The YWCA of Nashville & Middle Tennessee will host its next Stand Against Injustice virtual lunch and learn on Oct. 26 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT. In honor of this month’s designation as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the program will feature an outstanding panel of experts and leaders in the anti-domestic violence space. Speakers will highlight the strengths and weaknesses in our communities for those experiencing domestic violence.

The Access to Justice Commission is hosting a free CLE opportunity on representing children in obtaining Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. It will be on Oct. 27 from 12-1 p.m. CDT. Bethany Jackson of Tennessee Justice for Our Neighbors, Morgan Hanna Adams of Welcome South, and Allison Acker of Bass, Berry & Sims will join forces to give multiple perspectives on the process. Even those with limited immigration experience can participate. Sign up here.

Tennessee Bar Association Executive Director Joycelyn Stevenson has been named among this year's “Women of Influence” by the Nashville Business Journal. She sat for an interview with the publication recently and answered questions such as what she would change about Nashville, the best business or life lesson she has learned, and her advice for young professionals, among other topics. Her parting thought? Schools should be teaching more civility, professionalism and leadership development. “Social media has made it so easy to create distance and division. The basic tenets and fundamentals related to professionalism and treating people respectfully even in times of disagreement are crucial.”

Henry County General Sessions and Juvenile Court Judge Vicki Snyder tells the Administrative Office of the Courts that The Clothesline Project — which allows domestic violence survivors to creatively express their thoughts and feelings on a t-shirt — was “one of the most raw and emotional events” in her 32 years as a judge. Snyder was invited to view the project in another location but was so moved, she decided to bring the project to Henry County. Hoping for 30 participants, the project ultimately saw 90 survivors create a shirt.

The Nashville mayor’s Community Safety Partnership Fund Board has recommended that two local groups — Gideon’s Army and the Raphah Institute — split $1.5 million in funding for violence interruption efforts. If approved, the arrangement would push the two organizations to work together, despite having very different approaches, WPLN reports. Gideon’s Army relies on people on the street who work to stop violence, while the Raphah Institute runs a diversion program with the juvenile court. If approved by the Metro Council, $375,000 would be distributed to each organization each year for two years.

A federal judge in Texas ruled Friday that the federal DACA program can continue, at least temporarily, the Associated Press reports. U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen — who last year declared the DACA program illegal — says the policy, which is set to proceed under new regulations at the end of the month, can continue with limitations he previously set. During a hearing Friday, Hanen ordered government attorneys to provide more information on the new regulations but no timetable was set for future hearings. Last week, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Hansen’s decision that the program was illegal but sent the case back to him for further review in light of the new procedures.

After 32 years in private practice and eight years as a prosecutor, Gary Howell is set to retire, according to 22nd Judicial District Attorney Brent Cooper. Howell graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1981 and began practicing law with the Columbia law firm of Jack and Edwards. He opened a solo practice in Columbia in 1987 and moved his office to Mt. Pleasant in 2000. He joined the district attorney’s office in 2014, and served his entire tenure in the Lawrence County office, handling a number of high profile murder cases. “Having prosecuted several cases with Gary on the opposing side certainly made me better as an attorney and a prosecutor," Cooper said in a release. “Because of that, I didn’t hesitate to offer him a job when he asked to close out his career as a prosecutor.” The Daily Herald has more on Howell’s career.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced two new grant programs to support local law enforcement on Friday, Chattanoogan.com reports. The move comes after the recent launch of the $100 million Violent Crime Intervention Fund and continued Proven Crime Prevention investments. The initiative includes $24 million to support basic training and $30 million for recruitment bonuses. Gov. Lee also announced these additional steps to fight crime: funding for 100 additional Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers; increased frequency of training for new recruits; creation of a statewide network of correctional officer training programs; more than $4 million in professional development programs for correctional officers; and more than $25 million for jails to operate crime and recidivism reduction programs.

Lawyers across the country are participating in the National Celebration of Pro Bono, which runs Oct. 23-29. This year’s theme, Law in Everyday Life, focuses attention on the ways in which access to legal assistance affects historically excluded and low-income individuals. Also held during the week is ABA Giving Day on Oct. 27. Organized by the American Bar Association's Fund for Justice and Education, the effort raises support for ABA programs that help others through public service, policy initiatives and education programs.

The Office of the Attorney General and Reporter is hiring for three positions in Nashville. The first, an assistant attorney general for the Environmental Division, would provide legal advice to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. At least two years of experience as a practicing attorney is preferred, but a candidate with less experience and a demonstrated interest in environmental law may be considered. The second position is for an assistant attorney general to provide advice to state departments and represent the state in federal litigation where deprivations of civil rights are alleged. Experience in trial or appellate litigation is preferred. The final position is for an employee relations director to identify best practices to prevent workplace misconduct and incidents that violate anti-harassment policies. A minimum of five years of legal practice with a focus on employment law, human resources or employee relations is required.