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.

The Legal Aid Society will hold an expungement clinic this coming Friday in Nashville at the Belmont Ministry Center, 2005 12th Ave. S. 37204. The clinic will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT. To volunteer, contact Kendra Cheek at kcheek@las.org. See all clinics for October.

Witness an all-star lineup of women attorneys discuss resiliency in our profession during times of change, nontraditional legal careers, women supporting other women and much more during the “Raising the Bar” program next week. Produced by the TBA Women in the Profession Committee, the in-person event will kick off with a keynote address from Chancellor Ellen Hobbs Lyle (retired), JAMS: Mediation, Arbitration and ADR Service, on withstanding career adversity, overcoming challenges and growing from those experiences. Programming will run from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. CST at Baker Donelson’s Nashville office and will be immediately followed by a networking reception. Learn more and register for the program.

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp has informed County Attorney Rheubin Taylor that he will not be reappointed, Chattanooga Times Free Press reports. In a news release issued late today, Wamp says he came to the decision based on concerns about private legal work Taylor was conducting during business hours, a breach of attorney-client privilege with the mayor's office, and previous admissions from Taylor that his office had “systematically destroyed thousands of documents related to open records requests." In the release Wamp says, "I respect Mr. Taylor and appreciate his service to Hamilton County, however my transition team recommended we pursue a new direction in the County Attorney's office as we seek to increase transparency and accountability in county government."

The Tennessee Board of Law Examiners filed a petition with the Tennessee Supreme Court on Wednesday to amend Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 6, which governs the admission of attorneys, and Rule 7, which governs the licensing of attorneys. The board said that the proposal reflects changes adopted during the pandemic that “positively impact the licensing and admissions process.” The petition includes a red-line copy of the proposed changes.

Rainey, Kizer, Reviere & Bell has expanded its operations to Martin, Tennessee, and Fulton, Kentucky, with the acquisition of Whitledge & Biehslich. It is the firm’s first foray into Kentucky. With the acquisition, the business and litigation firm now has more than 50 attorneys in seven offices serving clients in Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Arkansas, Indiana and Georgia. Read the full release from the firm.

A reception for new circuit court judges in Memphis will be held next Tuesday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. CDT at the law firm of Bailey & Greer, 6256 Poplar Ave., Memphis 38119. The event will honor judges Carol Chumney, Damita Dandridge and Cedrick Wooten. Light d’oeuvres will be served. View the flyer, RSVP online, or for questions contact lprice@baileygreer.com.

The investiture of 13th District Circuit Court Judge Carol J. Chumney will take place this Sunday at 4 p.m. CDT at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Ave. A reception will follow the ceremony. Entertainment will be provided by the Joyce Cobb Trio. RSVP to 901-844-7141 or sandra.johnson2@shelbycountytn.gov.

The U.S. Department of Labor proposed a rule this week that would make it more difficult for companies to treat workers as independent contractors, a change that is expected to shake up ride-hailing, delivery and other industries that rely on gig workers, Reuters reports. The proposal is the latest effort by the Biden administration to reverse a Trump-era rule on the issue. In a separate article, Reuters looks at how the rule would affect workers and businesses.