Law Day 2021 is nearly upon us once again. After an unprecedented 12 months for the legal industry, the event is returning with a new campaign theme as usual.
Many people think of the law as a purely functional tool but often take for granted all of the elements of society that it upholds. However, that’s where Law Day comes into the picture.
Whether you’re a lawyer, attorney general, paralegal, defendant or plaintiff, or just someone using a legal contract, the law affects and protects us all. Law Day 2021 is the ideal time to reflect on that fact.
Read on to find out more about:
- What Law Day is
- How it will be celebrated in 2021
- The themes for Law Day over the past decade
What Is Law Day?
Since 1961 the American BAR Association (ABA) and United States Government have officially dedicated May 1st to celebrate the rule of law itself. The event is marked with special themes and a unique campaign to raise awareness of a key part of the law.
The goal of Law Day is to celebrate the role of the law in everyday life and in society. It also aims to educate the public on how the legal profession and system works as a whole.
How is Law Day celebrated?
Whilst Law Day is an officially recognized day in the US, it is not a national or government holiday. This contrasts with other May 1st celebrations internationally.
Local BAR associations across the nation often mark Law Day with special luncheons featuring guest speakers. Attorneys and other legal professionals may also visit schools and colleges to explain how the legal system works.
The President of the United States will also participate in Law Day with a special proclamation, which will usually emphasize the importance of legality in the nation. They may also issue executive orders to coincide with the occasion.
What is the Theme for National Law Day 2021?
The focus of Law Day 2021 is “Advancing the rule of law now”. The goal of this theme is to emphasize how the public’s participation in the law ensures its stability, whilst continuing to move the system forward.
This will not only focus on how legality is a participatory process internally in the United States but internationally too.
Specifically, the ABA wants to use this year’s celebration to remind the public that, “we the people share the responsibility to promote the rule of law, defend liberty, and pursue justice.”
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ABA has been modifying its plans to ensure the celebrations remain compliant with public health safety. As a result, many of the public talks will be available through streaming platforms.
Previous Law Day Themes
Law Day will usually focus on a milestone change to the legal system or watershed moment in its history. Each year will be marked with its own significant theme.
The previous themes over the past 10 years have included many crucial moments in the nation’s legal history.
| Year | Theme |
| 2020 | Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100 |
| 2019 | Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society |
| 2018 | Separation of Powers: Framework for Freedom |
| 2017 | The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy |
| 2016 | Miranda: More Than Words Explored |
| 2015 | Magna Carta: Symbol of Freedom Under Law |
| 2014 | American Democracy and The Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters |
| 2013 | Realizing The Dream: Equality for All |
| 2012 | No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom |
| 2011 | The Legacy of John Adams from Boston to Guantanamo |
Law Day reminds us that the legal system of the United States does more for our way of life than we often recognize. This is something to reflect on on May 1st every year but also something to remember even if you’re creating your own legal documents for an important task.
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