Get Involved with Law Day

Trial lawyers across the country celebrate America's juries.

Hot Dogs, Helmets, and Free Legal Advice in Birmingham, MI

For 17 consecutive years, Scott Goodwin and his law partner James Scieszka [pictured right] of the Goodwin & Scieszka firm in Birmingham, Michigan, have hosted dozens of activities to celebrate Law Day in their community. Each Law Day, the firm provides a pro bono legal clinic for the elderly, low-income workers, and others and a barbeque for those families, all while spreading the word about the importance of the justice system to American democracy.

Two years ago, Scott and James added a helmet safety aspect to their Law Day events. This year, the firm will team up with the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA), National Safe Kids Campaign, and the local fire department to fit 500 kids with MTLA Safety Helmets at the Law Day barbeque.

Goodwin & Scieszka also broadcasts live from their Law Day event, buying media time to share the message of Law Day with those who cannot attend.

Montana State Senator Takes Law Day Seriously

State Senator Mike Wheat from Bozeman, MT has been active with Law Day activities for several years. This year he will celebrate by joining MT Governor Brian Schweitzer when he signs into law two pieces of legislation to improve justice in the state, both of which were carried by Sen. Wheat's leadership. The first bill provides for a new district judge position. The second requires transparency to prohibit public hazards from being concealed through court orders or settlement agreements. This sunshine law will be signed at a local high school where government classes have been following the legislation and many dangers of secrecy.

Colorado Trial Lawyers Roadtrip Across State

The staff and a number of members of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association recently returned from a statewide outreach trip where they met with members, potential members, press and legislators, and local Bar Associations to speak about the importance of protecting the Seventh Amendment right to trial by jury.

The team also presented drafts of opinion pieces to newspapers' editorial boards and discussed the history and importance of the jury system in America with Colorado judges, teachers, and community activists at community dinners and lunches. The size of meetings ranged from 12 to 35 participants.

Trial Lawyer David Fallk Goes Back to Kindergarten

David Fallk, a trial attorney from Scranton, PA, has celebrated Law Day every year for the past five years by visiting his children's classes to talk about the justice system.

Pictured left with his son Murray's kindergarten class, David says he brings law-related coloring books and handouts to engage the children and generate enthusiasm for history and law.

"Law Day gives us a great opportunity to counter the anti-lawyer milieu by teaching future generations about the importance of the law and respect for the legal system and profession," said David. "I think it's crucial that every lawyer, parent, and teacher take this opportunity to talk to their kids about justice."

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