Law Day

Law Day

On May 1, Law Day celebrates the rule of law in our society and cultivates a deeper understanding of the legal profession. The 2023 American Bar Association theme is "Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration."

NCSC honors Law Day through our annual Civics Education Essay Contest, which gives 3rd-12th grade students the opportunity to understand and explain the importance and the role of the United States government.

Below are some events that state bar associations are hosting to engage with communities and celebrate the rule of law.

The American Bar Association (ABA)

The ABA is hosting several events including a panel with National Law Day and Library of Congress representatives on April 27 from 2p.m. – 3p.m. CST. Other events are scheduled throughout April and the first week of May.

Alabama

The Alabama State Bar is coordinating classroom presentations from attorneys, either in person or virtually on May.

Arizona Bar Foundation

Arizona hosts a Law Day Contest for K-12 students to submit materials for a chance to win prizes.

California

California LAW Pathways is hosting a virtual discussion with Professor Clark Kelso from McGeorge School of Law on May 1.

The Los Angeles  Superior Court will host  several public presentations with judges on May 1 as part of the launch of its new Judges in the Community program.

Colorado

The Colorado Bar Association is hosting a Law Day Essay Contest for 3rd – 12th graders. Essays must be submitted by May 2.

Connecticut

The Connecticut Bar Association is looking for volunteers for their Law Day celebration and overall Civics Education Committee.

Delaware

The Delaware State Bar Association is hosting a Law Day Luncheon with Judge Glenda A. Hatchett.

Florida

The Jacksonville Bar Association is hosting several Law Day events including a Law Day Gala and a Law Day Luncheon on May 4.

Legal Services of North Florida is holding a Law Day reception dinner.

Illinois

The Illinois State Bar Association is hosting a virtual clinic to train volunteer attorneys on how to answer civil legal questions on May 1.

The Illinois 19th Judicial Circuit Court is also holding illustration contests for grades K-12.

Iowa

The Polk County Bar Association hosts visual arts contests with winners being announced on May 1.

Maine

The Maine State Bar Association invites Maine students in grades 4-8 to submit art posters and 9-12 to submit essays relating to Law Day. Contests close on April 21.

Maryland

The Baltimore County Bar Association is having a luncheon with U.S. Senator Ben Cardin on May 1.

Massachusetts

The Boston Bar Association is hosting a celebration with keynote speaker Governor Maura Healy on June 15.

Michigan

The State Bar of Michigan provides a Law Day resource list for school and community activities.

Mississippi

The Mississippi Bar hosted its annual Law Day Art Contest.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Bar Association is coordinating school visits with attorneys on May 5.

New Jersey

Essex Superior Court is hosting a mock trial, contest, and activities on Law Day.

North Carolina

The North Carolina Bar Association has events planned throughout the week including a Mock Trial competition, writing and drawing contests, and an award ceremony.

Ohio

The Stark County Bar Association is hosting several Law Day activities including a high school tour, Law Day Seminar with local judges, poster and essay competitions and a moot court competition.

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Bar Association has several activities planned for Law Day, including student contests and free legal advice through an Ask a Lawyer hotline.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Bar Association is hosting several student contests and programs and coordinating school visits with judges and lawyers.

South Carolina

The South Carolina Bar is hosting a student essay contest.

Tennessee

The Nashville Bar Association is hosting a celebration luncheon on April 28 with Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Sarah K. Campbell.

Texas

The Dallas Bar Association and State Bar of Texas hosted art, essay and photography contests.

West Virginia

The West Virginia State Bar hosted a series of student contests.

Federal Courts

The U.S. Courts provides educational activities, including the Civil Discourse and Difficult Decisions national initiative, to promote Law Day and this year's  ABA theme.