The overall crime rate in Memphis dropped 10.6% through the first three quarters of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to data the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission released Thursday. The Daily Memphian reports Memphis saw a 2.6% drop in its major violent crime rate and a 20.3% decline in its major property-crime rate from January to September of this year. Robberies, murders and rapes decreased by 22.5%, 11.5% and 8.8%, respectively. The commission, an independent nonprofit, calculates rates based on incidents or victims per 100,000 residents. While countywide figures are not yet available, the commission expects to release them soon, the paper reports.

The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) will conduct its annual “Operation Blackout” on Halloween to monitor sex offenders on probation and parole, Fox Chattanooga reports. Officers across the state will visit the homes of sex offenders whose convictions involve children to ensure they are abiding by any restrictions imposed by their probation or parole. Offenders are prohibited from distributing treats to children and from being present at any home where items are being distributed to trick-or-treaters. There are more than 26,000 registered sex offenders in the state with 5,000 of them under state supervision. TDOC plans to visit the homes of several hundred high-risk sex offenders.

The TBA’s General, Solo & Small Firm Section hosted a networking reception at Fait La Force Brewing in Nashville yesterday. The event brought together attorneys for conversation and camaraderie. A big thanks to section leaders Crystal Cole and Emma Elliott who helped organize the event and to David Anthony with Exo Legal for sponsoring. Want to be more involved in TBA’s General Solo & Small Firm Section? Attorneys interested in joining the section can sign up for exclusive programming, CLE discounts and networking opportunities. See a picture from the event.

The Community Legal Center (CLC) will hold a 30th anniversary celebration on Nov. 8 at the Crosstown Theater, 1350 Concourse Ave., Memphis 38104. The event, which will run from 7-9 p.m. CST, will feature a celebration of the CLC’s work, music from the Stax Alumni band, international food from local restaurants and more. Tickets may be purchased online. Contact Austin Brown, 901-402-0509 with questions.

Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) will hold two intake/interview sessions next week for prospective clients. On Monday, the group will be at the Marion County Justice Center in Jasper from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT. On Tuesday, it will be at the Sequatchie County Chancery (Old) Courthouse in Dunlap from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT. For more information, call the LAET office in Chattanooga at 423-756-4013.

The Knox County Juvenile Court will hold its annual Chili Cook-Off Luncheon & Basket Auction on Nov. 8. All proceeds will benefit the Volunteer Advisory Board and assist with hosting the Annual Foster Care Appreciation Dinner for foster care parents and meeting emergency needs of children in foster care. Learn more about participating in the chili cook-off. Baskets for the auctions also are needed. For more information or for questions contact Morgan Akins, 865-215-6475.

The Nashville Arts & Business Council's Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) will hold a pro bono legal clinic for the creative community on Nov. 6. The clinic for income-qualified artists, musicians and creatives will take place from 6-8 p.m. CST at the Country Music Association, 35 Music Square E, #201, Nashville 37203. Those in need of legal services can register for a 30-minute appointment. The deadline to register is Nov. 1. Lawyers who would like to volunteer for the clinic sign up here.

The Tennessee Supreme Court on Oct. 23 suspended 30 attorneys for failure to pay the annual registration fee; 20 of them also failed to file proof that client funds are held in an IOLTA-compliant account. View the fee suspension order and IOLTA suspension order. See the list of all lawyers suspended and reinstated for fee and IOLTA violations in 2024 or access all administrative suspensions dating back to 2005.

Lang Wiseman in November will join Memphis-based First Horizon from Baker Donelson's Memphis office. Law.com reports that Wiseman will come onboard as deputy general counsel and then transition to general counsel in January, on the retirement of current General Counsel Charles Tuggle. Wiseman served as deputy governor and general counsel to Gov. Bill Lee for three years. He previously was a founding partner of Wiseman Bray, counsel to the U.S. Senate Governmental Affairs Committee and a law clerk for Harry W. Wellford of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. He currently serves as chair of the Governor's Council for Judicial Appointments. Read more in a release from the company.

The law license of Georgia lawyer Robert Andrew Free has been transferred from disability inactive status to inactive status pending resolution of an outstanding disciplinary complaint. Free filed a petition for reinstatement on Sept. 12. Earlier this month, the Board of Professional Responsibility recommended removal of the disability status and transfer to inactive status. He will remain on inactive status until further order of the court.