Lonnie T. Brown, four-year dean of the Winston College of Law at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has begun his tenure as the dean of Temple University Beasley School of Law.
Professor Paula Schaefer, Art Stolnitz Distinguished Professor of Law, has been selected to serve as interim dean of the Winston College of Law, beginning July 1, 2026, succeeding Dean Brown.
At Tennessee, Brown was the Elvin E. Overton Distinguished Professor of Law and Haslam Family Professor. Brown graduated with his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School in 1989, and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Emory University in 1986.
His scholarship and teaching focus on legal ethics and judicial ethics. He wrote a biography of Ramsey Clark, U.S. Attorney General under President Lyndon Johnson, and co-authored “Professional Responsibility: A Contemporary Approach.”
At Winston Law, Brown helped secure more than $64 million in gifts and pledges. He implemented a new first-year curriculum, and he led a successful effort to change the law school’s grading system.
In his welcoming statement to incoming Temple Law students, Brown wrote of the launch of the Oller Center for the Rule of Law, which will “serve as the Philadelphia home for a new national commitment to the rule of law and the principles of American democracy.
“This pathbreaking Center will bring together a transdisciplinary array of scholars, policymakers, civic leaders and advocates for justice, providing them with the space and resources to work collaboratively in advancing the rule of law, the institutions and ideals that support it, and the civic engagement necessary to protect and strengthen our democracy.
“As lawyers, it is imperative that we embrace the mission of the Oller Center and the awesome responsibility of ensuring the sanctity of the rule of law through passionate and ethical advocacy.”
Hmmm. Too bad we didn’t find some N.I.L. money to hold this scholar at Tennessee.
Barcus wraps up year as TBA president
Heidi Barcus
Heidi Barcus, a shareholder in Lewis Thomason’s Knoxville firm, has ended her tenure as president of the Tennessee Bar Association. She has dedicated her legal career to advocating for healthcare professionals and institutions in the complex arena of healthcare liability.
Barcus’ dedication has earned her recognition as a specialist in Medical Professional Liability, a distinction awarded by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys. Before joining Lewis Thomason, she served as a staff attorney and assistant general counsel at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, a Level IV trauma center. In this role, she directed the day-to-day legal services of the hospital and provided counsel to the hospital administration.
She is board certified by the American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys, is a former president of the Knoxville Bar Association and former editor of the American Bar Association Law Practice Division Magazine.
In Memoriam
Lee Welch
Lee Welch passed on July 29, 2026, at age 86. A Memphis native, he general counsel for First National Bank (now First Horizon Bank) in 1971, and was on the board of First National Holding Company, where he served as secretary. A standout athlete, Mr. Welch lettered in football, basketball and baseball at Memphis East High School and was recruited by Mississippi State where he played football from 1958-1962. He obtained a master’s degree in Latin American history at Duke and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia. He leaves his wife of 41 years, Isabelle Patterson Welch, their children and grandchildren. The obituary is here.
Notes & quotes
Bluegrass Festival at Big Ridge State Park is set for Saturday, August 21, 6-10 p.m. Free admission, food trucks, craft vendors and music by five local groups. Bring your lawn chair. Info and updates here.
Sheriff Tom Spangler gave an interview to WBIR-TV anchor John Becker that aired on Inside Tennessee on August 16, 2026. Remarkable interview that did credit to both men. Spangler said his happiest day on a job that has few really happy days was when he was able to deliver a raise to deputies, working with Mayor Glenn Jacobs and Knox County Commission to bump starting salary from $35K to $50K. Thanks for your service, Tom Spangler. Watch the interview here.
The Beck Cultural Exchange Center will be closed Wednesday through Saturday, August 19-22, 2026, as the staff attends the Association of African American Museums conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The conference has reached venue capacity and closed registration. Beck will reopen on Tuesday, August 25.
Quote: “Say what you want about women as leaders but you’d not have starving sailors if a woman was in charge.” – Michele Hornish on Substack.com
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Sandra Clark compiles obituary links and writes daily at KnoxTNToday – the Let’s Talk series includes topics of law, neighbors, schools, leaders and outdoors. Enjoyed this article? Read more Let’s Talk – Law by Sandra Clark.
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