Law Day

Law Day U.S.A. was established in 1958, by presidential proclamation and reaffirmed by joint resolution in Congress in 1961. Law Day is annually celebrated on May 1 of every year as a "special day of celebration by the American people in appreciation of their liberties and to provide an occasion for re-dedication of the ideals of equity and justice under the laws."

Law Day Theme

Each year the Law Day theme is chosen to highlight current issues of law and justice. The theme for Law Day 2013 is "Realizing the Dream: Equality for All." Previous Law Day Themes Were: “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom (2012); “The Legacy of John Adams from Boston to Guantanamo (2011); and “Law in the 21^st Century: Enduring Traditions, Emerging Challenges (2010). For more information, please visit the American Bar Association.

Law Day Annual Luncheon

The DuPage County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon is held each year during the 1^st week of May. At the luncheon the legal community celebrates together Law Day. The Liberty Bell award and Legal Assistance’s Pro Bono awards are presented at this luncheon and ends with a keynote speaker.

Law Day Luncheon for 2013 is scheduled for May 1^st at the Le Jardin at Cantigny Park from 11:30am-1pm. We are very pleased to welcome this year's keynote speaker Justice Ann Jorgensen. Mark your calendars now and join in the celebration! Please click here to register.

Liberty Bell Award

The DCBA Law Day Committee annually solicits nominations for the annual Liberty Bell Award which is awarded at the Law Day Luncheon. The recipient is a non-attorney who has devoted substantial time and effort toward attaining and maintaining justice in these areas:

1)       Promoting a better understanding of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights;
2)       Encouraging greater respect for law and the courts;
3)       Stimulating a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties
          as well as their rights;
4)       Contributing to the effective functioning of our institutions of government; and
5)       Fostering better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law.

Nominations must be received by March 31, 2013 and should be forwarded to: Marija Malacina, DuPage County Bar Association, 126 S. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187 or mmalacina@dcba.org.

Mock Trial Presentations

The DuPage County Bar Association will host Mock Trial Presentations for DuPage County students in Grades 6-12 at the DuPage County Judicial Center (usually the 1^st Friday in May). If your school is interested in participating in this annual Law Day, please click here for the registration form and register by March 1st. For more information about any Law Day activity, contact the DCBA by email: bar@dcba.org with subject “Mock Trial Presentations”. If you are an attorney that is interested in volunteering to act as a judge, please contact Marija Malacina at mmalacina@dcba.org or call the Bar Center at 630-653-7779.

Lawyer Outreach Program

Lawyer Outreach program is offered to DuPage County Schools during the month of April. Volunteer attorneys come to the classroom (usually on a Friday afternoon) to talk with students about Mock Trial Presentation, Law Careers in law and Law in general. If you would like more information about this program, contact the DCBA by email: bar@dcba.org. If you are a lawyer interested in speaking at one of the DuPage County Schools, please contact Marija Malacina at mmalacina@dcba.org or call the Bar Center at 630-653-7779.

Ask a Lawyer

The DuPage County Bar Association participates in Illinois’ annual Ask a Lawyer on Saturday, April 27th from 9 AM to 2:00 PM. Call us at 630-653-7779 on that day.

American Bar Association Law Day Home Page and Illinois State Bar Association Law Related Resources Home Page for more information.