BarBuzz

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