The Appalachian Public Interest and Environmental Law (APIEL) Conference is an annual gathering of lawyers, scientists, students and members of the general public to discuss environmental issues and happenings in Appalachia, public policy and grassroots initiatives. The 16th annual event will be held Oct. 25-26 at the University of Tennessee College of Law. The conference is accepting proposals until May 1 for presentations, panels, workshops and discussions that address critical issues in environmental law and justice. Contact conference organizers Samantha Brooks or Sydney Ross with questions.

The Georgia Young Lawyers Division (YLD) is coming to Nashville to connect with the TBA YLD for an exciting weekend of professional development and fun on March 28-29. The events include a CLE on the ELVIS Act on March 28 from 4-5:30 p.m. The CLE will explore legal issues surrounding name, image and likeness (NIL) rights. A networking event will follow from 6-8:30 p.m. On Saturday, there will be a kickball game at Rose Park from 12-2 p.m. All times central. More players are needed! Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to connect with young lawyers from both states while expanding your legal knowledge and having a great time. Learn more and register for the various events.

The Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS) is seeking session proposals for this year's Equal Justice University (EJU), set for Aug. 27-29 in Murfreesboro. Topics of interest include employment law, family law, health and benefits, housing and consumer, special education and juvenile justice, as well as professionalism and techology. See all topics and submit proposals online by April 18.

The American Bar Association (ABA) will host its 2025 Law Day Launch Program tomorrow at 2 p.m. CDT. This year’s theme, “The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One,” emphasizes the collective responsibility enshrined in the Constitution and urges Americans to take pride in a document that unites us despite our differences. The event will feature a discussion between ABA President Bill Bay and National Law Day Chair Tommy Preston Jr. as they explore the theme and its significance. Law Day programs across the country also will be highlighted. Law Day is celebrated each year on May 1. The program will be held virtually with free registration. Read more about or register for the event.

Registration is now open for the next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits, set for March 20 in Nashville. The clinic, sponsored by the Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts and Bradley, provides assistance with business formation and corporate governance, review of contracts and guidance in navigating local ordinances and state regulations. Register by March 17 to participate. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

The Belmont University College of Law Journal will host a Health Law Symposium on March 21 entitled "Healthcare in a Changing Landscape: Navigating the Ever-Evolving Health Law Climate" from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT. Keynote speakers include professors Scott Burris and Stacey Tovino, who will present on government responses to the opioid crisis and public and private insurers’ use of AI to deny claims. Nashville practitioner panels will discuss private equity in health care and the rise of arbitration in health care litigation. Direct questions to Executive Symposium Editor Maddie Sabourin.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Civil Rights and Social Justice Section will host a free two-day virtual boot camp titled “The Civil Rights Lawyer Boot Camp” on March 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST and March 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. The webinar is designed to help those interested in civil rights issues better understand how to advocate for justice, equality, legal rights and protections. The sessions are open to law students, recent law graduates, public service lawyers, other working or retired attorneys, and lawyers from any background.

Author and past TBA Convention speaker Elaine Weiss will share insights from her new book “Spell Freedom: The Underground Schools That Built the Civil Rights Movement” at an event in Nashville this week. She will speak with community relations expert Joyce Searcy on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CST at the Nashville Public Library, 615 Church St., Nashville 37219. The event is being held in conjunction with Parnassus Books, Fisk University, American Baptist College and Tennessee League of Women Voters. Tickets are required. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Nashville Public Library Foundation.

The Knoxville Bar Association and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, in partnership with Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET), will hold a Debt Relief Clinic on March 8 to provide pro bono legal services to income-eligible consumer debtors. The clinic will begin at 9 a.m. EST at the Knox County Public Defender's Community Law Office, 1101 Liberty St., Knoxville 37919. Judge Suzanne Bauknight will present a short overview of the bankruptcy system and then volunteer lawyers will conduct initial meetings with the clients to discuss their situations and options. Those interested in helping should register online. Clients seeking advice should call 865-637-0484.

The West Tennessee Legal Services (WTLS) Legal Clinic will host an event on March 1 offering free assistance with drafting wills, powers of attorney and advanced directives. Volunteer attorneys will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CST at the Memphis Medical Society, located at 1067 Cresthaven Rd. Memphis 38119. Attorneys and law student volunteers are asked to arrive by 9:30 a.m. for preparation. The clinic aims to provide valuable legal support to those in need of these essential documents. For more information, visit the WTLS website.