Wal-Mart likely to appeal class-action certification in Ninth U.S. Circuit, Memphis Daily News, Feb. 18.

Anderson County officials took the first steps toward reviving a Children's Advocacy Center,  Knox. News Sentinel, Feb. 6.

The Tennessee court of the Judiciary has reprimanded the Hon. Linda J. Onkotz, Sullivan County Child Support Referee for signing and entering three separate findings and recommendations relating to paternity and child support in March and July 1996 and July 2001. Her son and grandson were parties in the case and her actions violated Canon 3E(1)(d) of the Code of Judicial Conduct. Ltr. Jan. 5.

6th Circuit rulings were at center of U.S. Supreme Court's ruling easing prisoners filings of appeals, NY Times, Jan. 22. ACLU provided impetus in court's interpretation of Prison Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

Before Judge Daughtrey, Knoxville gang member becomes subject of 6th Circuit precedent regarding classification of crimes by person younger than 18, Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 15.

Indigent defense costs are up in Hamilton County, Times Free Press, Jan. 22.

Hamilton County courthouses get information-systems upgrade, Times Free Press, Feb. 12.

Grand jurors meeting in Loudon County have presented a facilities report that says the county needs more patrol officers, more parking, more seating and more patrol cars. Loudon County News-Herald, Dec 27.

After U.S. 6th Circuit reversal, issue of Memphis Police liability in detainee death may go to U.S. Supreme Court, Comm. Appeal, Jan. 30.

Judge Haynes released more National Healthcare Corp. documents from litigation resulting from nursing-home fire, Tennessean, Dec. 21.

Domestic assault charges against General Sessions Civil Court Judge Lonnie Thompson were dismissed before the misdemeanor case was to go to trial. Comm. Appeal, Jan. 4.

An Anderson County attorney who repeatedly interrupted a new judge during an angry courtroom exchange with her was found in criminal contempt of court Friday. Special Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood ruled against Victoria Bowling following a three-hour hearing. Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 6.

Knox County Criminal Court's Chief Judge Ray L. Jenkins, 70, has been hospitalized for "observation and for some rest," said his attorney, Doug Trant. Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 13.  Special judges have been assigned to fill in for  Jenkins, Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 18.  Jenkins family spawned more than one area lawyer, Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 21.

The McMinn County Commission recently approved the hiring of two additional court officers, but the county mayor said the move would not ease overcrowding or improve security at four local courts. Meanwhile, Chancellor Jerri Bryant called for a monitoring system that would allow security personnel to keep an eye on individual courtrooms. Times Free Press, Dec. 22.  McMinn County Chancery Court may not relocated with other courts, Times Free Press, Jan. 15.

New $16 million Justice Center to open in Jefferson County. WATE, Jan. 24.

The Dayton courthouse square, site of the "Monkey Trial," is one of six to be revitalized under a pilot program in Tennessee. WATE, Jan. 24.

Maury County justice center could cost $18 million, Daily Herald, Feb. 15.

Wilson County commissioners approve courthouse spending, addition of third General Sessions Court judge. Lebanon Democrat, Jan. 25. (NOTE: The story in the Jan. 25 Lebanon Democrat referred inaccurately to the vote being for a Circuit Court.)

Commis. BrooksSHELBY CONFLICT:  Shelby Chancellor Armstrong provides injunction to stop creation ofJudge Person second division in Juvenile Court, pending ahearing. Comm. Appeal, Feb. 7. Juvenile Court Judge Person says he needs more staff to handle cases, not a second judge in Juvenile Court, Comm. Appeal, Feb. 7. County Commission voted to create second division. Comm. Appeal, Feb. 6. Juvenile Court Referee Hogan rebuts County Commissioner Brooks, who likened the court to a 'plantation'. Comm. Appeal, Feb. 3. Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks went to nation's capital to press case for federal investigation into Juvenile Court discrimination, Comm. Appeal, Feb. 12. Brooks' gambit to file discrimination charges in Washington, D.C., itself raises questions, including possible open-meetings infractions, Editorial, Comm. Appeal, Feb. 15.  Brooks 'flip-flop' on Juvenile Court, Comm. Appeal, Feb. 15. Juvenile Court: Columnist challenges suburban Memphis' teen-diversion options as suburban perk, Comm. Appeal, Dec. 21. Officials trying to work out juvenile justice issues in Shelby County Juvenile justice officials in Shelby County, led by Judge Curtis Person, hope to meet with leaders from Germantown and Bartlett to work out conflicting procedures for handling juvenile cases in the two suburban communities.  Comm. Appeal, Dec. 28. The Shelby County Commission took the first step Wednesday in seeking independent advice on operations of Juvenile Court, the Commercial Appeal reports.  Comm. Appeal, Jan. 18. Editorial cautions move to create second Juvenile Court, Comm. Appeal, Feb. 5. Shelby County Commissioner, Republican Carpenter, writes in favor of adding 2d Juvenile Judge in Shelby, Comm. Appeal, Feb. 14.

JUVENILE COURTS:  The Bradley County Juvenile Committee Juvenile Judge  Swafford and not Mayor Davis have oversight of county's juvenile program. Cleveland Banner, Feb. 11. Juvenile and General Sessions Judge Swafford wants control of Bradley County Juvenile Department,  Cleveland Banner, Jan. 28.  Bradley Juvenile Court's numerous intervention programs help youth, Cleveland Banner, Jan. 17. Washington County Juvenile Judge Nidiffer is cracking down on students who skip school by going after parent, Johnson City Press, Jan. 16.

DRUG COURTS: Montgomery County mother says Drug Court saved her life, Leaf Chronicle, Jan. 28.  Hamilton County Drug Court pushed by Judge Stern marks first graduate. Times Free Press, Jan. 23. Anderson County's Criminal and Circuit Court Judge Elledge and DAG Clark announced formation of Drug Court team to meet Department of Justice's Drug Court Planning Initiative criteria. OakRidger.com, Dec. 20. Anderson Cty. Drug Court push resumes, Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 16. In 21st Judicial District, Drug Court gets offenders back ontrack. Williamson Herald, Jan. 25. Judge Deacon credited with envisioning Bradley County Juvenile Drug Court, Bradley Weekly, here.

DESEGREGATION:   In U.S. District Court in Memphis, Judge Donald holds key to Shelby Schools sought-after unitary status, and end to forced busing.  District zones proposed, Comm. Appeal, Jan. 30. District presents plans, Jan. 27. Editorials Jan. 24 and 17. (Metro Nashville schools attained unitary status in 1998.)  Jackson-Madison County School Board voted 5-4 along racial lines to not seek dismissal of the school system's long-standing desegregation court order. Jackson Sun, Feb. 9. Jackson Sun editorial urged County Board of Education to reconsider its decision not to seek unitary status. Jackson Sun, Feb. 11.

County Criminal Court Judge Don Elledge, chair of Courthouse Security Committee, insists Anderson County courthouse is vulnerable to attack, as access to the first and second floors is unrestricted. Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 3. Commissioners approve banning guns in Anderson County Courthouse, Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 17. Oak Ridger editorial decries 'stupidity'. OakRidger.com, Jan. 23.

Sevier County officials study courthouse crowding, Mountain News, Feb. 4. Editorial urges study of crowding, Mountain Press, Jan. 22.

Metro Nashville courts move back downtown after four years in temporary locations, Tennessean, Feb. 12.

Despite some fourth-quarter spikes, court filings in Memphis are down a bit, Memphis Daily News, Jan. 8.

In Hamilton-Chattanooga, dispute over Gen. Sessions Judge Moon's parking rights continues at City-County Courthouse, Chattanoogan.com, Jan. 27. Times Free Press, Jan. 12. Jan. 4. 

FOCUS: ETHICS & OPEN GOVERNMENT

ETHICS COMMISSION — Ketron-Casada offer bill to abolish five-month-old Tennessee Ethics Commission; Ketron suggests fears of politicalization have materialized, a possible reference to complaints against Ketron's own campaign, Comm. Appeal, Feb. 16. Editorial questions speed at Bruce Androphywhich some would move to stymie Ethics Commission, Comm. Appeal, Feb. 19. Ketron-Dubois bill would make General Assembly subject to Sunshine Law on open records, Daily Herald, Feb. 9.  Related editorial, Jackson Sun, Feb. 15. Lawmakers push for General Assembly to be held to open-meetings law, also, AP via Knox. News Sentinel, Feb. 17. Tennessee Ethics Commission weighs rules on open records for its own operations, Tennessean, Feb. 16. 
   Tennessee Bar Association Executive Director Allan Ramsaur seemed to show frustration withTBA's Ramsaur the Ethics Commission, when he penned a note within TBA' s "TBAToday" news summary for Feb. 15. Ramsaur focused in part on the Commission's failure to provide agenda documents to TBA and others prior to a Feb. 15 meeting, as well as what he deemed the body's failure to allow public comment prior to taking decisions. By dint of Ramsaur's TBA role, it's no surprise that during a brief conversation with NATTY on Friday, Ramsaur indicated he believes the commission and its staff are giving too much attention to "routine law practice," when, in his view, "the bar's already well regulated, and the legislature didn't think there needed to be a lot more regulation" of lawyers. Ramsaur said he was "disappointed" by what he saw as a setback in earlier progress in the conduct of the commission's work. Commission's draft rules on records, here. Advisory opinion on definition of lobbyists (TEA), here. Draft guiding principles, here. 

Common Cause grievance: New Ethics Commission limits public access to local officials' ethics filings, which used to be stored in Election Commission offices around the state, Columbia Daily Herald, Jan. 25.

General Assembly House and Senate gather to hear Ethics Commission's Androphy, Tennessean, Jan. 20.  Ethics Commission's Androphy sees strong rate of compliance with filing reports by lobbyists, others, Tennessean, Feb. 4. Knox. News Sentinel, Feb. 5. Ethics Commission legal counsel Anne Turner's addressed 'nervous' lobbyists, City Paper, Jan. 10.

Gov. Bredesen announces plans to create open-government ombudsman, domeciled in the office of the state's comptroller, AP via Tenn. Coalition for Open Government, Feb. 8.  Tennessean, Feb. 9. City Paper, Feb. 9.

Humphrey:  Lobbyists' reporting of business and kinship ties and special events illuminates lives of Byron Trauger, Mark McNeely, Courtney Pearre, David McMahan, Beth Winstead, et al. Knox. News Sentinel, Dec. 28.

Tennessee Department of Revenue rejects information requests from Drew Johnson's Tennessee Center for Policy Research, branding them 'illegitimate'. City Paper, Feb. 16. Investigative reporter Trent Seibert, formerly of WKRN 2, The Tennessean and The Denver Post, joined TCPR as director for government accountability, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 20. 

Conflicts of interest common among local elected officials, Tennessean analysis shows, Tennessean, Feb. 9.  House Majority Leader Gary Odom reportedly raised more than $20K last year from healthcare groups that could've fallen under his legislative influence, AP via OakRidger.com, Jan. 30.

Former Sen. Miller (R-Cleveland) is 'testing the waters' for signs of interest among potential clients for lobbying practice, Cleveland Daily Banner, Jan. 28. He was investigated during Tennessee Waltz scandal, but not yet charged. Related, Tennessean, Jan. 26. Miller solicitation letter reaches Tennessee gay activists, Times Free Press, Jan. 30.

General Assembly's streamlined website helps track legislative business, while promise of ombudsman raises hopes for open government, editorial, Knox. News Sentinel, Feb. 11. Site is still hard to navigate for the untutored, Knox. News Sentinel, Feb. 11.

LOCAL ETHICS:  A model ethics policy is offered to all 95 counties by the County Technical Assistance Service, the University of Tennessee agency that provides professional services to county officials. Dyer County tackles mandate for ethics plan, facing June 30 deadline, State Gazette, Feb. 12. Loophole in ethics code surfaces in Collierville debate on ethics policy, Comm. Appeal, Feb. 14. Proposed Southaven ethics rules stirred tempest, Comm. Appeal, Feb. 10. Hendersonville aldermen adopt ethics rules, Hendersonville Star News, Jan. 12. Clarkesville ethics action, Leaf Chron., Jan. 3. Sumner county ethics study, News Examiner, Jan. 24. Knox County AG Nichols says Mayor and others did not violate Sunshine Law, Knox. News Sentinel, Feb. 14. Knox County commission rejects Knoxville News Sentinel offer to settle open-meetings lawsuit that stemmed from commission's appointment of members to fill seats of term-limited former members, Knox. News Sentinel, Feb. 20.

States lead on ethics: States are adopting more gift and travel bans, reducing the central role of lobbyists and contractors in financing campaigns and new public campaign financing rules to reduce candidates' dependence on big donors. Half the states have also created independent ethics watchdogs, outside the control of the lawmakers they police - something federal lawmakers have so far resisted. NY Times, Jan. 1.

LAW FIRMS

H3GM UPDATE — Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner PC Partner M. David Cox says the firm's 20-plus corporate and securities lawyers are "getting maybe more than our share" of corporate merger, acquisitions and securities work, adding "it's better than it's been at any point in the last six-seven years." Why? "Great attorneys!," replies the 41-year-old lawyer, a smile in his voice. He David Coxattributes part of the success to a business fundamental: "There's a component of clients that are serial entrepreneurs, that have a success and we help them and they come back the next time, so there's a lot of repeat business."
   Long-term relationships are key, as in the case of American Esoteric Laboratories Inc., for which H3GM recently supported a $180 million transaction. The firm was engaged by AEL CEO Brian Carr and President James Billington when AEL was formed in 2003, and H3 lawyers were soon deep into AEL $70 venture-capital raise, which attracted ABS Capital Partners and Oak Investment Partners.
   AEL then did a six acquisitions during 2004-06, said Cox, "and grew from an idea, to revenue of $100 million, in pretty short order." TheSusan Sidwell company's first major gambit was its acquisition of Baptist-Methodist hospitals' MPL laboratory joint venture in Memphis. When AEL's growth subsequently attracted the attention of Australia's Sonic Healthcare Ltd., Cox says H3GM referred Sonic to Bass Berry & Sims' Todd Rolapp. Sonic completed its $180 million acquisition of AEL in January. Cox says H3GM has "represented most of the biotechnology companies in town." Colleagues Susan Sidwell and Mark Manner provide counsel to BioMimetic Therapeutics Inc., in Brentwood. Other H3GM attorneys have represented drug, gene therapy and medical-imaging spinoffs and other ventures.
   Cox has also been lead counsel to Brentwood-based Goldleaf Financial Solutions, formerly Private Business Inc., for nearly four years. Other recent H3GM transactions include a $30.6 million loan agreement between Brentwood's Advocat Inc. and Capmark Finance Inc. (the former GMAC Commercial).
   The firm's largest engagement has been with AmericaSourceBergen Corporation, which tasked H3GM with helping the company merge Beverly Enterprises Pharmacy Corp. of America and Capstone Pharmacy Services, creating Pharmerica, which was then absorbed by Bergen Brunswig-California, in series of transactions with value totaling $980 million.
   Cox and wife Lisa have two children and reside in Franklin. The couple met as first-year law students at Georgetown University Law Center. Cox, a native of Baton Rouge, earned his bachelor's degree at Louisiana State University.♦

Waller Lansden Dortch and Davis was counsel to the special committee of the board of National Health Realty in its recent merger with National Healthcare Corp. of Murfreesboro, related Murfreesboro Post, Dec. 21. NHC release, Dec. 21. NHC 8K.

Dan Haskell of Gullett, Sanford, Robinson & Martin is now chairman of the Nashville Business Council, which exists to elect pro-business candidates to public office in Davidson County. The group's leaders include, in addition to Haskell, public-relations counsellor and lobbyist Joe Hall, former Metro Council staff director Don Jones, Greater Nashville Area Chamber President Ralph Schulz, former Chamber lobbyist David Ewing, Waller Lansden attorneys James Weaver and Nancy Stabell, and Bass Berry attorney Stephen Taylor. City Paper, Jan. 8. Tennessean, Jan. 14.

Local developers in NAIOP have formed a PAC and a legislative council to influence General Assembly, Nash. Bus. Journal, Feb. 16. Government regulations and development fees are among highest priorities.

Dennen and Nelley of Bone McAllester Norton are representing Next Generation Imaging LLC in Davidson County Chancery Court, as the company attempts to eliminate vestiges of partnership that are hampering securing a clean CON for an open-standup MRI device, after Next Generation and its previously intended venture partners, RADS III of America and RADS of America III failed to consummate their marriage. NashvillePost.com, Jan. 15. Jay Hardcastle of Boult Cummings is expected to represent RADS in the Chancery matter. Graham Baker of Weeks Anderson Baker has represented RADS in the CON process.

Bass Berry & Sims' Lamar and Hughey were among counsel to Luminex Corporation (Nasdaq: LMNX) in its acquisition of  Toronto's Tm Bioscience Corporation, a player in the genetic testing market. 8K, Dec. 15. Related release, Dec. 14.

In mid-state equity deals, lawyers, bankers and accountants play influential roles more often than private-equity financiers, Tennessean, Jan. 8. Among firms named: Bass Berry; Harwell Howard; Waller Lansden; Lattimore Black; Avondale. Tennessean, Jan. 8. Chart here. Related: Trends shaping market: Local opinions suggest strong year, Tennessean, Jan. 2.

Firm identity:  With Chapter 13 Trustee Henry E. Hildebrand III, who deals with consumer bankruptcies, sensitive to potential conflicts of interest, the addition of more lawyers working on commercial loan closings and creation of debt instruments at what was then known as Lassiter Tidwell & Hildebrand PLLC seemed to raise the odds of an eventual conflict.  Several years ago, Hildebrand distanced from the firm. By this year, it seemed time to change the firm's name, to more accurately reflect Hildebrand's of-counsel status and the roles of other members.  A few weeks ago, the firm changed its name to Lassiter Tidwell Davis Keller & Hogan PLLC.  The firms remains at its 150 4th Ave. N. Suite 1850 address. Hildebrand remains of counsel, legal receptionist Anne Locke explained Wednesday. The firm's partners:  William H. Lassiter, Clark H. Tidwell, Randle S. Davis, Jordan S. Keller, G. Miller Hogan, and J. Ross Pepper.

Colbert & Wilbert PLLC , which Richard L. Colbert and Courtney L. Wilbert formed following the breakup of Colbert & Winstead, took residence Feb. 1 at 108 Fourth Ave S., Suite 209. The former partners who created Rudy, Wood and Winstead PLLC remained, as previously announced, at 1812 Broadway. They are J. Frank Rudy Jr., Amy Wood Malone, Kurt J. Winstead and Mary Frances Rudy.

Former Circuit Court Judge Heldman joined Hollins Wagster Yarbrough Weatherly Raybin PC, Tennessean, Jan. 7.

Nashville-based Thomas K. Potter III was named to head the litigation practice of Burr & Forman LLP. He had been with Jones Walker in New Orleans. Release, Jan. 8. NashvillePost.com, Jan. 8. Tennessean, Jan. 9.

MGLAW PLLC snared business litigator Joe Kelly as equity member and litigation-group co-chair, from his previous 16-year roost with Harwell, Howard, Hyne, Gabbert & Manner.  NashvillePost.com, Jan. 30. As reported earlier, MGLaw also recently added associates.

Jeff Miller joins Harwell Howard from Buerger Moseley and Carson, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 20.

Todd, Floyd and Hammett PLC has relocated to Bedford Commons in Green Hills from Third Ave South.

Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC named named "Go-to" law firm by Corporate Counsel magazine, release Dec. 19.  Firm announced a dozen new shareholders firmwide, Jan. 29.  Former U.S. Rep. Nancy Johnson (then of Conn.) joined the Baker Donelson D.C. office, to focus on healthcare, tax and trade issues. Release, Jan. 25. The firm also added five attorneys in Memphis, Memphis Daily News, Jan. 30. Garnered Employment Law 360 ranking, Jan. 9. Sponsored PBS broadcast in key cities of "the Supreme Court" series, Jan. 23.  Buckberg of Baker Donelson named administrator of franchise compliance program for International Franchise Assn., Tennessean, Jan. 21, Memphis Comm. Appeal, Jan. 25. Baugh named shareholder in Nashville, release Jan. 29. NashvillePost.com, Jan. 29.  In Tri-Cities, Vance Cheek joins Baker Donelson, release Jan. 18.  In Jackson, Miss., Yarborough and Thompson join the firm, release Jan. 18.

Husch Eppenberger LLC ceased operations in Nashville, Friday, Feb. 9.  Former Husch member Holly Knight, now managing partner of the Nashville office of spin-off Hale, Dewey & Knight, says her firm began operations Monday, Feb. 12, serving clients in both consumer and commercial bankruptcy and commercial litigtation. Nine former Husch associates followed the name partners to Hale Dewey: In Nashville, Christopher Kerney; in Memphis:  Carrie Eaker, Bert Echols, Robert Fehse, Aaron Nash, Carrie Rohrscheib, Kandace Stewart, Jacob Zweig.  Related, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 3. Memphis Daily News, Jan. 18. Memphis Bus. Journal, Jan. 18.  Comm. Appeal, Jan. 6. Memphis Bus. Journal, Jan. 4.

Rachel Waterhouse and Laura Bishop join Branham and Day, p. 20, Nash. Bus. Journal, Feb. 16.

Barry Willms has joined Bass, Berry & Sims PLC's litigation practice, where he will concentrate on e-discovery of data stored in electronic form, much as he did with his previous firm, King & Spalding LLP, in Atlanta. NashvillePost.com, Jan. 8.  Tennessean, Jan. 14.  Price Wilson, formerly of Adams & Reese, joined Bass Berry. NashvillePost.com, Jan. 24.

Plaintiff's advocate Lieff Cabraser named Chalos partner, with Caterpillar, Overton lawsuits active, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 3; Tennessean, Jan. 7.

Paula Flowers and Leslie Shechter Newman switch: Flowers leaves Commerce & Insurance to return to Farmer & Luna, while Newman heads the other direction. Nash. Bus. Journal, Jan. 15; NashvillePost.com, Jan. 16; Tennessean, Jan. 28. Related coverage NashvillePost.com, Jan. 8; Tennessean, Jan. 9; Insurance Journal, Jan. 15.

Quina and Thirsk joins Adams & Reese as associates; Mason joins firm as governmental affairs adviser, Tennessean, Dec. 24.

Matt Foster has been named associate at Harwell Howard Hyne Gabbert & Manner. Previously, Foster was with a marketing and consulting firm.

Hall Booth Smith & Slover announce associates Embrey, Jennings and Lindberg, Tennessean, Jan. 7.

In Memphis, James Reed joined Glankler Brown PLLC as an associate.Memphis Daily News, Jan. 17.

Frost Brown Todd LLC's website, www.frostbrowntodd.com, was named the top "benchmark" website among the international members of MULTILAW. Release, Jan. 4.

FOCUS: Accountants' litigation services

Litigation support is an important business vein being mined by accounting firms, and others.  David C. Wood, a principal in Brentwood-based Lattimore Black Morgan and Cain PC, says litigationDavid Wood services represent about five percent of the LBMC's $35 million-plus annual revenue. He currently has eight professionals in his valuation and ligitation unit, and may add staff in LBMC's Knoxville office.

Wood told NATTY that much of the value accounting experts bring lies in being "very forthright" with attorneys regarding "the financial implications" or damages that may flow from a particular action or inaction. He added that his approach is to ensure that LBMC and attorneys have full and open discussions, to ensure his team is adequately informed regarding opposing sides' views of key legal issues.

Wood indicated his firm is unlikely to accept or remain with an engagement in which lawyers seem to be shopping for an opinion or have "a particular number they want to get to," despite a determination that number cannot be substantiated. He said LBMC has resigned assignments for such reasons.

Wally DietzTwo attorneys at Bass Berry & Sims PLC who have worked with the LBMC team recently spoke with NATTY. Wally Dietz recalled that in a commercial case involving breech of fiduciary duty and trade secrets issues, Wood played a key role as a qualified expert, providing valuation of business taken by employees who left the client's business and set up their own.

Dietz' colleague Allen Overby says his experience with accountants has beenAllen Overby "generally positive," adding, "they're hard-working professionals, they're very good at what they do, and they have a very specific skillset that is often very helpful in resolving client issues, particularly with respect to complex accounting issues." Overby noted that accounting firms are retained by the law firm, "which has the advantage of giving the protection of the attorney-client privilege to that work." 

Other firms have designs on the litigation-services business, e.g.: Rodefer Moss and Laroy Wolff join to create a Brentwood-based ensic accounting and valuation office, Knox. News Sentinel, Jan. 27 and Nash. Bus. Journal, Jan. 26. Deloitte & Touche LLP recently announced adding Randy Overton to its M&A transaction-services group, Tennessean, Dec. 24. Earlier, Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain announced adding Ashley Kennedy to its litigation-services group, release Dec. 14.  Earlier still, two Nashville firms — NetEvidence, a computer forensics and investigation firm here, and Caselogistix, a Nashville evidence and litigation-management software firm — announced an alliance to serve law firms and others. Release Nov. 29. And, on Dec. 13 GlobalOptions announced concentrating its special-investigations business, in Nashville.♦

PEOPLE

Franklin DA Ron Davis reportedly has been told he has grim health prognosis, Tennessean, Feb. 8.

Louisiana Pacific names Fuchs vice president and general counsel, release Feb. 5.

Bass Berry's Clay Richards joins Healthways as general counsel, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 9.

Will Martin named general counsel for FirstBank, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 31.

Nichole A. Francis, a former associate with the law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC and most recently, district director for former U.S. Rep. Ford, is now counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Homeland Security. Comm. Appeal.

Franklin City Attorney Doug Berry, a partner in the Nashville-based Hubbard, Berry & Harris law firm, steps down from city post to focus on private practice, Tennessean, Dec. 27.

Asst. DA Kim Helper in Franklin's 21st Judicial District is only prosecutor in latest class of TBA's Leadership Law program, Tennessean, Jan. 16. Van Horn of Butler, Snow, O'Mara, Stevens & Cannada PLLC is profiled as part of continuing series on TBA Leadership Law class of 07, Memphis Daily News, Feb. 8. Profile: Amy Ferguson of Glankler Brown (Memphis), Memphis Daily News, Jan. 25. Related, update on TBA's Leadership Law. Memphis Daily News, Jan. 25.  Seven Memphis attorneys have been selected to participate in the Tennessee Bar Association's 2007 Leadership Law program, including Amy Ferguson with Glankler Brown PLLC; Beverly Gates with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz PC; Darryl Gresham with Allen, Summers, Simpson, Lillie & Gresham PLLC; Justin Ross with FedEx; David Smith with Thomas & Betts Corp.; Emily Taube with Adams and Reese LLP and Daniel Van Horn with Butler, Snow, O'Mara, Stevens & Cannada PLLC. Comm. Appeal, Jan. 12.

Ray Runyon has been named part-time attorney for the city of Clarksville until a full-time replacement is found for outgoing attorney David Haines. Haines resigned last month to take a job with the Tennessee Supreme Court.  Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, Jan. 11.

Zach and Rachel Fardon have left a couple of lawyer-shaped holes in Nashville.  He's now with Latham and Watkins in Chicago, having left the U.S. Attorney's staff here; she's no longer with Metro Legal, and headed northward. Rachel Fardon's former duties as counsel to the Metro Board of Public Education are being shared by Law Department attorneys Jennifer Bozeman and Mary Johnston, at this writing.  Related story, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 22.

Profile of Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Mark Norris of Adams and Reese LLP, Memphis Daily News, Jan. 4.

Nashville lawyer Gray Sasser named chairman of state Democrats, Tennessean, Jan. 14. NashvillePost.com, Jan. 29.

Adams & Reese LLP litigator Lampley named partner, Tennessean, Jan. 28.

The Nashville Scene named Deputy District Attorney Tom Thurman and police Sgt. Pat Postiglione and Det. Bill Pridemore as its Nashvillians of the Year for their work in winning a guilty verdict against Perry March, who was convicted of murdering his wife, Janet March.  Nashville Scene, Dec. 28.

State Attorney General lawyer Stephen Nunn resigns, Tennessean, Feb. 10.  Investigation underway, Tennessean, Feb. 9.  He was arrested Feb. 6 for drunken driving, AP via Knox. News Sentinel, Feb. 8. WSMV TV, Feb. 8.

MacLean joins Tennessee Justice Project, remains of counsel at Stites, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 23.  Ferguson of Stites & Harbison has been admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, Tennessean, Jan. 28.

Bass Berry's Yarbro, a former Gore-Lieberman campaign staffer, is among fans of Video blogging, which has become means for politicians and others to reach constituents via online media, Tennessean, Feb. 15. Long-time campaigner Mike Kopp is among other sources in this story.

AG Profile: Princeton- and Yale-educated and erstwhile journalist Attorney General Cooper, who not long ago applied for consideration for the Supreme Court, Knox. News Sentinel, Dec. 25.

Teresa Rider Bult named managing partner for Constangy Brooks & Smith LLC, Tennessean, Jan. 28.

Two lawyers make Nashville Scene's Valentine's Lust List, Nashville Scene, Feb. 9.

The murder of Janet Levine March by Perry March will be chronicled in a book due out this fall, from Nashvillians Michael Glasgow and Phyllis Gobbell. Tennessean, Jan. 4.

Kraus and Sullivan with Loeb and Loeb discuss challenges facing record labels in Internet age, p. 23, Nash. Bus. Journal, Feb. 16.

Brothers joins Hollins & Associates PLLC to focus on commercial transactions and real estate, from Regions Bank, Tennessean, Feb. 18.

Steve Huff, a native Nashvillian now living in Atlanta has made an interesting commitment to write about the 1975 Marcia Trimble case, with hope of finding its solution. Posted Jan. 4.

Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis named as partners: Lance Bridgesmith, Jason Fisher, Cabot Hyde, Paul Gontarek, John Krimmel, Paul Maple. NashvillePost.com, Jan. 3. Tennessean, Jan. 14.

Lawyer and author Phil Cramer makes partner at Sherrard & Roe, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 11.  Tennessean, Jan. 21.

Boult Cummings names six firm members, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 22. Tennessean, Jan. 28.  Attorneys are Alexander, Cloud, Gilbert,  Murray, Sloan, Weeks.

Taplinger, Sampson and Thompson make partner at Neal & Harwell, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 8. Firm named as associates: Samson, Taplinger, Thompson, Tennessean, Jan. 14.

Courtney N. Pearre, a partner with Waller Lansden, was elected chairman of the Tennessee Lobbyist Association. Pearre, who served as legal counsel to then Gov. Don Sundquist, succeeded Tracy Woodard, now director of government relations for Nissan North America. NashvillePost.com, Jan. 9.

Former Deputy Governor Cooley announced Jan. 30 his plans to form Cooley Public Strategies, a subsidiary of his former partners' firm, McNeely Pigott & Fox. NashvillePost.com, Jan. 30. Tennessean, Jan. 30. City Paper, Jan. 31.

Former Deputy Mayor Phillips launches Phillips and Co. public-affairs strategy practice, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 29. City Paper, Jan. 30.

Democrat attorney Kim Glassman and former Dem. party chair Button open lobbying shop, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 26.

Randy Camp, former state court administrator and Bredesen cabinet member, has joined the the Windrow Group, a Nashville lobbying and government relations firm. NashvillePost.com, Jan. 31.

Richard Warren of Boult Cummings has been elected president-elect of the Nashville Chapter of the National Association of Industrial Office Properties, Tennessean, Feb. 11.

Leslie Hafner, Bass Berry's director of government affairs, is now vice president-financial development for Nashville Women's Political Caucus, Tennessean, Dec. 31.

Brother of entertainer Carson Daily is joining Durham Dread to anchor new immigration practice, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 31.

Bass Berry's Brant Phillips named legal counsel for Tennessee Democratic Party, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 8; Tennessean, Feb. 9.

Bradley Jackson departs Bredesen staff for Tennessee Chamber government relations post, NashvillePost.com, Feb. 8.

Pete Ezell Jr., shareholder in the Nashville office of Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, has been named to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. Nash. Bus. Journ., Jan. 5.

Christine Bradley named Vanderbilt's assistant vice chancellor for community and government affairs, NashvillePost.com, Jan. 11.

Debby Dale Mason became chief community action officer at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jan. 2. Mason returns to the Chamber, where she served 1991-2002. Mason's duties include government relations and business advocacy, and planning InterCity Leadership Visits. Tennessean, Dec. 24.

National Federation of Independent Businesses' lobbyist Gary Selvy, based in Nashville, says affordable  healthcare is top issue, with minimum wage down the list, Tennessean, Jan. 21.  Related, Comm. Appeal,