Gov. Bill Lee will formally swear in Justice Holly Kirby as the chief justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court on Wednesday at 9 a.m. CDT in the Historic Supreme Court Chambers of the Tennessee State Capitol. The day also will include the TBA’s Supreme Court Boot Camp program and a presentation on the history of the court by former TBA president Bill Harbison. Later this month, on Oct. 13, a reception for Kirby will be held in Memphis at 3 p.m. CDT at the law firm of Burch, Porter & Johnson, where she practiced law before joining the bench. Kirby was unanimously elected chief justice by the court for a two-year term and took the oath of office privately on Sept. 1. She was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2014 by former Gov. Bill Haslam. Before that appointment, she was named the first female judge on the Tennessee Court of Appeals and served there for almost 19 years.

In October, Tennessee lawyers are joining colleagues across the country to increase meaningful access to justice and commitment to pro bono work. Now in its 15th year, Tennessee’s statewide Celebrate Pro Bono Month initiative brings together legal services providers with bar associations, law schools, law firms and individual volunteers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer. The month of October is an opportunity to focus attention on the significant need for pro bono services as well as a time to celebrate the outstanding work of those in the legal community who volunteer their services throughout the year. Events, including in-person and virtual opportunities to volunteer, will be promoted in TBA Today and via social media. The American Bar Association's National Pro Bono Celebration will be held the week of Oct. 22, with the theme "Voices of Democracy: Ensuring Justice for All." If you have information about an upcoming pro bono event, please share it with TBA at tbatoday@tnbar.org.

Join the Department of Revenue on Oct. 4 at 8:30 a.m. CDT for a free webinar designed specifically for new businesses. In this webinar, participants will learn about state obligations for new businesses and other resources that may help them. Topics covered include tax registration, sales and use tax, business tax, franchise and excise taxes, and how to get help from the Department of Revenue as well as other state tax agencies. Register here.

In October, Tennessee lawyers are joining colleagues across the country to increase meaningful access to justice and commitment to pro bono work. Now in its 15th year, Tennessee’s statewide Celebrate Pro Bono Month initiative brings together legal services providers with bar associations, law schools, law firms and individual volunteers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer. The month of October is an opportunity to focus attention on the significant need for pro bono services as well as a time to celebrate the outstanding work of those in the legal community who volunteer their services throughout the year. Events, including in-person and virtual opportunities to volunteer, will be promoted in TBA Today and via social media. The American Bar Association's National Pro Bono Celebration will be held the week of Oct. 22, with the theme "Voices of Democracy: Ensuring Justice for All." If you have information about an upcoming pro bono event, please share it with TBA at tbatoday@tnbar.org.

Registration is now open for the Knoxville Bar Association's Law & Culture Journey to Panama, April 1-4, 2024. The four-night program based in Panama City includes visits to the Panama Canal and Gamboa Rainforest. Optional extended excursions on April 6-7 can be arranged uon request. Click here for more information. Early bird deadline is tomorrow.

Don't forget, nominations are due Monday for the 21st annual TBA Leadership Law (TBALL) program for 2024. Nominees should have from five to 15 years of experience in practice. Last year, 33 lawyers from across the state were accepted into the program. TBALL programming will kick off in January 2024 with an opening retreat at Henry Horton State Park and end in June with class commencement during the TBA Annual Convention in Memphis. Read more about the program or contact program coordinator Paul Burch for more information.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Science & Technology Law will hold its 2023 Artificial Intelligence and Robotics National Institute at the Santa Clara University School of Law in Santa Clara, California, Oct. 9-10. The two-day institute will apprise those in the fields of law, technology, government, academics and business about the legal issues surrounding artificial intelligence and robotics. Programming includes sessions on the effects of AI/ChatGPT in regulation and standards, privacy and security in the workplace, climate solutions, entertainment, disinformation, health care and the practice of law. The event is free and open to the public. Visit the website for more information and read the conference agenda.

Former Chancery Judge Ellen Hobbs Lyle along with attorneys D. Billye Sanders and Byron Trauger have been named as recipients of the 31st Annual Sage Awards. The awards will be presented Oct. 30 at the Sage Awards Ceremony & Fundraiser at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, 700 Cool Springs Blvd., Franklin 37067. The event is sponsored by AgeWell Middle Tennessee, a nonprofit resource for older adults and family caregivers. The Sage Awards honor lifelong leaders who improve our communities and organizations that significantly impact the lives of older adults across the region.

The Council on Criminal Justice and Belmont University College of Law will hold a discussion on the final report of the Council’s Task Force on Long Sentences on Oct. 6 from 9 -10:30 a.m. CDT at the Belmont College of Law, 1901 15th Ave. S., Nashville 37212. Following discussion of the task force’s key findings and recommendations, local and national experts will discuss the implications for public safety and justice in Tennessee. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and coffee and light refreshments will be served. RSVP here.

The YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee will hold its annual Stand Against Racism Community Rally tomorrow at Public Square Park in Nashville. The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT. This year’s event will focus on the theme of “Votes Against Violence,” which will celebrate those working at the nexus of voting rights and gun violence prevention. Learn more at ywcanashville.com/STANDRALLY.