In the October episode of BarBuzz, TBA celebrates Pro Bono Month in Tennessee by highlighting the attorneys and organizations keeping the spirit of service alive year-round. The episode features Cristina Arce de Bagaglio, director of the Pro Se Parents' Clinic at the Community Legal Center; Michele Johnson, executive director of the Tennessee Justice Center; and Nicole Grida, chief executive officer of Memphis Area Legal Services. They share stories from the front lines of providing access to justice, and offer practical ways lawyers across the state can make a difference through pro bono work. Missed a past episode? Check them all out in the BarBuzz archive.

As Tennessee marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Legal Aid Society (LAS) Executive Director DarKenya W. Waller highlights how access to legal services can help victims safely leave abusive relationships and rebuild their lives. In the Cheatham County Exchange, Waller writes that survivors often face financial control, legal intimidation and poverty that trap them in dangerous situations, with many attempting to leave an average of seven times before succeeding. Legal Aid attorneys partner with agencies across the state that specialize in different issues related to domestic violence and provide wraparound support, from securing protective orders to addressing financial and housing barriers. Waller emphasizes that leaving an abuser is often the most perilous time for victims, making legal guidance and careful planning essential for long-term safety and independence. Those experiencing domestic violence, or those who know someone who is, can contact the Legal Aid Society at 800-238-1443 or visit the LAS website for assistance.

The Nashville office of Bass, Berry & Sims is partnering with the Legal Aid Society of Middle Tennessee and the Cumberlands (LAS) on a project to expand legal access and promote community investment in South Nashville. The initiative, focused on the Napier-Sudekum area and the 37210 ZIP code — which includes the Glencliff and Woodbine neighborhoods — was launched through a financial gift from the law firm’s leadership cabinet to LAS. Support will be offered through clinics scheduled for the first Thursday of every month. The first clinic will be held Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon CST at the Nashville Public Library’s Pruitt Branch, 117 Charles E Davis Blvd, Nashville 37210. Read more in a press release from the firm.

The TBA Young Lawyers Division and Belmont Law are looking for attorney volunteers for their wills clinic at the Belmont Ministry Center on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m 12:30 pm. CDT. Attorneys will assist with the drafting of simple wills, durable POA and healthcare POA using the Gavel platform. Please email ginny.blake@belmont.edu if you are interested or would like more information.

While Tennessee recognizes Celebrate Pro Bono Month throughout the month of October, the American Bar Association (ABA) promotes one week of the month as a National Celebration of Pro Bono. This year’s event will take place Oct. 19-25 with the theme of "Supporting Communities." Also held during the week is ABA Giving Day, set for Oct. 23 this year. Organized by the ABA's Fund for Justice and Education, this effort raises support for programs that help others through public service, policy initiatives and education programs. Read more in a press release about the upcoming celebration.

Dozens came to the New Covenant Christian Church on Oct. 11 for a legal clinic hosted by the Music City Community Court, a specialty court created by General Sessions Judge Rachel Bell in 2014. The court focuses on preventive, diversionary and restorative justice, according to The Tennessean. Volunteers from Vanderbilt University Law School and the Nashville School of Law helped people fill out forms to address outstanding court costs or have eligible criminal convictions expunged. A total of 91 people applied, resulting in 59 expungements and $145,544.80 in court cost and fines waived for those declared indigent. Additionally, a resource fair was held with employers and representatives from groups like the Metro Action Commission, Nashville Public Defender’s Office and the NAACP providing information to those impacted by the justice system.

The Memphis Bar Association (MBA) will host an in-person continuing legal education program tomorrow from 2 to 4 p.m. CDT at the MBA office in the BankTennessee Building, 145 Court Ave., STE 301, Memphis 38103. The event, which will focus on how to handle pro bono cases, is free for lawyers who agree to take on a pro bono case for Memphis Area Legal Services, West Tennessee Legal Services or the Community Legal Center. For more information and to register visit the MBA website.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) is marking Pro Bono Month and its 60th anniversary with free legal clinics and community events throughout October. The organization, which serves 26 counties across East Tennessee, is partnering with local agencies to offer free legal advice and assistance in areas such as expungement, family law and name changes. Upcoming events include a virtual name change clinic on Oct. 16, a family law advice clinic on Oct. 28 at the Carol B. Bertz Family Justice Center in Hamilton County and ongoing expungement assistance through Oct. 31. Additional clinics will take place in Johnson City, Kingsport and Knoxville, including a debt relief clinic on Nov. 15. Pre-registration is required for select events by calling 423-402-4766. In addition to these clinics, LAET is celebrating its 60th Anniversary with two Pro Bono Night events: the first in Chattanooga on Oct. 23 at the Chattanooga Whiskey Event Hall and then in Knoxville on Nov. 13 at The Standard Knoxville. Both evenings will honor volunteer attorneys, celebrate six decades of service and raise support to ensure justice for vulnerable East Tennesseans. Sponsorships and tickets are still available. Don’t miss this chance to be part of LAET history. Get more information on these upcoming events on the LAET website or in a press release from the organization.

In October, Tennessee lawyers are joining colleagues across the country to increase meaningful access to justice and commitment to pro bono work. Now in its 17th year, Tennessee’s statewide Celebrate Pro Bono Month initiative brings together legal services providers with bar associations, law schools, law firms and individual volunteers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer. The month of October is an opportunity to focus attention on the significant need for pro bono services as well as a time to celebrate the outstanding work of those in the legal community who volunteer their services throughout the year. Events, including in-person and virtual opportunities to volunteer, will be promoted in TBA Today throughout the month. The American Bar Association's National Pro Bono Celebration will be held the week of Oct. 19, recognizing lawyers' roles in supporting communities through pro bono work. If you have information about an upcoming pro bono event, please share it with TBA at tbatoday@tnbar.org.

TBA's BarBuzz podcast is back with a new episode featuring legal aid leaders Laura Brown, Debra House and Nick Gau as they share insight on access to justice, disaster relief efforts, and the impact of pro bono services on communities as a wrap up to October's Celebrate Pro Bono Month. The episode also explores opportunities for lawyers to get involved in pro bono work and disaster relief efforts, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. BarBuzz is a monthly show that recaps legal happenings from across Tennessee, upcoming events at the bar, attorney shout outs and more. It is available on the TBA’s website or wherever you listen to podcasts. Find past episodes at the BarBuzz archive.