Lawyers across the country will celebrate Law Day 2023 on May 1 with celebrations and informative events beginning this week and continuing through next week.
Law Day was first recognized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 to mark the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Since then, every president has issued an honorary Law Day proclamation.
This Law Day 2023 theme, designated by the American Bar Association, is “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration.” The theme invites legal professionals to discuss how we can rebuild trust in our institutions, respect one another, and collaborate to address the divisiveness and challenges that face our nation.
We’ve compiled a list of ways organizations will recognize Law Day 2023. We encourage you to participate with your local Illinois legal community or virtually with lawyers across the U.S.
Thursday, April 27
- 2023 ABA Survey of Civic Literacy
- Virtual
- 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
- Learn more about the results of this annual report assessing public knowledge of the laws and principles that are the bedrock of American democracy, as well as public opinion of law-related current events and civility in politics.
- ABA Civility and Collaboration: U.S. and International Perspectives
- Virtual
- 2 – 3:30 p.m. CDT
- This panel discussion honors a longtime partnership between the American Bar Association and the Law Library of Congress. Speakers include:
- Sharon Stern Gerstman, National Law Day Chair (Welcome remarks)
- Nicholas Allard, Jacksonville University College of Law (moderator)
- Deborah Enix-Ross, President, American Bar Association
- Kayahan Cantekin, Law Library of Congress
- Ruth Levush, Law Library of Congress
- Aslihan Bulut (Closing remarks)
Friday, April 28
- DuPage County Bar Association 2023 Law Day Luncheon
- Moment on Main, 122 N Main Street, Wheaton
- 12 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
- Illinois Supreme Court Justice Mary K. O’Brien will be the keynote speaker at this event.
- ABA Virtual Tour of National Constitution Center: Learning More About the U.S. Supreme Court
- Virtual
- 12 p.m. CDT
- Learn more about The Story of We the People exhibit and Article III of the Constitution—which establishes the judicial branch of government, the branch responsible for interpreting the laws—by exploring the National Constitution Center’s exhibits and hearing stories about key court cases and how they affect our lives today.
Saturday, April 29
- The St. Clair County Bar Association 18th Annual Law Day Run
- 113 E. Main St., Belleville
- 9 a.m. CDT
- Proceeds from the Law Day Run benefit the Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation and other legal aid organizations that provide civil legal services to senior and low-income residents of southern and central Illinois.
Monday, May 1
- ISBA Law Day 2023 Virtual Clinic
- Virtual
- 12 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
- To celebrate Law Day, the Illinois State Bar Association is partnering with PILI to hold a virtual clinic to answer civil legal questions from people in need across Illinois through Illinois Free Legal Answers.
- Sangamon County Bar Association Law Day 2023 Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration
- Maldaner’s Upstairs, 222 S. 6th Street, Springfield
- 12 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
- This panel discussion will include:
- Peter L. Rotskoff, Deputy Administrator, Litigation, ARDC (moderator)
- Karen McNaught, Magistrate of the Central District of Illinois
- Lisa Holder White, Illinois Supreme Court Justice
- Mark C. Palmer, Chief Counsel of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
- Registration costs $20 per ticket.
- ABA Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration Law Day Discussion
- Virtual
- 3 – 4 p.m. CDT
- Clark Kelso, Professor of Law at McGeorge School of Law, will lead a discussion on how to rebuild trust in our institutions, develop respect for one another, and work collaboratively to address the challenges that face our nation and why this is imperative for the future of our communities and our country.
Tuesday, May 2
- Chicago Bar Association YLS Diversity Week Closing Reception
- The Chicago Bar Association, 321 S. Plymouth Ct. Chicago
- 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. CDT
- Join the CBA Young Lawyers Section for a reception to celebrate a successful YLS Diversity Week. Enjoy camaraderie and appetizers/drinks. All members are welcome.
Wednesday, May 3
- McLean County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon
- DoubleTree by Hilton, 10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington
- 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. CDT
- This program will include an address from the 4th District Appellate Court Justice Eugene Doherty, Lincoln Award Recipient 2023, Community Service Awards, and much more. Tickets are $40 per person and registration closes on April 28.
- Peoria County Bar Association 2023 Law Day Luncheon
- Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 NE Madison Ave., Peoria
- 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. CDT
- This event will feature two local lawmakers as keynote speakers and will honor 50-year-members Philip L. Jaeger, Robert C. Hall, Steven H. Vogel, Roger E. Holzgrafe, and Gerard J. Rickert, Jr., and the winners of the Law Day Essay Contest. Registration is closed for this event.
- Chicago Bar Association Law Day Celebration
- Richard J. Daley Center Outdoor Plaza, Chicago
- 12 p.m. CDT
- Swing by the Daley Center Plaza on your lunchtime break and enjoy music from the Barristers Big Band, remarks from Judge Hon. Margaret Stanton McBride, and the presentation of the Liberty Bell Award.
Thursday, May 4
- Chicago Bar Association — Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration
- Virtual
- 12 p.m. CDT
- Join the CBA for a seminar led by Professor Steven D. Schwinn, Constitutional Law Professor at UIC Law, to explore the different ways that the Constitution impacts our democracy.
Friday, May 5
- McHenry County Bar Association 2023 Law Day Luncheon
- Bull Valley Country Club, 1311 Club Road, Woodstock
- 12 – 1 p.m. CDT
- Illinois Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth M. Rochford will be the keynote speaker at this event.
- ABA National Constitution Center Law Day Scholar Exchange
- Virtual
- 12 – 1 p.m. CDT
- This live online class is part lecture and part lively conversation with National Constitution Center scholars.
Planning an event? The ABA provides a guide with tools to help develop, publicize, and implement a successful celebration.
Know of other events celebrating Law Day 2023? Please share in the comments below.
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