The George Barrett Social Justice Program at Vanderbilt Law School will host a book talk on Nov. 20 at 12:10 p.m. CST with Jessica Pishko on her newly released book, "The Highest Law in the Land: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy." Pishko is a journalist and lawyer who earned her law degree from Harvard Law School and her Master of Fine Arts degree from Columbia University. She has been reporting on the criminal legal system for a decade, with a focus on the political power of sheriffs since 2016.

The Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County Office of Conservatorship Management (OCM) will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Dec. 3 from 1:30 to 2 p.m. CST at the Historic Courthouse Courtroom 608. A reception will follow. To RSVP, email ocm@jisnashville.gov. Based on the recommendations of a volunteer task force, former Judge Randy Kennedy and former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean, the Nashville metro council established the OCM in October 2014 as a division of the Metropolitan State Trial Courts Department. View the invitation.

The new Columbia law firm of DuBois Bridenbaugh Lindberg will hold a ribbon cutting and open house on Nov. 18. The ribbon cutting will run from 2-2:30 p.m. CST followed by the open house from 2:30-5 p.m. The firm is located at 1020 S. Garden St., Columbia 38401. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. View the invitation. The firm, which can be reached at 931-380-8820 or info@dbltnlaw.com, will be led by shareholders J. Thomas DuBois, Jerry A. Bridenbaugh and Byron Lindberg. They will focus on business, estate planning, intellectual property, personal injury and real estate matters. Lindberg also will head the firm’s mediation clinic.

Tennessee's 114th General Assembly will convene on Jan. 14, 2025, and TBA’s Government Affairs team is committed to affecting positive change on behalf of Tennessee attorneys. The best way for TBA members to connect with these efforts is through our Grassroots Advocacy Initiative, a network of engaged lawyers, interested in and informed about issues relevant to the practice of law in our state. Please complete this form if you are interested in learning more about TBA's grassroots efforts, including opportunities to advocate, like TBA's 2025 Day on the Hill and Big Shrimp Legislative Reception. Both events will be held March 19, 2025 in Nashville, providing an opportunity to meet with legislators and talk to them about issues important to the profession. Increased resources for indigent representation remains a priority for TBA. Look for another article in our Indigent Representation Primer in Friday's TBA Today.

Registration is now open for the next free advice clinic for Black-owned small businesses and nonprofits, set for Nov. 21 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. Prospective clients should register by Nov. 18. Attorneys should email vlpa@abcnashville.org to volunteer.

The Nashville chapter of the American Constitution Society (ACS) will host its annual U.S. Supreme Court Preview on Nov. 18 from noon to 1 p.m. CDT at Bass Berry & Sims. Elizabeth B. Wydra, president of the Constitutional Accountability Center, will be the featured speaker. During her tenure, Wydra has filed more than 200 briefs with the Supreme Court, including those on behalf of constitutional scholars and historians, state and local governments, groups such as the League of Women Voters and AARP, and members of Congress. Get more information or register for the event.

A historical marker honoring Judge Robert E. Lillard, a former Nashville City Council member and civil rights advocate, will be unveiled Nov. 9, at 1062 2nd Ave. South in Nashville. The ceremony will begin at noon. The Metro Historical Commission, Council Member Terry Vo and the Lillard family will join elected officials and community members in celebrating Lillard's legacy. Lillard, who died in 1991, was elected to the city council in 1951 and served as the body's first African American speaker pro tempore in 1967. He later was appointed to Nashville's 1st Circuit Court. The marker is part of the Metro Historical Commission's program to recognize significant figures and events in Nashville's history. The Napier-Looby Bar Association has more information on the event.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) will hold its annual Fall Memorial Service on Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. EST at the Tennessee Supreme Court Courtroom, 505 Main St., 2nd Floor, Knoxville 37902. The KBA notes that the event is intended to celebrate the careers of and honor, applaud and express gratitude for members who have died in the last year. Due to the number of losses this year, some recently deceased members will be honored at a ceremony in the spring. See the list of those to be honored in November and register to attend on the group's website.

A reception on Nov. 14 will benefit the Judge Dinkins Educational Center, a vocational program dedicated to providing career training and mentorship to adolescents who have been involved in the justice system. Named for the late Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge Richard H. Dinkins, the center aims to equip young people with the skills and guidance they need to build a brighter future. The event will take place beginning at 4:30 p.m. CST with a presentation at 4:45 p.m. at the Law Offices of Spencer Fane, 511 Union St., #1000, Nashville 37219. RSVP by Nov. 7 to Tim Forbes, 615-571-9667. View the invitation.

Mark your calendar for TBA's 2025 Day on the Hill and Big Shrimp Legislative Reception, which will be held March 19 in Nashville. The events give Tennessee lawyers an opportunity to meet with legislators and talk to them about issues important to the profession, including funding for indigent representation. Read more about the 2024 events and sign up to connect with TBA's Grassroots Advocacy Initiative and upcoming events.