Ways Our Bar Associations Give Back : LAW DAY 2023
By Katie Winbauer
Our local bar associations provide networking opportunities and continuing education credits , but another important aspect is giving back to our communities . The Big Muddy Bar Association , comprised of judges and lawyers in the Bismarck-Mandan area , provides law-related education to students across the community each year in recognition of Law Day .
Law Day is an annual celebration on May 1 across the country . The American Bar Association ( ABA ) describes Law Day as “ an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty , strive to achieve justice , and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share .” Each year , the ABA chooses a theme to spotlight a particular aspect of the legal process . This year , the theme was “ Cornerstones of Democracy : Civics , Civility , and Collaboration .”
Law Day ’ s origin traces back to 1957 , when the ABA president envisioned a day to celebrate the legal system . Congress officially commemorated May 1 as Law Day in 1961 . Thousands of groups celebrate Law Day every single year nationwide .
Every year , the Big Muddy Bar Association organizes Law Day activities for local fifth and eighth graders . Association members volunteer to go into classrooms and teach students about the legal profession while facilitating activities for the students to take part in .
Law Day 2023 activities at Mandan Middle School included a mock trial .
On May 1 and 2 , 2023 , around 30 attorneys and judges volunteered to work with approximately 1,000 eighth grade students in Bismarck-Mandan . The students participated in a mock trial concerning a car accident involving an allegation of texting and driving . Students played roles of the judge , clerk of court , plaintiff , plaintiff ’ s attorney , defendant , and defendant ’ s attorney . The rest of the students made up the jury . At the end of the mock trial , the student jury deliberated and reached their own verdict with guidance from the volunteers .
At the end of the mock trial activity , the volunteers provided insight into how jury service and trials work . The volunteers also spoke about their respective roles within the legal profession and answered students ’ questions . The questions ranged from “ How much money do you make ?” to “ What ’ s the most interesting case you ’ ve ever worked on ?” Nevertheless , it was a good opportunity for students to explore their curiosity about what they see on TV or hear about on the news or from their parents .
Law Day has several benefits to the students . It provides education about civic responsibility , the courts , the law , and the legal system . It engages students in hands-on learning that broadens their understanding . And it opens doors for students to meet local legal professionals and gain insight into potential careers .
It is crucial students are taught how the law works and how they may be involved . Whether the students one day encounter the legal system as a party to an action , a jury member , a witness , or a lawyer , Law Day provides them with basic experience in the legal process . Thank you to all the students , teachers , lawyers , and judges who participated this year !
Volunteers from the law profession spoke to students at St . Mary ' s Elementary School as part of Law Day 2023 .
Katie Winbauer is an associate attorney at Bormann , Myerchin , Espeseth & Edison , LLP . She is the Big Muddy Bar Association member-at-large and Law Day 2023 coordinator .
20 THE GAVEL