Music City is crawling with artists struggling to turn their passion into a living. When they run into legal needs, that’s when Thor Urness, a partner of the law firm Bradley Arant Boult Cummings, steps in. As board chairman at the Arts and Business Council of Greater Nashville (ABC), Urness provides free legal services for songwriters, authors, craftspeople and others in need, covering everything from copyright to leasing disputes to financial issues. After 25 years of practicing law, Urness intends to spend even more of his time helping the city’s starving artists. “With the exclusive privileges (lawyers are given), we have an obligation to the community and greater world to help people,” he said. The Tennessean has more.

Celebrate Pro Bono Month 2014 is in full swing. Now in its sixth year, the initiative brings together bar associations, law schools, law firms, legal services providers and individual lawyers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer. This year's celebration is expected to involve more than 300 volunteers – including lawyers, law students, paralegals and language interpreters – in dozens of events and activities across the state. Information about events will be updated and promoted throughout the month. Find an event near you.

Every year, Tennessee lawyers help thousands of clients by providing free legal advice. This assistance is especially celebrated and emphasized throughout the month of October as part of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Celebrate Pro Bono Initiative. Now in its sixth year, the initiative brings together bar associations, law schools, law firms, legal services providers and individual lawyers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer.

This year's celebration is expected to involve more than 300 volunteers – including lawyers, law students, paralegals and language interpreters – in dozens of events and activities across the state. Information about events will be updated and promoted throughout the month.

Every year, Tennessee lawyers help thousands of clients by providing free legal advice. This assistance is especially celebrated and emphasized throughout the month of October as part of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Celebrate Pro Bono Initiative. Now in its sixth year, the initiative brings together bar associations, law schools, law firms, legal services providers and individual lawyers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer.

This year's celebration is expected to involve more than 300 volunteers – including lawyers, law students, paralegals and language interpreters – in dozens of events and activities across the state. A summary of events planned for the month will be posted soon and updated regularly. Young lawyers are encouraged to get involved in a local event.

Tennessee lawyers helped 1,800 state residents by providing free legal information and advice throughout the month of October as part of the TBA's 2013 Celebrate Pro Bono initiative. Now in its fifth year, Celebrate Pro Bono brings together bar associations, law schools, law firms, legal services providers and individual lawyers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer. This year, more than 330 volunteers -- including lawyers, law students, paralegals, notaries and language interpreters -- held more than 80 events and activities across the state. These events included legal advice clinics, fundraisers for pro bono programs and community education presentations on topics such as wills, powers of attorney, bankruptcy, foreclosure and landlord/tenant law. A number of events were organized by young lawyers. Thanks to everyone who planned or participated in an event this year!

Tennessee lawyers helped 1,800 state residents by providing free legal information and advice throughout the month of October as part of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Celebrate Pro Bono initiative. Now in its fifth year, the initiative brings together bar associations, law schools, law firms, legal services providers and individual lawyers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer. This year, more than 330 volunteers – including lawyers, law students, paralegals, notaries and language interpreters – held more than 80 events and activities across the state. Read more or see photos from some of the events.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) held its annual Pro Bono Attorneys Hall of Fame Reception last Thursday, the Hamilton County Herald reports. The event featured remarks by Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary Wade, who thanked area lawyers for their consistent support of LAET, and a reading of the names of those inducted into the Hall of Fame. Attendees enjoyed drinks and snacks, and voted on artwork submitted to the “Champions of Justice” elementary and high school student art contest.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) will offer two free CLE programs next week at its Chattanooga office. LAET will present a one-hour CLE on the Affordable Care Act Tuesday at 2 p.m. The three-hour CLE program “Top 10 Chancery Practice Principles” will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m.

The Tennessee Justice Center will present a free one-hour CLE on the Affordable Care Act at the University of Tennessee College of Law next Wednesday at noon. Attorneys will be asked to take one pro bono referral after completing the class. For more information, visit the TJC website or call (615} 255-0331.

Lawyers in Memphis will honor outstanding pro bono volunteers during a Pro Bono Reception and Celebration next Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event, which will take place at Butler Snow, is hosted by the Memphis Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee, Memphis Area Legal Services and the Community Legal Center. Email Mary Lynes or call (901) 271-0660 to RSVP. Learn more about this and other Celebrate Pro Bono events across the state.