By Kelly Milliron, JBA Law Day Committee
We often think of the law as something that exists in stoic, stuffy places like in a judge’s chamber or in the courtroom, on the steps of Congress or in the intimidating backseat of a police car.
Although those are typical stages where the law plays out, the law exists in many other places and it affects each of us in ways we often do not consider.
The law is closely woven throughout our lives. Though it may feel like an unyielding, colossal force, it is within our power to uphold it, challenge it and even change it to safeguard how we define justice in our community.
In honor of the conversation about the role and power of the law, the Jacksonville Bar Association is continuing its annual tradition of celebrating Law Day, now in its 60th year of commemoration.
Law Day encourages citizens to honor the American commitment to the rule of law. This year’s theme, “Advancing the Rule of Law Now,” focuses on the role of law and its importance to our society.
In recognition of the impact the law has on all of us, the JBA is presenting a series of events, some virtual and some carefully planned in-person, surrounding the official May 1 commemoration.
On May 5, the Jacksonville Bar Association will host its annual meeting and Law Day Luncheon at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel.
At the meeting, the JBA will announce and honor this year’s recipient of the Liberty Bell Award. It recognizes outstanding service performed by a nonlawyer who has given their time and energy to help foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the law and our legal community.
Further advancing Law Day’s theme of collaborating and thinking about the role of law in everyone’s lives, Jacksonville volunteer attorneys continue their tradition of working with elementary school students by asking students to share their thoughts on what the rule of law means to them and providing them an opportunity to create posters displaying their artistic ideas and perspectives.
Each poster will be exhibited on the JBA website from April 12 through May 7.
Members of the public are invited to view the students’ posters and vote online for their favorite artists. The winners will receive a prize and will be honored at their school.
Finally, in support of recognizing Law Day, the JBA is sponsoring a number of fundraising activities.
Law firms and other legal entities will be collecting art supplies to be donated to local elementary schools.
At 5:30 p.m. April 19, the JBA is sponsoring Rendezvous on the Rooftop at Burrito Gallery in the Brooklyn neighborhood along Riverside Avenue. The evening will include food, festivities and a raffle.
Proceeds will benefit Dreams Come True, a Jacksonville nonprofit that grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.
For more information about these events, as well as safety protocols in place for each, call (904) 399-4486 or visit jaxbar.org.
Kelly Milliron is a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association Law Day Committee.