This summer marks 100 years since the infamous Scopes Evolution Trial, formally "The State of Tennessee v. John Thomas Scopes," that took place in Dayton, north of Chattanooga in July 1925. The case was a challenge to the Butler Act, a law that made the teaching of human evolution in Tennessee schools illegal. Dubbed “the trial of the century” at the time, noted attorney Clarence Darrow represented Tennessee school teacher John Scopes while three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan prosecution the case for Tennessee. Opening June 24, the Tennessee State Museum will present Eight Days in Dayton: 100 Years of the Scopes Trial, a temporary display featuring artifacts from the museum's collection related to the trial, including the table where town leaders sat in Robinson’s Drug Store when planning the trial, textbooks related to the case, and a significant collection of original press photographs the museum acquired in 2022.

The next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits is set for Nashville. This month's event will take place on June 18 instead of the usual date in honor of Juneteenth. The clinic, sponsored by the Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts and Bradley, provides assistance with business formation and corporate governance, review of contracts and guidance in navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Register by June 16 to participate. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

Just City will celebrate its 10th anniversary with "Stand Up with Just City," a special fundraising event featuring comedian Roy Wood Jr. on June 8 at the Minglewood Hall in Memphis. Wood, who is the host of CNN’s “Have I Got News For You” and a former correspondent on The Daily Show, will headline the evening, which also will include an appearance by state Rep. Justin J. Pearson, D-Memphis. The event marks a decade of the nonprofit’s work aimed at creating a more just and equitable criminal justice system. For more information on the event and to register, visit the organization's website.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue will host a free webinar on May 27 to discuss the professional privilege tax. The tax is due on June 1 each year for individuals licensed to practice law in Tennessee, as well as other professions listed in Tenn. Code Ann. §67-4-1702.  The webinar will discuss the process, including who is required to pay and how and when to file payment. Register for the webinar or see all upcoming educational events from the department.

Make plans now to join colleagues from across the state at the TBA’s 2025 Annual Convention, set for June 11-14, at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs. In addition to compelling CLE programs and leadership meetings, multiple social and networking events will provide opportunities to connect with colleagues. The convention gets underway Wednesday and will feature a welcome reception that evening. Thursday will begin with the Public Service Breakfast and University of Tennessee College of Law Breakfast, continue with the annual Bench/Bar Luncheon, and wrap up with a Bench/Bar Reception that will feature food, drinks, trivia and other games. Get ready for some friendly competition between lawyers and judges! Friday will feature a breakfast buffet and the annual Lawyers Luncheon, which will include a look back at TBA President Ed Lanquist Jr.'s year in office and the swearing in of new president Heidi Barcus. All events are included with the full convention registration. Watch for more information about individual tickets, which will go on sale June 2, coming soon.

A pro bono opportunity included in yesterday’s issue of TBA Today incorrectly stated that a veterans clinic would be held in Knoxville this month. The next veterans clinic will take place on June 11. The clinic is held every other month on the second Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. EDT at the Knox County Public Defender's Community Law Office, 1101 Liberty St., Knoxville 37919. Attorney and law student volunteers are always needed. Also in yesterday’s issue, the story about Nashville paying out settlement funds accidentally transposed the numbers in the amount. The metro government paid out $4.2 million in 2024.

An investiture ceremony and reception for U.S. Magistrate Judge Mike Dumitru will take place June 13. The ceremony will be held at the federal courthouse in Chattanooga, followed by a reception at Chattanooga Whiskey. More details coming soon. Dimitru joined the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee in a private swearing in ceremony in January after serving as a Hamilton County circuit court judge.

The YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee will hold its next “Stand Against Injustice” event on May 15 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT. The virtual lunch and learn will feature Davidson County General Sessions Judge Ana Escobar, Nashville lawyer Charles Grant, former public defender Keeda Haynes and Emily Slotts with Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors. The event will explore what due process looks like in action and what happens when it is denied. Register online for the free event.

In addition to compelling CLE, social events and networking opportunities, the 2025 TBA Annual Convention will include meetings of TBA's governing bodies. On June 11, the House of Delegates will meet in the afternoon, while new section chairs will meet to make plans for the 2025-2026 bar year. On June 13, the TBA Board of Governors and its Executive Committee will meet after the Lawyers Luncheon. Later that afternoon, the Tennessee Legal Community Foundation (TLCF) and TBA Member Insurance Solutions (TBAMS) will hold their respective board meetings. Wrapping up the day, the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) will hold a Long Range Planning session and its annual membership meeting, capped off by past YLD presidents participating in a gavel pass and champagne toast to honor incoming president Judge Alex McVeagh. On June 14, the YLD Board's Executive Committee will meet, while all board members will participate in committee breakouts and the summer board meeting. Check out the full convention schedule.

The East Tennessee Lawyers' Association for Women (ETLAW) will hold its annual Tennessee Supreme Court Luncheon on May 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT. The event, which will take place at Jackson Terminal in Knoxville, will honor the state’s Supreme Court justices and recognize successful initiatives of the court. A keynote address will be given by Justice Mary L. Wagner, the court’s newest justice. Tickets are available online. For questions contact ETLAW President-elect Jennifer Franklyn at jfranklyn@realtytrustgroup.com.