ABA to host virtual Law Day launch program March 6

The American Bar Association will host the Law Day 2023 Launch Program on Monday, March 6, from 4 to 5 p.m. The program—held virtually with free registration—will provide suggestions and guidance to inspire people to plan and lead their own Law Day celebrations on Monday, May 1, the national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law.

“The ABA is pleased to offer this free program, highlighting many ways you or your organization can celebrate Law Day, with special emphasis on this year’s theme,  Cornerstones of Democracy:  Civics, Civility and Collaboration,” said Sharon Gerstman, national Law Day chair.

ABA President Deborah Enix-Ross will discuss the theme, which she hopes will help the legal community reflect on “rebuilding trust in our institutions, respect for one another and our willingness to collaborate to address the challenges that face our nation.”

In addition to Enix-Ross and Gerstman, speakers include  John Gunn, 2020-2021 president of the Missouri Bar Association and member of the ABA Standing Committee on Public Education. Representatives from the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Kansas in Topeka, Kan., and the Creech Air Force Base in Clark County, Nev., will discuss their 2023 Law Day program plans.

Envisioned in 1957 by then-ABA President Charles S. Rhyne as a national day to recognize the country’s commitment to the rule of law, Law Day was established by President Dwight Eisenhower the following year. Congress issued a joint resolution in 1961 designating May 1 as the official Law Day. Many civic groups and bar associations celebrate with programs, presentations and events.

The ABA provides resources for schools, state and local bar associations, civic organizations and others who are planning programs and activities for public audiences to discuss the theme either live and virtually. The launch program will preview various resources and upcoming programs featured on www.lawday.org.

Resources include:

• An interactive calendar of Law Day events

• Downloadable tools and social media graphics for use during events, including the Law Day logo, Zoom background and email header.  

• How-to guide for participating in national Law Day video and social media conversations

• Law Day products

• Downloadable high school lesson plans and classroom activities

• Script for public service messages

• Requirements and entry form for the Law Day Activity Showcase

• Sample proclamation for use with state or local governments

• Partner resources from the American Lawyers Alliance, Center for Civic Education, Civics 101 Podcast, C-SPAN Television Networks/C-SPAN Classroom, Michigan Supreme Court, Monterey County Office of Education, National Constitution Center, Center for Teaching the Rule of Law, World Justice Project and
more!

The complete schedule of Law Day activities can be viewed online at www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/law-day.

The public can register for the March 6 event at https://bit.ly/3J8UcBi. The program will also be livestreamed on YouTube and recorded for on-demand viewing.
Law Day is sponsored by the ABA Division for Public Education, whose mission is to promote public understanding of law and its role in society.