Joseph W. Smith Appointed to Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education

Joseph W. Smith, Senior Attorney at the Miles Mason Family Law Group in Memphis, has been appointed to the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education (CLE) by the Tennessee Supreme Court. This prestigious appointment highlights Smith’s dedication to advancing the legal profession through education and specialization.

Joseph W. Smith

Under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 21, the Commission on Continuing Legal Education monitors compliance with CLE requirements and administers the attorney specialization program. Members of the Commission are selected by the Tennessee Supreme Court for their experience, commitment, and leadership within the legal community.

Smith shared his enthusiasm about the appointment, stating,

I am honored to serve on the Tennessee CLE Commission and to contribute to the continued growth and development of our legal community. Ensuring that attorneys have access to quality education and resources is essential to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service.

Smith’s appointment was part of the Court’s December 4, 2024 announcement, which named three other new members to the Commission, along with the reappointment of Julie Bennett as Chair. The new appointees are:

• Amy J. Farrar – Tennessee Center for Estate & Elder Law, Murfreesboro

• Mary Ann Upchurch – Memphis Bar Association, Memphis

• Wencke West – Wencke West Attorney at Law, Cleveland

Each commissioner will serve a three-year term beginning January 1, 2025, with eligibility for one reappointment.

The Court expressed gratitude to outgoing commissioners Stephanie Coleman, Jay Ebelhar, Lynda Minks Hood, and Judge David Veile for their six years of service. Judge Veile also served two years as Chair of the Commission.

The CLE Commission is further supported by its Supreme Court liaison, Justice Mary Wagner, who plays an integral role in ensuring the Commission’s alignment with the Court’s mission and priorities.

As a new appointee, Smith joins a team dedicated to ensuring Tennessee attorneys meet their CLE obligations and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.

For more information about the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education, visit their official website.

Congratulations to Joseph W. Smith and the other appointees on this important recognition of their commitment to excellence in the legal field!