Law Day Committee

The mission of the OCBA Law Day committee is to organize the OCBA activities in celebration of Law Day USA. Law Day is a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Law Day underscores how law and the legal process have contributed to the freedoms that all Americans have.

May 1 is the official Law Day, but the OCBA Law Day Committee typically plans activities in the weeks before and after this date. In 2007, the Law Day theme, as chosen by the American Bar Association, is “Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy.”

The committee meets on an ad-hoc basis beginning in November of the previous year. The committee's duties and activities are concluded by the end of May.

The Committee has a strong track record of organizing several events including:

• “Call-A-Lawyer,” a community service event. This program is produced with KOCE public television. For the past several years KOCE has provided its TV studio and phone bank for the OCBA volunteers. Over the course of one evening, volunteers can field up to 300 calls. Volunteers give legal information (not advice) — often referring callers to social service agencies or providing information on small claims court or attorney referral services.
• Liberty Bell Award — each year the committee solicits nominations to recognize a lay person in the community whose volunteer efforts have strengthened the American system of freedom under law. Any non-lawyer who has rendered outstanding community service that has fostered a better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law is eligible.
• Law Day Luncheon — The luncheon is the centerpiece of the Law Day activities. Law Day volunteers are honored, the Liberty Bell award is presented and the OCBA presents the prestigious Harmon Scoville award to a member of the Orange County legal community whose legal career exemplifies the highest standards of the legal profession and has significantly contributed to the Orange County Bar Association. Members of the bench and bar are also able to meet Orange County Legislators who are invited to attend as guests of the OCBA.
• Outreach to Seniors — The Elder Law Section provides outreach to seniors throughout the year and during Law Day has organized special speaking engagements at local senior centers.
• Outreach to Schools — Past activities have included visits to elementary schools to put on “Mock Trial” plays and to read. High School students have been invited to spend a morning at Superior Court and meeting with Judges, District Attorneys and Public Defenders as part of “Youth in the Law.”

In 2007, the Committee is planning two additional activities for high school students; A “behind the scenes” visit to the Court of Appeal in Santa Ana and visits to government and civics classes to present Legal Survival Skills for Teenagers.

Apply for the Law Day Committee Waiting List