Nashville will honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events surrounding Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 19, celebrating King's impact on civil rights, justice and equality. Organized in part by the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship, activities running Jan. 11-19 include worship services, panel discussions, youth programming, a march along historic Jefferson Street, the annual MLK Convocation at Tennessee State University, and the black-tie MLK Gala. Vanderbilt University also will host special programming, including a lecture by author and civil engineer Cheryl McKissack Daniel and a roundtable discussion on King’s writings and legacy. A schedule of events and additional details are available online.

Knoxville is marking the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with events running throughout the month, including art exhibits, educational programs, an interfaith prayer service, youth programming and the MLK Basketball Classic. Organized by the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission, the 2026 celebration carries the theme “One Community, One Purpose, One Dream: A Call to Action” and is intended to promote civic engagement, equity and community building. Events began Jan. 2 with a Gallery of Arts Tribute at The Emporium Center, where the exhibit honoring King’s legacy will remain on display through Jan. 31. Programs will conclude with a memorial tribute service on Jan. 19. Knox News has a full schedule of events taking place throughout the month.

The annual State of the Environment Law Conference will be held at noon CST on Jan. 21 at Vanderbilt University Law School and is free and open to the public. The program will begin with lunch and a panel examining the state of the environment in Tennessee, followed by four additional panel discussions on a range of environmental issues. The conference will conclude with a cocktail hour, providing attendees an opportunity to network with panelists and other participants. The event will allow ample time for audience questions and discussion, continuing a tradition of engaging and informative programming. See a detailed agenda.

The Association for Women Attorneys (AWA) will hold its 44th annual banquet on Jan. 29. The event will take place at The Cadre, 149 Monroe Avenue, Memphis 38103. A cocktail hour will begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 7 p.m. CST. This year’s event will honor Lauran Stimac, chair of Evans Petree’s litigation practice group. Read more about the banquet and purchase tickets online. To pay by check, email Faith Watson. Each ticket includes salad, dinner (chicken, fish or a vegetarian option), two sides and a dessert.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue will host a free webinar for new businesses Jan. 7 at 8:30 a.m. CST. During the session, participants will learn about state tax obligations for new businesses in the state and about other resources that may help new businesses. The webinar is part of a series the department offers to the public each quarter. Each webinar covers topics such as tax registration, sales and use tax, business tax, franchise and excise taxes, and how to get help from the Department of Revenue and other state agencies. Registration is available on the department’s website.

The Tennessee Alliance for Black Lawyers (TABL) and the Tennessee Bar Association Young Lawyers Division's (YLD) Diversity Committee will hold a networking mixer on Jan. 8 at Spencer Fane, 511 Union St., Ste. 1000, Nashville 37219. The free event will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. CST and parking will be validated. Special thanks to Spencer Fane for sponsoring this event. All are welcome but an RSVP is required. See a flyer for more information.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue will host a free webinar on books, records and statute of limitations on Dec. 30 at 9 a.m. CST. During the session, department staff will discuss essential record-keeping practices and statute of limitations guidelines for state tax compliance. The webinar is part of a free series the department offers to the public. Registration is available on the department’s website.

A retirement reception for Tennessee Court of Appeals Judge D. Michael Swiney will be held Jan. 8, 2026, at 3 p.m. EST at the Tennessee Supreme Court Building in Knoxville. The building is located at 505 Main St., STE 200, Knoxville 37902. The event will take place on the second floor. RSVP to Tammy Capps at tammy.capps@tncourt.gov by Jan. 5 to attend. Swiney plans to retire on Jan. 12.

Davidson County residents wanted on state warrants for nonviolent offenses will have an opportunity to address those cases during Nashville Safe Surrender 2025, scheduled for Friday and Saturday at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church, 2021 Herman St., Nashville 37208. The event will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CST on Dec. 12, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 13, offering participants the chance to surrender, consult with an attorney and appear before a judge at the same location, with the possibility of returning home the same day. According to News Channel 5, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake said the program allows individuals to take responsibility for outstanding warrants ahead of the holidays and reduce the stress those warrants place on families.

The Knoxville Bar Association (KBA) will hold its Annual Meeting and Elections on Dec. 12 at 8:30 a.m. EST. At the annual event, KBA President Jonathan Cooper will pass the gavel to incoming President Rachel Hurt. Members also will vote to elect Ursula Bailey as president-elect, Cathy Shuck as treasurer, M. Samantha Parris as secretary and four members of the KBA Board of Governors. The event will take place in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building, 400 Main St., Knoxville 37902.