The Community Legal Center (CLC) and First Horizon will hold a free wills and estate planning clinic at the Josephine Lewis Senior Center on Jan. 10 from noon to 2:30 p.m. CST. The center is located at 1188 North Pkwy., Memphis 38105. For more information contact the CLC at 901-543-3395 or info@clcmemphis.org.

The Tennessee Bar Foundation has awarded $2 million from the Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program to law-related organizations across the state. The 2024 grants represent the largest amount given in the 36-year history of the IOLTA program in Tennessee. Grants were awarded to 35 different projects, including seven that are new to the program this year. The projects provide an array of services, including individual legal representation, dispute mediation, assistance for survivors of domestic violence, immigration counseling and housing advocacy. Read more in a news release or see the full list of award recipients.

The University of Tennessee College of Law has announced a new strategic plan that will provide guidance for the school through 2028. “Tennessee Law: Lighting the Way” is the result of two years of work by the Strategic Planning Committee, chaired by Interim Associate Dean for Faculty Development Teri Baxter. The plan includes the college’s vision statement to be the “premier law school in the southeast” and five strategic goals. Read more in a news release from the college or the full plan.

The TBA Young Lawyers Division (YLD) and Tennessee Judicial Conference will hold a Bar and Bench reception on Jan. 18 at 5:30 p.m. CST in Memphis. The event is sponsored by and will take place at Morgan and Morgan, 80 Monroe Ave., Ste. 900, Memphis 38103. The reception will kick off a series of networking events across Tennessee, offering a unique opportunity for lawyers and members of the judiciary to interact in a casual atmosphere.

Pamela Moses, a Black Lives Matter activist and former candidate for Memphis mayor who was jailed for alleged voter fraud, has established a committee to run for U.S. Senate as an independent, the Tennessee Lookout reports. Moses made national news after former Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich prosecuted her for attempting to restore her right to vote after prior felony convictions. All charges eventually were dropped after revelations that the Tennessee Department of Correction withheld evidence that exonerated her. The Senate seat is held by Republican Marsha Blackburn. State Rep. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville and Civil Miller-Watkins of Fayette County have filed to run as Democrats.

Last year’s law firm merger total saw a slight increase over 2022, beating what had been the busiest year for mergers since the pandemic, Reuters reports. Some 48 deals were completed in 2023 — two more than 2022, according to new data from legal consultancy Fairfax Associates. Among the largest deals were Holland & Knight's tie-up with Nashville-based Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis and Dentons' combination with Indian law firm Link Legal. This year, at least nine other mergers are expected.

When Tennessee lawmakers gather at the capitol for the start of session next week, Senate Speaker Randy McNally will not be among them, State Affairs reports. Following doctor’s orders, the 79-year-old Republican will miss the first few weeks while he recovers from ankle surgery. Second-in-line Sen. Ferrell Haile, R-Gallatin, will preside over floor sessions. McNally says he will monitor session remotely from his home in Oak Ridge. The General Assembly is schedule to return on Jan. 9.

Those interested in running for an elected office with the Tennessee Bar Association or as a TBA delegate to the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates have until Feb. 15 to qualify for the 2024 ballot. Positions open this year on the TBA Board of Governors include a new vice president from the state's West Grand Division, four district governors and six grand division governors. For the ABA House of Delegates, four positions are available. To qualify for any of these roles, candidates must file a nominating petition, including the signatures of 25 TBA members in good standing, with the TBA executive director by emailing barED@tnbar.org, or by mail to 3310 West End Ave., Ste. 590, Nashville, TN 37203. The TBA’s website has more information on the election process and the list of available positions.

The TBA Law Tech Lunch & Learn Series will make its next stop in Memphis on March 15. The two-hour program will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) issues, including an introduction to AI and a discussion of how AI can be incorporated into law practice. A second session will feature Memphis attorney Greg Siskind discussing ethical considerations with AI. Registration and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. CST. The program will begin at noon. Can't make this one? The series travels to Nashville on Feb. 7.

The TBA will be closed Monday in observance of New Year’s Day. The office will reopen at 8 a.m. CST on Tuesday. Visit the TBA website to access CLE offerings for your year-end needs and contact information for individual staff members. Happy New Year!