BarBuzz

Tennessee Bar Association

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

  1. JAN 30

    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.

    41 min

  2. 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 here.

    18 min

  3. 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 here.

    27 min

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

    30 min
  5. 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. 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.

    39 min

  6. 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: 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.

    1 hr

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

    45 min

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

    32 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Tennessee Bar Association
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    BarBuzz