The Tennessee Supreme Court has announced an increase in the annual registration fee for attorneys, marking the first such adjustment in 15 years. Effective March 1, 2025, the fee will rise by $100, from $170 to $270. This change comes alongside amendments to Supreme Court Rules 9 and 33.
On October 4, 2024, the proposed amendments were opened for public comment. The new allocation of funds will be as follows: $225 to the Board of Professional Responsibility (BPR), $30 to the Tennessee Lawyer Assistance Program (TLAP), and $15 to the Tennessee Lawyers Fund for Client Protection (TLFCP).
The decision was made after a review of public comments and internal considerations by the court. The court noted that "Tennessee’s annual registration fee is one of the lowest in the country and has remained unchanged since 2009." It emphasized that "the fee of $270 is reasonable and well below the national average of $432," with increased allocations deemed appropriate.
For several years, TLFCP's claims have exceeded its funding from registration fees. The additional funds allocated to TLAP are expected to support those dealing with substance use disorders and mental health issues.
The court clarified that "the privilege tax lawyers must annually pay does not militate against increasing the annual registration fee." The General Assembly levies this tax, which is not earmarked for judicial operations or controlled by the court.
Lawyers in Tennessee will begin paying this revised fee starting March 1, 2025.