Advertise on podcast: BarBuzz

In this episode of BarBuzz, Executive Director sits down with TBA President Charlotte Knight Griffin to discuss her path to TBA leadership, her Memphis roots and her vision for the year ahead. Griffin shares her priorities of public education and access to justice, including efforts to strengthen civic education through programs like the Tennessee High School Mock Trial Competition and expand pro bono opportunities for senior and retired attorneys. She also discusses the TBA's statewide pro bono portal, what she hopes to accomplish during her bar year and how attorneys at every stage of their careers can contribute to their communities and the profession.

On this month's episode of TBA's BarBuzz podcast, host and Communications Coordinator Azya Thornton sits down with Tennessee Bar Journal Editor Julia Wilburn for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the TBA's longest-running publications. Wilburn discusses what goes into producing each issue, from working with the seven-member editorial board and editing and proofreading submissions to selecting content, coordinating design, and balancing articles across practice areas. She also explains what makes a strong Journal submission, what topics tend to resonate with readers and how members can submit their own work. Tune in to hear Wilburn share some of her favorite and most challenging parts of the job, along with advice for anyone who has considered writing for the Journal.  About the Tennessee Bar Journal   How to Submit an Article

The latest episode of the TBA's BarBuzz podcast celebrates the recipients of the 2026 Public Service Awards, recognizing attorneys, law students and volunteers whose dedication to service has strengthened access to justice across Tennessee. Host and TBA Communications Coordinator Azya Thornton is joined by TBA Access to Justice Director Chelsea Bennett and Young Lawyers Division and Law Student Development Director Laura Labenberg to discuss the awards, what they recognize and how TBA members can nominate deserving colleagues in the future. The episode also features conversations with Ashley T. Wiltshire Public Service Attorney of the Year Jennifer Egelston, Harris Gilbert Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Garrah Carter-Mason and CASA Volunteer of the Year Tracy Farmer, who share the stories behind their work, what inspires their commitment to public service and why access to justice remains at the heart of the legal profession. The episode also recognizes Law Student Volunteer Award recipient Sierra Sidoti, who was unable to participate because she was preparing for the bar exam.

In this special convention edition of BarBuzz, recorded live at the TBA's Annual Convention in Knoxville, host Azya Thornton talks with TBA leaders, staff and exhibitors about the future of the legal profession and the association. The episode features TBA President Charlotte Knight Griffin, YLD President Jennifer Sneed Perry, Executive Director Sheree Wright and new Data and Systems Analyst David Lazar, who discuss leadership, member services, professional development and priorities for the year ahead. The episode also includes conversations with Tech Showcase exhibitors about emerging legal technology, artificial intelligence and resources designed to help attorneys strengthen their practices while highlighting the networking, CLE programming and collaboration that define the TBA Annual Convention.

In the latest episode of BarBuzz, the TBA recognizes National Treatment Court Month with a conversation focused on Tennessee's recovery courts, mental health courts and veterans treatment courts. We are joined by Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals Judges Tim Easter, Tom Greenholtz, Steven Sword and Stacy Street to discuss how treatment courts are helping address substance use and mental health challenges through accountability, rehabilitation and long-term recovery. The judges share insight from their experiences in prosecution, private practice, education and the trial bench while exploring the structure of treatment courts, the role attorneys play in advocating for participants and the challenges and successes facing recovery-focused programs across the state.    CLE course for "Drug Court 101" -  https://cle.tba.org/catalog/course/6793

In this episode of BarBuzz, Communications Coordinator Azya Thornton sits down with Jennifer Vossler, director of education and professional development, and Jarod Word, senior education and professional development coordinator, to discuss how the Tennessee Bar Association continues to expand and adapt its CLE programming. The conversation highlights the success and growth of the Estate Planning & Probate Forum, which recently drew more than 250 attorneys, and offers insight into how large-scale programs are developed, including selecting timely topics and engaging speakers. The episode also previews upcoming CLE opportunities and new programs the TBA has to offer. Listeners will also learn about the TBA's robust on-demand catalog and opportunities to get involved as presenters, underscoring the organization's commitment to supporting attorneys at every stage of their careers. To access TBA's on demand library or see upcoming CLE events visit our website at https://cle.tba.org/

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.

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.

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 here.

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 here.

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. https://www.rbfirm.com/our-team   Thanks to our episode sponsor AIM! Check out what all AIM offers here.

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. Community Legal Center Tennessee Justice Center Memphis Area Legal Services TBA Celebrate Pro Bono Month Thanks to our episode sponsor AIM! Check out what all AIM offers here.

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: https://www.tba.org/index.cfm?pg=tennessee-high-school-mock-trial-0 Thanks to our episode sponsor AIM! Check out what all AIM offers here.

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. https://www.tba.org/?pg=TennesseeBarJournal&pubAction=viewIssue&pubIssueID=55105&pubIssueItemID=351809

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 TBA Wellness Recources page. Thanks to our episode sponsor AIM! Check out what all AIM offers here.