I have been looking forward to April 2011 since beginning my Presidency of the EBA. I absolutely love a good party, and many of your EBA members have been planning a spectacular Law Day Dinner not only for months, but for years, to celebrate our 100th Anniversary. April is the month when we celebrate our profession, and share information about the practice of law with others. In a nutshell, April is Law Month!
 |
Krista B. Lockyear 812-422-9444 |
 |
The ABA’s theme for 2011 Law Day is “The Legacy of John Adams: From Boston to Guantanamo” and invites us to reflect on the life of John Adams and the role of lawyers in defending the rights of the accused. John Adams coined the phrase “a government of laws, not of men.” This phrase was then quoted in Marbury v. Madison, establishing judicial review. The lives of lawyers, dedicated to interpreting, applying and defending the laws of our State and our Nation, are hugely impacted by this legacy.
To assist with our reflection and to help us highlight the role of lawyers in our society, past and present, your bar association has a month packed with activities. Please consider at which of these great events (and hopefully ALL!!) you can join us to celebrate:
Annual Awards Luncheon: On April 13, we will present the Doran Perdue Service Award, Outstanding Paralegal Award, Florence Britzius Legal Secretary Award, President’s Award and the VLP Susan K. Helfrich Excellence in Pro Bono Service Award. This is always a rewarding and enjoyable lunch to celebrate some outstanding individuals.
Student Mock Trials: On April 28, the students from our local high schools will put into action their oratory and legal skills in the courtroom. Many thanks to all who have volunteered to mentor these students and good luck to everyone! This is a great opportunity to watch and be impressed by our future peers.
Student Lunch: After the mock trials, the participating students will gather at The Centre for a luncheon and to meet with representative lawyers for questions, discussion of the practice and mentoring. Also, this year, students from the Reitz High School “Feel the History” class will give attendees a sneak peak at the history videos that they have prepared for the EBA history project.
Publication of Legal Editorials: During the week of April 24, the Evansville Courier and Press will publish two editorials prepared by the EBA’s Editorial Board - designed to promote this year’s law day theme. These articles are thoughtful and insightful, so watch for them and share them with others.
April 29 Law Day Dinner: Back to the party! You should have received an invitation to this year’s Law Day Dinner and it is going to be amazing. We will begin with a reenactment of the Law Day Parade of Lawyers. The evening in the Old Courthouse will include food and cocktails, a presentation of our history project, a dedication of the restored Courtroom, auctions to benefit LAS and VLP, awards, the Boat Monkeys and, most importantly, camaraderie and a celebration of our profession. Our Chief Justice Randall Shepard will be in attendance and I am looking forward to a record turnout of our members for an evening that won’t be forgotten.
Now, let’s make April a celebration of the law.
This article was originally published in the April 2011 issue of the Evansville Bar Association’s monthly newsletter The Summation. Krista B. Lockyear is president of the EBA and a partner at Rudolph, Fine, Porter & Johnson, LLP.
Copyright©2006 Rudolph, Fine, Porter & Johnson, LLP. All rights are reserved • 221 N.W. Fifth Street, Evansville, IN 47708
Phone: 812.422.9444 • Fax: 812.421.7459
Site by AXIOM
