TDLA News

TDLA is greatly saddened by the passing of TDLA Past President Michael J. Philbin. Mike Philbin was TDLA President from 1993-94. TDLA extends its deepest sympathies to the entire Philbin family.

Services are all at Christ the King Catholic Church, 3001 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN; visitation from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, April 27, in the parish hall, and 10-11 a.m. in the church followed by Mass of Resurrection at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 28.

TDLA is pleased to advise the bill passed through the full House today 94-0 and through the full Senate 29-2.  The bill now goes to the Governor for signature.   

Thanks to the TDLA leadership and membership for supporting this important legislation that will aide defense lawyers across the State!

TDLA welcomes Philip R. Baker of Ensley, Shade and Baker in Johnson City, Tennessee. Mr. Baker is referred by TDLA Member Kenny Veit. 

We are further pleased to announce the “Givens Fix Fix” bill passed through the House Civil Justice Committee, March 31st on a voice vote. We are pleased to advise the bill passed through the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday morning by a vote of 6-2-1. One of our Members was called upon in the Senate to testify in support of the bill on behalf of the TNDLA and was proud to do so.

The bill will next be considered by the full House and Senate. We will keep you posted.

CHARLES HAYNES v. FORMAC STABLES, INC.

Court: TN Supreme Court

Attorneys:
Justin S. Gilbert, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Jonathan L. Bobbitt, Brentwood, Tennessee; and Jessica F. Salonus, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellant, Charles Haynes.

James M. Glasgow Jr., Union City, Tennessee; Timothy R. Holton, Memphis, Tennessee; and Michael P. McGartland and Eugene E. Borchardt, Fort Worth, Texas, for the appellee, Formac Stables, Inc.

Robert D. Meyers, Ryan M. Skertich, and Brandon D. Pettes, Memphis, Tennessee, for the amicus curiae, the Tennessee Defense Lawyers Association

Judge: WADE

The plaintiff asserted claims for retaliatory discharge pursuant to both the common law and the Tennessee Public Protection Act, alleging that the owner of the employer had engaged in illegal conduct and had terminated the plaintiff’s employment when he acted as a whistleblower by complaining of the conduct to the owner. The trial court dismissed the plaintiff’s claims because, according to his own allegations, he had not reported the illegal activity to anyone other than the person responsible for the activity. The Court of Appeals affirmed. We hold that an employee must report an employer’s wrongdoing to someone other than the wrongdoer to qualify as a whistleblower, which may require reporting to an outside entity when the wrongdoer is the manager, owner, or highest ranking officer within the company. The judgment of the Court of Appeals is affirmed.

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Ms. Thomas is one of TDLA's newest members! She was recently appointed as co-chair of TDLA's Employment and Workers' Compensation Section. She is sponsored by TDLA President James Tucker and Member Lynn Lawyer.

Congratulations to Baker Donelson on making Fortune's list of best places to work! 

"Baker Donelson (No. 30). Its Fortune description: “Southern law firm has a five-to-10-minute meeting called the Daily Docket every morning to keep everyone on the same page. The company also offers a flexible work schedule and, in some instances, paid sabbaticals, letting employees structure work around their personal needs and goals."

TDLA welcomes its newest member, Caldwell Collins of Baker Donelson's Nashville office.  Caldwell is a DRI member and sponsored by James Tucker, Jr. 

... the newest members of TDLA, all sponsored by James Tucker.

Pamela Jean Skelton of Ensafe, Incorporated, Memphis.  Pamela practices in the areas of legal and corporate transactions.

Kristi Marie Wilcox Arth of Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings, Nashville.  Kristi practices in the areas of litigation and intellectual property.

Brandon L. Morrow of Kramer Rayson, Knoxville.  Brandon practices in the areas of litigation and employment & labor.

Jennifer Nicole Price of Leitner, Williams, Dooley & Napolitan, Knoxville.  Nikki practices in the areas of general liability and workers' compensation.

TDLA welcomes Christy Tosh Crider of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, Nashville.  Ms. Christy practices in the areas of Long Term Care, Health Care, Risk Management, Labor & Employment.