The partners of Husch Blackwell LLP and Brown McCarroll LLP have voted to combine their ranks. Both firms concluded the partner ballot process necessary to merge the two firms on June 18, with an effective date of July 1. The combined firms will move forward together in all markets as Husch Blackwell LLP.  With the addition of Austin, Dallas and Houston, the new firm has ... (click for more)

The Chattanooga Women's Leadership Institute (CWLI) is now accepting applications for its 6th Annual Women Mentoring Women Program, which will begin on Aug. 23. The Women Mentoring Women program consists of eight two-hour lunchtime sessions designed to aid women in developing or sharpening their mentoring skills so they can go back into the community and mentor other ... (click for more)

Governor Bill Haslam on Wednesday announced that Deputy to the Governor Claude Ramsey will retire at the end of August to spend more time with his wife, children and grandchildren in Chattanooga. He said the former Hamilton County assessor and then county mayor "has been integral to me on several key initiatives, including civil service reform, economic development efforts, workforce ... (click for more)

An emotional Timothy Westfield on Wednesday told a Criminal Court jury how he was shot and how his friend Bernard Hughes was murdered almost three years ago at the British Woods Apartments. And Myra "Booby" Collier, the niece of Chattanooga Police Capt. Edwin McPherson, denied that she was involved in setting up the robbery.  Westfield identified Harold Francis "Bam" ... (click for more)

Today’s news that after a man was shot while coming to the aid of a friend, four were arrested (including two 13-year-olds) for robbery and attempted murder, followed by additional news that one of those arrested had previously pled guilty to aggravated burglary and was given a three-year suspended sentence, is further indication that our system of criminal justice is absolutely ... (click for more)

In a recent issue of Sports Illustrated, two full pages were devoted to mug shots of the Boston Bruins and the Chicago Blackhawks. The two hockey teams are now playing in the finals for the Stanley Cup and every single player on either page looked like a terrorist. Not one was without ratty hair and scruffy beards ruled the day. On another page was an advertisement for some cologne ... (click for more)