Law Day, celebrated each year on May 1, 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.
The theme of the 2024 Law Day celebration, selected by the American Bar Association (ABA), is “Voices of Democracy.” This theme encourages Americans to participate in the 2024 elections by deepening their understanding of the electoral process; discussing issues in honest and civil ways; turning out to vote; and, finally, helping to move the country forward after free and fair elections.
The results of the ABA’s 2024 Survey of Civic Literacy bolster the need for this theme. According to the survey, 74% of U.S. residents say America’s system of democracy is weaker than it was five years ago and that the main cause for the downward spiral is the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
We have compiled ways that Illinois lawyers can recognize these important issues and celebrate Law Day 2024 in person and virtually. We encourage you to learn more about the Law Day theme alongside your Illinois legal community.
Monday, April 29
- Lake County Bar Association Law Day 2024 Lawyers in the Classroom
- April 29 – May 3
- Volunteers will be presenting in classrooms and leading discussions relating to the Law Day theme. Lesson plans and discussion topic information will be available. Volunteer for one hour on one day or multiple days.
Wednesday, May 1
- Springfield 2024 Law Day
- Maldaner’s Upstairs, 222 S. 6th Street, Springfield
- 11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. CDT
- This event will be hosted by the Sangamon County Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), Lincoln-Douglas Inn of Court, Appellate Lawyers Association, Central Illinois Women’s Bar Association, & Government Bar Association and offers 1 hour of general MCLE credit.
- Peoria County Bar Association 2024 Law Day Luncheon
- Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 NE Madison Avenue, Peoria
- 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. CDT
- The keynote speaker for this event will be Elizabeth Gannon, Executive Director of the Peoria County Election Commission, who will speak on ensuring election integrity in Peoria County. The PCBA will also honor its 50-year members.
- Chicago Bar Association Law Day Celebration
- Richard J. Daley Center Outdoor Plaza, 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago
- 12 p.m. CDT
- Swing by the Daley Center Plaza on your lunchtime break and enjoy music from the CBA Symphony Orchestra, the presentation of the Liberty Bell Award, and more.
- ISBA Law Day 2024 Virtual Clinic
- Virtual
- 12 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
- The Public Interest Law Initiative and the ISBA will host this free CLE and training on Illinois Free Legal Answers, followed by a virtual clinic to answer civil legal questions from people in need on Illinois Free Legal Answers.
- American Democracy Listening Tour
- Virtual
- 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. CDT
- Join the ABA Task Force for American Democracy for its third stop on a cross-country listening tour focused on addressing the key issues facing our democracy, such as ensuring trust in elections and improving civic dialog.
Friday, May 3
- Chicago Bar Association Voter Rights and Election Protections
- Virtual
- 12 p.m. CDT
- This seminar, available for 1 hour of MCLE credit, will discuss what challenges and opportunities to expect in the upcoming election. Plus, learn about the Election Protection hotline (866-OUR-VOTE), which handles Illinois and Indiana voter questions, and the volunteer opportunities available in the hotline’s call center and in-person field volunteer program (poll-watcher).
- DuPage County Bar Association 2024 Law Day Luncheon
- Moment on Main, 122 N. Main Street, Wheaton
- 12 – 1:30 p.m. CDT
- The keynote speaker for this event will be Hon. John Kness of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. The DCBA will recognize the 2024 DCBA Liberty Bell Award Recipient, Tammy Cetina, and the 2024 Legal Aid Pro Bono Award Recipients.
Saturday, May 4
- St. Clair County Law Day 5K Run/Walk
- Belleville Parks and Recreation, 123 E. Main Street, Belleville
- 9 – 11 a.m. CDT
For more about Law Day 2024, visit the American Bar Association website.
Know of other events celebrating Law Day 2024? Please share in the comments below.
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