BarBuzz

A monthly roundup of local and statewide bar events and news, hosted by Sheree Wright and Azya Thornton of the Tennessee Bar Association.

March 2026: NIL in the State of Tennessee 03/04/2026

March 2026: NIL in the State of Tennessee On this month’s episode of BarBuzz, Communications Coordinator Azya Thornton sits down with Knoxville attorney E. Michael Brezina III to break down the rapidly evolving world of college sports law. From name, image and likeness deals to high-profile eligibility litigation involving University of Tennessee athletes, this episode explores how Tennessee has become a focal point in the national conversation. Brezina discusses his NIL representation of athletes, the legal implications of recent challenges to NCAA eligibility rules, and how antitrust arguments are reshaping debates over athlete compensation. The conversation also dives into Tennessee’s NIL landscape, institutional involvement, emerging revenue-sharing models, and broader sports law trends, offering practical insight for litigators, business lawyers and any attorney interested in the future of college athletics. /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/40316445

January 2026: Legislative Preview 01/30/2026

January 2026: Legislative Preview The latest episode of BarBuzz takes a deep dive into legislative advocacy and what Tennessee lawyers can expect from the Tennessee Bar Association during the 2026 legislative session. We are joined by TBA lobbyists Berkley Schwarz, Ashley Harbin and Brad Lampley to discuss priorities for the second year of the 114th General Assembly, including indigent representation funding, adoption, family and probate legislation. The episode also highlights TBA initiatives such as the Public Service Academy, Day on the Hill and LAWPAC, and explains how members can stay informed and get involved. Beginning next week, BarBuzz will also launch its first episode of a new weekly legislative podcast, offering regular updates from the Capitol and insight into issues affecting Tennessee lawyers. /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/39940580

December 2025: *Bonus Episode* Holiday Chit Chat 12/30/2025

December 2025: *Bonus Episode* Holiday Chit Chat This month’s episode of BarBuzz takes a festive and reflective turn. Hosts Azya Thornton and Hank Elliott share lighthearted courtroom stories and holiday traditions submitted by TBA members and staff — from memorable probate court moments to cookie baking, tamale-making and even a legendary flour fight. The episode wraps up by looking ahead to 2026, including an exciting milestone for the Tennessee Bar Association with the announcement of its new permanent home. It’s a relaxed, cheerful conversation celebrating community, connection and what’s next for the TBA. Thanks to our episode sponsor AIM! Check out what all AIM offers /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/39570155

December 2025: A Conversation with TBA President Heidi Barcus 12/16/2025

December 2025: A Conversation with TBA President Heidi Barcus In this episode of BarBuzz, TBA Executive Director Sheree Wright sits down with TBA President Heidi Barcus, the association’s 145th president, for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, service and the legal profession. A Knoxville attorney and shareholder at Lewis Thomason, Barcus reflects on being sworn in at the TBA Annual Convention in Franklin, her path from in-house counsel to private practice and how years of involvement with the TBA have shaped her approach to leading the organization. The discussion also highlights her presidential priorities, including boosting member engagement, supporting first-generation lawyers and those who did not pass the bar exam on their first attempt, and promoting professionalism and civility in the practice of law. Thanks to our episode sponsor AIM! Check out what all AIM offers /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/39431030

November 2025: The Legal Side of Love: Family Law and Celebrity Prenups 11/14/2025

November 2025: The Legal Side of Love: Family Law and Celebrity Prenups The newest episode of BarBuzz explores the intersection of love and law with Memphis attorney Lucie Brackin, a partner at Rogers & Brackin. In “The Legal Side of Love: Family Law and Celebrity Prenups,” host Azya sits down with Brackin to discuss common misconceptions about prenuptial agreements, navigating tough relationship conversations and what high-profile couples like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might include in their prenup. Brackin also shares insight into her work on international child abduction cases under the Hague Convention and offers practical advice for couples on protecting themselves legally and emotionally. Thanks to our episode sponsor AIM! Check out what all AIM offers /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/39037825

October 2025: Pro Bono Month 10/31/2025

October 2025: Pro Bono Month In this episode of BarBuzz, TBA staff celebrates Pro Bono Month in Tennessee by highlighting the attorneys and organizations keeping the spirit of service alive year-round. The episode features Cristina Arce de Bagaglio of the Community Legal Center, Michele Johnson of the Tennessee Justice Center and Nicole Grida of Memphis Area Legal Services. They share stories from the front lines of providing access to justice — from helping families stay housed to tackling food insecurity — and offer practical ways lawyers across the state can make a difference through pro bono work. Thanks to our episode sponsor AIM! Check out what all AIM offers /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/38861495

September 2025: Mock Trial National Champions 08/29/2025

September 2025: Mock Trial National Champions This month’s BarBuzz episode spotlights Montgomery Bell Academy’s outstanding triumph at the 2025 National High School Mock Trial Championship in Phoenix. After first capturing the Tennessee state title, MBA went on to bring home the national crown—marking Tennessee’s third championship win on the national stage. Coaches Wade Cowan and Tracy Hancock, along with team member Russell Howard, join the podcast to discuss the team’s preparation, the strategies that fueled their success, and the unforgettable moment of becoming national champions. Mock Trial 2026 page: Thanks to our episode sponsor AIM! Check out what all AIM offers /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/38025990

July 2025: Access to Justice in the Age of AI 07/11/2025

July 2025: Access to Justice in the Age of AI In this episode of BarBuzz, hosts Azya and Liz sit down with Zac Oswald, Brant Harrell, Anne-Louise Wirthlin, and Kyle Stack to dive deeper into “Access to Justice in the Age of AI,” the featured cover story in the May/June Tennessee Bar Journal. Each guest contributed their insights and experiences to the article and share how they’re using technology — from AI tools to the Justice Bus — to expand legal access, bridge rural gaps, and keep client data secure. /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/37375245

May 2025: Life After Law 05/08/2025

May 2025: Life After Law On this month episode of BarBuzz TBA Executive Director, Sheree Wright, sits down with retired attorneys Jim Barry and Carl Seely. They discuss life after retirement, what retired attorneys can do to help their community, and how to stay active in your golden years. You can find resources for retired attorneys and senior lawyers at the page. Thanks to our episode sponsor AIM! Check out what all AIM offers /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/36492740

March 2025: Indigent Representation 03/11/2025

March 2025: Indigent Representation On this month episode of Bar Buzz TBA Executive Director, Sheree Wright, sits down with Liz Todaro, TBA's Director of Access to Justice & Special Projects, and John Farringer, commercial litigator with Sherrard Roe Voigt & Harbison to talk about the AOC's plan for funding indigent representation. TBA Indigent page: Big Shrimp and Day on the hill: Registration page: Special thanks to our episode sponsor - Check out what all AIM offers /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/35640675

February 2025: Legislative Preview 02/05/2025

February 2025: Legislative Preview TBA Executive Director, Sheree Wright, sits down with TBA lobbyist Berkley Schwarz and Ashley Harbin to discuss the TBA's goals for this legislative session. To check out our weekly legislative update podcast Special thanks to our episode sponsor - Check out what all AIM offers /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/35167205

December 2024: Holiday Mental Wellness with Brad Bald and Lauren Castor 12/17/2024

December 2024: Holiday Mental Wellness with Brad Bald and Lauren Castor For more info on TLAP visit And to get involved with the TBA's Wellness Commitee contact: Brad Bald Here is the bedtime mocktail recipe mentioned in the episode. 1/3 cup herbal tea (choose one based on your preferences; consider one with orange and passion fruit) ½ cup tart cherry juice Lime juice to taste Club soda (make in a high ball glass with ice and add to fill glass) /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/34492640

November 2024: Pro Bono with Debra House, Laura Brown, and Nicholas Gau 11/06/2024

November 2024: Pro Bono with Debra House, Laura Brown, and Nicholas Gau Check out Pro Bono recourses and opportunities . Email us with your ideas or messages - Thanks for supporting the Tennessee Bar Association! /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/33821790

October 2024: A Conversation with TBA President Ed Lanquist 09/18/2024

October 2024: A Conversation with TBA President Ed Lanquist See all our CLE courses coming up this fall - Email us with your ideas or messages - Thanks for supporting the Tennessee Bar Association! /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/33113827

February 2024 02/28/2024

February 2024 A conversation with TBA Executive Director Sheree Wright and Judge Ellen Hobbs Lyle. /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/30155293

November 2023: A Conversation with TBA President Jim Barry 11/10/2023

November 2023: A Conversation with TBA President Jim Barry A conversation with TBA President Jim Barry /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/28590608

September 2023 09/27/2023

September 2023 The Art of Pro Bono with Linda Seely /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/28161362

August 2023 08/24/2023

August 2023 Featuring the new Executive Director of the TBA, Sheree Wright Leadership Law: JobLink Career Center: /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/27841149

January 2023 01/26/2023

January 2023 Memphis attorney Asia Diggs Meador, General Counsel & Senior Vice President of Compliance & Human Resources at Meritan, joins BarBuzz for the first show of 2023! Tune in for bar association news and important updates from the Tennessee legal community! /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/25739400

December 2022 12/22/2022

December 2022 It's a special holiday episode of the TBA's BarBuzz podcast! Nashville attorney Courtney Leyes of Fisher Phillips joins the show this month to talk legal news, TBA happenings and much more! /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/25408125

November 2022 12/01/2022

November 2022 Nashville solo attorney Shellie Handelsman joins this month's episode of BarBuzz to discuss November's top legal news stories and the latest events and happenings at the Tennessee Bar Association! /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/25188105

October 2022 10/31/2022

October 2022 It's a very spooky episode of the TBA's BarBuzz podcast! TBA's brand new YLD and Law School Development Coordinator Laura Labenberg joins the show to discuss legal news and bar association events for the upcoming month and beyond. /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/24857946

September 2022 09/30/2022

September 2022 Brennan Wingerter is the Assistant Public Defender and Appellate Director at the Tennessee District Public Defenders Conference and she’s also the co-host of this month’s BarBuzz podcast! Tune in for the latest in legal news and bar association events, plus #humblebrags on some well-deserving attorneys! /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/24548058

August 2022 08/30/2022

August 2022 Nashville attorney Isaac Kimes of Branstetter Stranch & Jennings co-hosts this month's episode of BarBuzz to give a roundup of legal news and bar association happenings! /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/24211479

July 2022 07/15/2022

July 2022 BarBuzz is celebrating it's THIRD season! Tune in to the first episode of Season 3 with special co-host David Aguilera, the policy & research advisor for the Tennessee Senate Minority Leader! David immigrated to the US from Bolivia when he was 12 and realized a passion for advocacy while working construction in NYC to earn money for college. He recounts his 19-year-long journey to gaining US citizenship and his path to becoming an attorney, plus your monthly dose of legal news and bar association events! Available wherever you listen to podcasts or on the TBA’s website! /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/23757275

June 2022 06/23/2022

June 2022 The TBA BarBuzz podcast closes out its second season with special co-host Julia Wilburn, the new editor of the Tennessee Bar Journal! Tune in for important legal news, upcoming events and a brief recap of the TBA Annual Convention. BarBuzz is part of the TBA Podcast Network and can be found on the TBA’s website or anywhere you listen to podcasts. /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/23521598

May 2022 05/12/2022

May 2022 TBA President Elect Tasha Blakney of Knoxville law firm Eldridge & Blakney co-hosts this month's episode of th TBA BarBuzz podcast! On top of covering legal news and bar association happenings, Tasha discusses her priorities for her upcoming year as president of the bar. /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/23092811

April 2022 04/15/2022

April 2022 Let’s talk about legal news, TBA events and happenings and about TN attorneys who have been doing awesome things lately! Tune in to the TBA BarBuzz podcast for all that and more! This month, BarBuzz host Kate Prince is joined by new(ish) TBA @yld coordinator Ateia Aldridge to bring you all the big headlines from the bar world! Find BarBuzz on the TBA’s website or wherever you listen to podcasts! /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/22808726

March 2022 03/15/2022

March 2022 Nashville attorney Sean Martin, of the Martin Heller Potempa & Sheppard law firm, stops by to co-host this month's episode of BarBuzz! Tune in for the latest in Tennessee legal news and bar association events. /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/22457690

February 2022 02/17/2022

February 2022 Martin Trimiew of Chattanooga stops by to host this month's episode of BarBuzz, featuring a breakdown of legal news, upcoming events and bar association happenings! /episode/index/show/tbabarbuzz/id/22170326

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