Each year on May 1st, legal professionals, bar associations, and other legal organizations across the United States celebrate Law Day. Since 1958, we have recognized Law Day as the official day of national dedication to the principals of government under law.
In honor of the national legal holiday, practitioners and professional organizations host a number of events recognizing the impact of the rule of law and offer educational programming and workshops for the public about the legal system.
As lawyers, we are called to be “public citizens”, according to the Preamble of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct. As such, we are called to strengthen legal education and further the public’s understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and our justice system.
Therefore, to facilitate this obligation, our team at the Commission on Professionalism has compiled a running list of upcoming events and activities available to both lawyers and the public in honor of Law Day.
Here’s the line-up of events:
Friday, April 28
2017 Illinois Youth Summit – Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago
Dirksen Federal Building from 8:00am – 2:00pm
The Summit creates awareness and fosters civic action on current policy issues of importance to students and their communities. Students select two public policies for study, conduct polling, develop related service projects, and post position statements using CRFC developed materials. The program culminates with student delegates and policymakers before a Town Hall Meeting on the issues.
Saturday, April 29
Ask-a-Lawyer Day – Illinois State Bar Association
All locations from 9:00am – 12:00pm
This is a free event open to the public. All are welcome to call and speak to attorneys for free general legal advice by calling 312-554-2001.
Law Day Run – St. Clair County Bar Association
Historic Downtown Belleville beginning at 9:00am
The St. Clair County Bar Association is hosting its annual Law Day 5k Run/Walk and 1K Children’s race to support Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, Inc. and other legal aid organizations who provide low income and senior residents of southern and central Illinois with civil litigation services. Registration and more information is available at the official Law Day Run website.
Monday, May 1
Law Day Celebration and Lunch With A Judge – Chicago Bar Association
Richard J. Daley Center from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Attendees will dine with Judge Raul Vega of the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County in his courtroom, providing young lawyers with an unique opportunity to hear from a member of the bench in a more intimate setting. Those interested in attending the lunch must register here.
Tuesday, May 2
Advocating for the Rights of Children: An Overview of Due Process and Equal Protection (CLE and Webinar)
Chicago Bar Association and Online Via Webinar from 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Attendees will hear from various experts discussing how children’s rights are impacted by the 14th Amendment and learn about Chicagoland organizations who work to ensure children and those under the child welfare system receive care and services. This CLE is approved for PR CLE Credit in Illinois. Register to attend via webcast or in-person here.
Wednesday, May 3
Lawyers in the Classroom Law Day Activity – Chicago Bar Association
Eberhart Elementary School from 8:15am – 10:00am
The Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago will provide a lesson plan and CBA / YLS volunteers will lead a discussion with middle school students on a topic relating to the 2017 Law Day theme, “The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.”
“Meet the Judges” Reception and Liberty Bell Award Presentation – Chicago Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association from 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Members of the CBA will meet and greet with judges from the Illinois Appellate Court, Federal Court and Circuit Court of Cook County in honor of Law Day. Judge Mark Lopez of the Domestic Relations Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County will deliver the keynote and present The Liberty Bell Award and an award to the winner of the YLS-sponsored Legal Prep Charter Academy essay contest. CBA members can register here.
Thursday, May 4
Legal Workshops with Legal Prep Charter School Students – Chicago Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association from 5:30pm – 7:30pm
In partnership with the Legal Prep Mentoring Program, the YLS Criminal Law Committee will lead students of Legal Prep Charter School and their mentors in a series of interactive workshops to learn their rights.
Law Day Luncheon – DuPage County Bar Association
Le Jardin at Cantigny Park from 11:15am – 1:00pm
In honor of Law Day, members of the DuPage County Bar Association will come together over lunch and hear from featured Speaker, Judge Diane P. Wood, Chief Judge of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals. Register to attend the Law Day Luncheon here.
Friday, May 5
The Legacy of Brown v Board of Education and the Continued Quest for Equality (CLE and Webinar)
Chicago Bar Association and Online Via Webinar from 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Professor Sasha Coupet, Associate Professor of Law and Director of Research for the Civitas ChildLaw Center of Loyola University College of Law, will speak about the legacy of the seminal case of Brown v. The Board of Education and where we are now in the ongoing quest for equality. Register to attend via webcast or in-person here.
Have a Law Day event we missed? Just let us know and we will add it to our running list. We hope you’ll participate in at least one this year.