This toolkit is designed to assist lawyer groups across the country in organizing a Law Day event on May 1, 2025, where licensed attorneys voluntarily retake the oath, they swore upon being admitted to the practice of law. The event will be implemented in connection with Law Day celebrations as designed by the American Bar Association (ABA) and its Public Education Division. It will reaffirm lawyers’ commitment to the Rule of Law, the Constitutions, and the ethical obligation as officers of the court to defend and protect the constitution. The event will also serve as an educational opportunity to highlight the role of lawyers in upholding justice, protecting our democracy.
Event Design and Planning
• Emphasize that the event is not a pollical activity or statement but a reaffirmation of lawyers’ ethical obligations to defend the Constitution and uphold the Rule of Law.
• Highlight the historical significance of the Rule of Law and its role in ensuring justice, equality under the law
• Align the event with the ABA’s Law Day theme for 2025 “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many One
Assemble a Planning Committee
• Recruit a diverse group of lawyers, judges, bar association leaders, and educators to help plan and organize the event.
• Assign roles (e.g., logistics, outreach, media relations, program development).
• Set a Date and Venue
• Schedule the event for Law Day, May 1, 2025, or a date close to it.
• Choose a neutral, accessible location (e.g., courthouse, law school, community center, bar association offices) that aligns with the spirit of Law Day.
Program Development
• Create Educational Materials - develop a one-page handout explaining:
-The role of lawyers in the American system of justice
-The significance of the Rule of Law and constitutional democracy
-The ethical obligations of lawyers as officers of the court
-Include historical context about the Rule of Law, its origins, and its importance in the American experience
-Incorporate the ABA’s Law Day theme and resources into the materials.
Outline the Program
• Welcome and Introduction: Brief remarks by a bar association leader or judge explaining the purpose of the event and its connection this Law Day
• Keynote Address: Invite a respected legal figure (e.g., a judge, law professor, or prominent attorney) to speak on the Rule of Law, the Constitution, and the role of lawyers in upholding these principles.
• Retaking the Oath: A judge or senior attorney leads participants in reciting the lawyers’ Oath of Office.
• Panel Discussion or Testimonials: Invite lawyers to share personal reflections on their commitment to justice and the Rule of Law.
• Closing Remarks: Summarize the event’s significance and encourage continued dedication to the profession’s ethical obligations. Stress that lawyers are obligated to act when the Rule of Law is threatened.
Obtain Speakers
• Reach out to judges, law professors, prominent attorneys, ABA and other bar association leaders to participate as speakers or panelists.
• Provide speakers with talking points (if requested) that align with the event’s purpose, the Rule of Law, and the ABA’s Law Day theme.
Logistics and Outreach
• Create an invitation List
-Invite all licensed attorneys in the area, judges, law students, community leaders, and representatives from local schools and civic organizations
-Partner with local bar associations, law schools, legal organizations, and the ABA’s Public Education Division to promote the event.
• Send Invitations
-Use a customizable invitation template that includes the event’s purpose, date, time, location, and RSVP instructions.
-Follow up with emails or phone calls to encourage participation.
• Engage Local Media
-Draft a press release announcing the event and its significance, emphasizing its connection to Law Day and the ABA’s theme for this Law Day.
-Invite local journalists to attend and dover the event
-Prepare letters to the editor and op-eds to raise awareness and highlight the importance of the Rule of Law
• Establish Ground Rules
-Ensure the event remains non-partisan and focused on the Rule of Law and ethical obligations
-Share guidelines for respectful dialogue and participation
• Event Implementation
-Set up the venue with seating, microphone, and a podium
-Provide attendees with a program, educational materials (crafted to provide ways that lawyers and other attendees to find ways to get involved in activities that are designed to defend and protect the Rule of Law and the Constitution)
-Obtain pocket-sized editions of the US Constitution to distribute to participants
US Government Printing Office Stock #052-071-01591-4, ISBN: 9780160950483
$2 each (there are other sources, but this is the least expensive and easily obtained in bulk) Contains the US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence