A continuing legal education-rich conference from June 10-12 awaits your attendance.

This year, we’ve received confirmation of 11.75 pre-approved CLE hours, which include 2.15 ethics hours. Below is the list of approved offerings, and here’s the agenda.

So, a trip to Murfreesboro results in almost a whole year’s worth of credits in just two and a half days!

The conference begins at 1:00 p.m. Central time on Wednesday at the Embassy Suites. The CLE sessions are:

• 3:00-4:30  Wednesday: Legislative Update from attorney Amanda Terry, followed by the annual Case law Update by attorney Fred Baker – both “you can’t miss” presentations.

Thursday will be a full, highly informative day. Get that cup of coffee and be there for a morning of:

• 8:00  Legal Ethics and AI with attorney Lucian Pera. This session explores how lawyers and judges can ethically and responsibly use both general‑purpose and legal‑specific AI tools, with a focus on core professional duties.
• 9:15–10:15  Judicial Perspectives on Effective Advocacy in Workers’ Compensation withJudges Dale Tipps, Lisa Lowe, and Josh Baker.In this practical session, a judicial panel offers candid insights into what drives effective advocacy.
• 10:45-12:00  Avoiding Pitfalls in Your Appeal with Judge Meredith Weaver, staff attorney Elizabeth Vines, and court clerk Olivia Yearwood. Review the procedures for appeals of decisions of the Court of Workers’ Compensation Claims and learn how to avoid common missteps.

After a delightful lunch, be ready for:

• 1:15-2:15  Essential Legal Answers: 60 in 60 with attorneys David Goudie, Joe Lynch, and Lauren Ray. This fast-paced session offers 60 lightning-fast discussions of 60 workers’ compensation issues in 60 minutes. You likely think “they can’t cover 60 topics in 60 minutes.” You just watch!
• 2:45-3:45  The Art of the Legal Brief with Dr. Matt Hearn and staff attorney Jane Salem. One of the Court’s writing coaches (yes, we have coaches) and in-house editor Jane Salem will highlight the benefits of outlining and organizing ideas before drafting, helping writers create a clear and persuasive roadmap to logically connect facts and law. See real-life examples of skilled versus wordy and anachronistic advocacy. (Some of you badly need help with that wordiness part.)
• 4:00-5:00  The First 15 Days: A Legal Guide to Compensability and Compliance with attorneys Taylor Pruitt and Catheryne Grant. This session provides a comprehensive analysis of the critical two-week window after a reported workplace injury under the statute, regulations, and case law.

And back at it Friday morning:

• 8:00-9:00  Self-Represented Employees: What Really Matters? with attorney Stephen Miller. This session focuses on considerations from the employer counsel’s perspective when dealing with self-represented employees, including educating an employee in the Court process for approval of a settlement or trial. Learn to balance empathizing with the employee while vigorously representing the employer.
• 9:15-10:30  The Art of Self-Care with Lauren Castor, Tennessee Lawyers Assistance Program, ethics session. This interactive program highlights the vital role of self‑care in sustaining a healthy, productive, and ethical legal career. (We all need this!)
• 11:15-12:15  Risks and Responsibilities: Penalties for Workers’ Compensation Non-Compliance with attorneys Amanda Terry, Claudia Potter, Mark Finks, and Robert Davies, and moderated by Missi Norris. This presentation provides a clear, comprehensive overview of the Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Penalty Program and the essential role it plays in ensuring timely compliance across the workers’ compensation system.

Yes, it’s going to be busy, but the learning opportunities abound. And don’t forget about the Kids’ Chance silent auction and social events. Click here for more information about the conference. See you there.