BarBuzz

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.

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: https://www.tba.org/?pg=Indigent_Representation-Resources

Big Shrimp and Day on the hill: https://www.tba.org/?pg=day_on_the_hill

Registration page: https://memcentral.wufoo.com/forms/r1jlu7wb1ao81bq/

Special thanks to our episode sponsor - Attorneys Insurance Mutual

Check out what all AIM offers here.

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 click here.

Special thanks to our episode sponsor - Attorneys Insurance Mutual

Check out what all AIM offers here.

For more info on TLAP visit https://tlap.org/

And to get involved with the TBA's Wellness Commitee contact:

Brad Bald [email protected]

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)

Check out Pro Bono recourses and opportunities here.

Email us with your ideas or messages - Azya Thornton

Thanks for supporting the Tennessee Bar Association!