Rafiah Muhammad-McCormick, community-outreach coordinator for Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, knows first-hand the many challenges victims of crime and their families face. Her son was shot and killed in her backyard. She later applied for victim reimbursement from the state’s Criminal Injuries Compensation program, which she found to be confusing, discouraging and intimidating, the Daily Memphian reports. Muhammad-McCormick successfully advocated for improvements to the fund this past legislative session, including extending the time frame for reporting a crime, and expanding the list of family members eligible for reimbursement and free mental health services. Muhammad-McCormick also works to expand general awareness about the fund. An upcoming event planned for Aug. 17 in Memphis will provide one such opportunity,. “Healed People Heal People” will take place at Centenary United Methodist Church, 584 E. McLemore Ave., Memphis 38106.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) Barristers will be visiting four Knox County elementary schools this year as part of its Constitution Day commemorations. The group is in need of attorney volunteers to present a 45-minute slide show on Sept. 13. Students then will spend the next week learning more about the Constitution from their classroom teachers and preparing presentations for members of the local judiciary. Attorney volunteers will return to the classroom on Sept. 20 to watch student presentations and serve as a liaison between the classroom teacher and the attending judge. Those interested in participating should register online. Constitution Day is celebrated each year on Sept. 17. See other in-person and virtual events being planned across the country.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) will hold its annual Bench & Bar Celebration on Sept. 5 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. EDT at the Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley St., 37902. The program will begin at 6:15 p.m. EDT. The event will honor local members of the judiciary and justices of the Tennessee Supreme Court, and include a special welcome to the Tennessee Supreme Court’s newest justice, Mary L. Wagner. Get details and a link to register on the KBA website.

Registration is now open for the next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits, set for Aug. 15 in Nashville. 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. Prospective clients should register by Aug. 12. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

The Nashville Davidson County Register of Deeds Office will be closed from Aug. 7-9 due to construction-related work. Register of Deeds Karen Johnson announced yesterday that the office will reopen Aug. 12. This construction work is being required to install air units for the building. E-recording Services will remain available and uninterrupted. "We are working diligently to open the entire space and this time is necessary to ensure construction deadlines are met but to also ensure the safety of our customers." Johnson said. "We expect to be back operational from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. [CDT] Monday during our regular business hours.

The Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative in Maury County will host an evening with the legendary civil rights attorney Fred Gray. The in-person event will feature Gray sharing his insights and stories. All proceeds will support creation of a Thurgood Marshall Statue at the roundabout of South Main St. and East 8th St. in downtown Columbia. The event will take place Sept. 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. CDT at 101 Unity Dr., Columbia 38401. Register to attend.

An investiture ceremony for incoming Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mary L. Wagner will take place Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. CDT at the Germantown Performing Arts Center in Germantown. The oath will be administered by Gov. Bill Lee. The theater is located at Performing Arts Center, 1801 Exeter Rd., Germantown 38138. View the invitation. RSVP to emily.rhea@shelbycountytn.gov to attend.

The Anderson County Bar Association is hosting a celebration on Aug. 30 to thank Chancellor Jamie Brooks for serving as interim chancellor since Nichole Cantrell stepped down. The event will take place from 10-11 a.m. EDT at the Anderson County Chancery Court. Coffee and light snacks will be provided. View the invitation.

The American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates (HOD) will meet in Chicago next week as part of the ABA’s 2024 Annual Meeting. The body consider more than three dozen policy matters, including experiential opportunities for law students, flexible work arrangements for lawyers and law firm policies requiring lawyers to take off one week a year with no expectation of checking in with the office. Other resolutions will focus on issues such as heightened judicial security, criminal justice, involuntary civil commitment, homelessness and global human rights. In addition, the HOD will hold a naturalization ceremony, feature a special panel discussion on how the legal profession is changing, and hear from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

The Upper Cumberland Young Lawyers Association and Upper Cumberland Lawyers Association for Women will hold a school supply and backpack drive on Aug. 8 from 5-7 p.m. CDT at Red Silo Brewing Company, 118 W. 1st St., Cookeville 38501. All donated items will be given to the Department of Children’s Services to help children in the foster care system. Red Silo will provide a complimentary beverage to anyone who donates. Learn more about Packs for Pints on the event webpage or email Amber Vargas at avargas@las.org. View an event flyer.