The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law will host its inaugural Spring Speakers Series tomorrow from noon until 1 p.m. CDT. The kickoff session will feature a discussion with Jim Obergefell, lead plaintiff in the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court case, Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage nationally, and his attorney, Al Gerhardstein. The event will take place in the law school’s Wade Auditorium. Read more here.

Vanderbilt Law School’s spring “Dean’s Lecture Series on Race and Discrimination” will conclude on Thursday with a lecture on “Implicit Bias, Structural Bias, and Implications for Law and Policy” from Associate Justice Goodwin H. Liu of the California Supreme Court. Drawing on recent work convened by the National Academy of Sciences, Liu will discuss the evidentiary basis for implicit bias and structural bias, as well as possible legal responses and mitigation strategies applicable to a variety of institutions and organizations. The virtual event will take place on Thursday via Zoom from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. CDT. Learn more about the program and register here.  

For those who would like to learn more about conservatorship work, the TBA is offering a free one-hour Zoom discussion on best practices, with a focus on general practice and small and solo firms. Nashville lawyer Amy Willoughby Bryant and Lebanon lawyer Travenia Holden will present the session on April 25 from 2-3 p.m. CDT. An optional hour of CLE credit is available for $50. For more information or questions contact TBA’s Director of Education and Professional Development Jennifer Vossler.

The Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands will hold two clinics this week. On Wednesday, a clinic for veterans will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT in Nashville at Operation Stand Down, 1125 12th Ave. S., 37203. Then on Saturday, the Belmont Clinic will take place from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at 2005 12th Ave. South, Nashville 37204. All times are central. Those attending must wear a mask. To volunteer for a clinic, contact Kendra Cheek, 615-780-7131. See all April clinics.

The Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts is joining the law firm of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings in providing free legal services for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits at a clinic this Thursday. Issues to be covered include questions about business formation, corporate governance, contract review and navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Eligible businesses may receive up to one hour of assistance but must register today. Clients may sign up online. To volunteer, email vlpa@abcnashville.org.

The Washington County Bar Association will hold a summer kickoff event at the TVA Credit Union Ballpark in Johnson City on June 18. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for early game activities and music. The game starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $23 per person and cover the cost of admission, non-alcoholic beverages and food. All area lawyers are invited to attend. Purchase tickets here.

The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) is seeking session proposals for this year's Equal Justice University (EJU), set for Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. Topics of interest include TennCare, conservatorships, employment law, representing clients with mental health or substance abuse issues, introduction to family law, federal nutrition programs, veterans benefits, student loan forgiveness, housing law, immigration and unemployment benefits. Presentations that include ethics and professional development components are also welcome. See the full list of topics here. Submit proposals by May 20.

Make plans now to join colleagues for the 2022 TBA Annual Convention, taking place in person at the downtown Nashville Hilton June 15-18. Don't miss key convention events such as the Better This Year and Legislative Update CLE programs, Bench Bar CLE and Luncheon, and Lawyers Luncheon, where TBA President Sherie Edwards will pass the gavel to incoming president Tasha Blakney. In person law school breakfasts will return for the first time since 2019, as will the Thursday evening Bench/Bar social event, which will include dinner and a live band on the rooftop of Nashville's new 5th & Broad entertainment venue. Register now and be sure to reserve your hotel room by May 24 to take advantage of the TBA group rate.

The Memphis Lawyers’ Chapter of the Federalist Society is hosting an event on April 28 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT on the topic of the “The Electoral Count Act.” Panelists will include Memphis attorney John L. Ryder with Harris Shelton and Nashville attorney Junaid Odubeko with Bradley. U.S. Magistrate Judge Charmiane G. Claxton will moderate the discussion. The event will take place at the Hu Hotel, 79 Madison Ave., Memphis, TN 38103. Register online or contact Greg Grisham at Fisher & Phillips.

West Tennessee Legal Services and the Faith and Justice Alliance are teaming up to host an expungement clinic on May 6. Attorneys are needed prior to that date to virtually meet with clients and prepare expungement documents to be filed in Madison County courts. Volunteer attorneys can assist remotely from anywhere in the state. Volunteer for the clinic here. WTLS will host a CLE on April 21 specifically focused on helping clients during the clinic. The program will run from noon until 1 p.m. CDT and will be presented by Savannah Quintero and Andy Cole. Register for the CLE here.