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.