Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sharon G. Lee will speak to the League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge tomorrow from noon to 1 p.m. EST, according to the Administrative Office of the Courts. Lee will present the compelling stories of five American soldiers captured and held as prisoners of war by the Germans in World War II. The virtual event is open to the public. For instruction on linking to the live presentation contact maryannreeves1@att.net. The presentation also will be available on the league’s website a few days after the event. Lee’s personal history — her father was a WWII POW— led to her interest in prisoners of war and how their experiences shaped their lives after release. 

Deborah Enix-Ross, president-elect of the American Bar Association, is accepting nominations from those who are interested in filling positions on ABA standing and special committees, commissions and other entities. Apply by Friday to be considered. An ABA presidential appointment requires membership in the association and a desire to contribute to the group’s work. For more information or to discuss the process please contact Appointments Committee Chair Michelle Behnke, 608-233-9024 or Vice-Chair Stephen Younger, 646-927-5565. For questions regarding the online application, contact Katy Englehart with the ABA. Interested individuals may also contact TBA members Jonathan Cole and John Tarpley, who have been active in recruiting Tennessee lawyers to serve in the ABA.

The Belmont University College of Law's Health Law Journal will hold its Spring Symposium virtually on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This year’s theme, “The Legal Role in Building Sustainable Public Health Systems," will focus on utilizing legal tools to help the medically underserved and needy. Speakers will address the importance of leveraging community-based integrated health teams and understanding how food insecurity impacts public health. Learn more and register here.

The Knoxville Bar Association and its Bankruptcy Section, in partnership with Legal Aid of East Tennessee and U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Suzanne H. Bauknight, will hold a Pro Bono Debt Relief Clinic on Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon EST. The event will take place at the Knox County Public Defender's Community Law Office, 1101 Liberty St., Knoxville 37919. Judge Bauknight will present a short overview of the bankruptcy system and other solutions for clients before volunteer lawyers meet with them to discuss their options. Sign up to volunteer.

The Tennessee Supreme Court Access to Justice Commission, Knoxville Bar Association and its Access to Justice Committee, Legal Aid of East Tennessee and the University of Tennessee College of Law will hold a Faith & Justice Alliance Advice Clinic this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon EST at Cokesbury United Methodist Church’s North Campus, 9915 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922. Sign up here to volunteer.

The Davidson County Juvenile Justice Youth Court Program, an initiative by the court to inform and educate teens about the role of law in our democracy and their role as active citizens, needs attorney volunteers to act as judges in its proceedings. As a judge, the lawyer volunteer will work with a team of students who will act as bailiffs, court clerks, interpreters, jury members, and other court-related assignments. The proceedings are expected to take 1 to 1.5 hours per docket. Volunteers are also eligible to receive CLE credit. Learn more and volunteer on the Youth Courts website.

Belmont University College of Law will hold a symposium Friday on “The Evolution of Entertainment.” The event will begin with breakfast at 8 a.m. The program starts at 9 a.m. and will run until noon. Three panels of entertainment attorneys and professionals will provide insights into the ever-changing entertainment industry and the need for adaptable professionals in order to best serve creatives. For those who do not want to attend in person, a Zoom option is available. Learn more or register here.

Volunteer registration is now open for the Tennessee State High School Mock Trial Competition, which will take place in person in Nashville March 25-26. Presiding judges, attorneys, law students and paralegals can sign up here to volunteer as a judge, scorer or bailiff. Those who volunteer for at least three trial rounds will receive reimbursement for travel and lodging. The 2022 Tennessee State High School Mock Trial case and rules were released last fall. District mock trial competitions are taking place this month with winners from each district taking part in the state competition. The Tennessee champion will compete at the National High School Mock Trial Championship, which will be held virtually in May.

The University of Memphis School of Law will hold its 2022 Diversity & Pre-Law Week from Feb. 21-26. This year’s program will explore the ways lawyers can uniquely bridge "gaps" socially and inspire connection through justice, youth, storytelling, service and advocacy. On Feb. 26, ACLU President Deborah Archer will give the week’s keynote address, while other programs will look at the law school admission process, the value of diversity in the legal field, and culturally competent and trauma-informed lawyering. The school holds the annual Diversity & Pre-Law Week to create opportunities for lawyers, and lawyers-to-be, to better understand diversity and be better professionals and leaders in their communities. Get the full agenda for the week as well as registration information on the event webpage.

Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law will hold a virtual open house for prospective students on Feb. 16 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. EST. Sessions will include an overview of the law school, career services and student organizations as well as presentations on admissions, financial aid, academic support and opportunities for experiential learning. Those interested in attending the virtual open house should register here. Then on March 2, the school will hold an in-person open house from 5:30 to 8 p.m. EST. Register here for that event.