A number of legal groups will hold a free virtual name change clinic via Zoom at 4:30 p.m. EDT on April 11, Chattanoogan.com reports. Pre-registration is required by April 10 by calling 423-402-4766. After the virtual clinic, clients will gather on the fifth floor of The Edney on April 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT to sign and notarize completed documents. The clinic is sponsored by Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET), the Chattanooga Bar Association, the TBA Young Lawyers Division, Chattanooga Trans Liberation Collective and the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands.

The Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) and the law firm Bradley partner each month to provide free business-oriented legal services to Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits. Assistance includes business formation and corporate governance, review of contracts, and guidance in navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Client registration for the April 18 clinic is open through April 15. Then on May 1 from 6-8 p.m., the Arts & Business Council will hold a Creatives Pro Bono Legal Clinic. These clinics offer 30-minute in-person sessions to income-qualified artists, musicians and creatives. These clients should register here.

The 2024 Corporate Counsel Pro Bono Initiative (CCPBI) Gala will be held April 20 in Nashville at the offices of Bass, Berry & Sims, located at the Pinnacle at Symphony Place. Individual tickets are available, and organizations are invited to support the initiative by becoming recognized sponsors. The gala will be a cocktail supper, with live music and a brief presentation, including awarding the inaugural Branham Grants. The CCPBI, a partnership between the TBA Access to Justice Committee, TBA Corporate Counsel Section and the Tennessee Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel, established the grants in honor of long-time access to justice champion Andy Branham, who passed away in 2022. The Branham Grants support pro bono projects designed to provide civil legal resources and support for people with, affected by, or at risk for addiction in Tennessee as well as those in recovery. See photos from last year's event. 

The Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice (ATJ) Commission is partnering with West Tennessee Legal Services and the Governor’s Faith Based and Community Initiative to host a free expungement clinic on April 19 in Jackson. The clinic is for those who have charges in Madison County General Sessions or Circuit courts. Registration is open until April 5. The groups are hosting the clinic in conjunction with Help4TNMonth, which is observed each April to bring public awareness to the need for free and reduced fee legal services, and celebrate the organizations that provide these services throughout the year.

The TBA Access to Justice Committee is accepting nominations for the 2024 Public Service Awards. The annual awards recognize outstanding commitment to access to justice in three categories: work performed by an attorney employed by an organization primarily involved in providing legal representation to the indigent, pro bono work performed by a private or corporate attorney, and a strong commitment to pro bono service by a Tennessee law student or recent graduate. Nominations are due by March 29 and awards will be presented during the TBA Annual Convention in Memphis in June. For more information, contact TBA Director of Access to Justice Liz Todaro.

Volunteer attorneys and notaries are needed for a wills clinic for Brentwood first responders. The clinic will be held on March 30 beginning at 9 a.m. CDT in the Community Room of the Brentwood Police Headquarters located at 910 Heritage Way, Brentwood 37027. For more information and to volunteer contact Charles Ferguson.

A free legal advice clinic will be held in Memphis on March 23 from 10 a.m. to noon CDT. The event will take place at the Idlewild Presbyterian Church, 1750 Union Ave., Memphis 38104. Volunteer lawyers are needed. Those who are willing to participate should email midtownlegalclinic@gmail.com.

The Tennessee Access to Justice Commission and the Belmont Law Legal Aid Society will host a Free Estate Planning Clinic on March 23 at the Hard Bargain Community Center, 608 Mt. Hope St., Franklin 37064 from 9 a.m. to approximately noon CDT. No registration is required. Lawyers interested in volunteering can email Anne-Louise Wirthlin or Brooke Wanser.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) will host a power of attorney/advanced health care directives clinic on March 21 at 10 a.m. EST at the Jonesborough Senior Center, 307 E. Main St., Jonesborough 37659. Volunteering remotely is an option. Contact Caroline Rogers with questions or to volunteer.

Attorney volunteers are needed for an Essential Documents for Essential Workers clinic at Belmont University’s Ministry Center on Feb. 24 from noon to 3:30 p.m. CST. At the clinic, attorney and law student volunteers will draft simple wills and powers of attorney for low income clients. Forms will be provided and no prior estate planning experience needed. To sign up to volunteer and for more information, please email Ginny Blake.