Tennessee veterans are underrepresented in the Veterans Affairs’ Department (VA) claims and appeals process, but a new three-hour CLE set for Aug. 12 is designed to encourage VA accreditation. The live virtual program will cover representation before the VA, claims procedures, benefits eligibility, right to appeal, disability compensation, dependency, indemnity compensation and pension benefits. Speakers include James R. Drysdale with the VA Office of General Counsel in Washington, D.C.

Save the date for this year’s Animal Law Forum, taking place live and in-person at the Nashville Zoo on Sept. 24. Programming will run from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. CDT and will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to brush up on trends and advancements in animal law, while networking and enjoying the fun and activities the zoo offers. The zoo’s president and CEO and the board’s general counsel will discuss conservation efforts and laws affecting procurement and care for zoo animals. Other topics include ethical considerations for animals and the law, legislative updates, laws governing farm animals and more. Zoo admission, breakfast and lunch are included with the program.

The TBA's Summer Business Education Webinar Series continues Thursday with a one-hour session on Email Management. The virtual program will run from noon to 1 p.m. CDT and offer one hour of dual CLE credit. The series, designed to help attorneys work smarter not harder, will continue on July 22 with Task Management and on July 29 with Using Core Financial & Productivity Reports.

The TBA will hold its 2021 Elder Law Forum virtually next Friday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT. This year's program will feature information on elder abuse and undue influence, VA benefits, Medicaid updates and more. Speakers include Amelia Crotwell and Julie Price with Elder Law of East Tennessee, Barbara McGinnis with Takacs McGinnis Elder Care Law, and Bryson Eubanks with Kane and Crowell. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from seasoned experts and catch up on the latest developments in the field.

Mark your calendar for the TBA LGBT Section’s Annual Forum 2021 on Sept. 17 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. CDT. This year’s program will focus on political concerns for Tennessee’s LGBT community, including an advocacy panel that will address how to become more involved locally in the fight for equal justice, how to build a grassroots movement and more. The section also will host a booth at the Nashville Pride Festival to answer basic questions and provide attendees with relevant resources. If you are interested in volunteering to assist at the festival, please contact section coordinator Jarod Word.

The TBA's Summer Business Education Webinar Series launches tomorrow with a one-hour session on Make Meetings Meaningful. The virtual program will run from noon to 1 p.m. CDT and offer one hour of dual CLE credit. The series, designed to help attorneys work smarter not harder, will continue on July 15 with Email Management, on July 22 with Task Management and on July 29 with Using Core Financial & Productivity Reports.

The TBA Criminal Justice Section will host Criminal Law Basics 2021 tomorrow from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. CDT. This year’s program will focus on sentencing practices and procedures, including an intro to sentencing, alternative sentencing measures and a diverse panel of judges, prosecutors and defense lawyers discussing different perspectives on these important issues. Among those panelists is Cyntoia Brown, a juvenile offender ordered to serve life in prison for murder before ultimately being granted clemency by former Gov. Bill Haslam. Register for the program here.

The TBA Litigation Law Forum will be offered virtually on Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. CDT/10 a.m. EDT. The forum, worth 3.5 general and 1.5 dual hours of CLE, will feature an appellate practice panel discussion with two Supreme Court justices and practitioners from around the state that will be moderated by Chancellor Will Perry. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Tennessee's newest Supreme Court chief justice, Roger Page. Chief Justice Page will have a conversation with Todd Presnell about his views on the role of the state judiciary. Tannera Gibson will moderate a conversation on diversity in the litigation practice and judicial decision-making. Register now for the CLE that has it all. 

The TBA has four webinars planned in July to help attorneys work smarter not harder. Each virtual program will take place from noon to 1 p.m. CDT and offer one hour of dual CLE credit. The series kicks off with “Make Meetings Meaningful” on July 8 followed by "Email Management" on July 15, "Task Management" on July 22 and "Using Core Financial & Productivity Reports" on July 29.

Lawyers from some of Tennessee's major league sports teams will assemble for a virtual presentation next Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m. CDT. Don't miss this unique program, which will feature Adolpho Birch from the Tennessee Titans, Heidi Bundren with the Nashville Predators and Joe Kennedy with the Nashville Soccer Club talking about the role of diversity, equity and inclusion in sports law, how organizations are responding and how lawyers can serve as leaders and be a part of this change. The panel will be moderated by Luther Wright Jr. from the Nashville office of Ogletree Deakins. Entertainment & Sports Law Section members will receive special pricing for the program. Not a member yet? Join the section here.