Demonstrating to Uphold the Rule of Law in Hundreds of Communities Across the USA.

Lawyers, Bar Associations, legal support staff, court employees, and tens of thousands of US Citizens are fighting to save the Rule of Law across the country, on Law Day

Lawyers, legal support staff, law students and citizens across the United States are rallying tomorrow in hundreds of communities across the country on National Law Day, May 1, to Stand Up for The Rule of Law.

Individual lawyers, law firms, and judges, have found themselves under unprecedented political and external pressure over the past 100 days. It’s why a number of Bar Associations—such as the Bar Association of San Francisco, the Alameda County Bar Association, and the 104-year old Sonoma County Bar Association—have joined with national organizations like the Lawyers for Good Government, and are calling for involvement by individual lawyers, law firms, and their professional organizations to participate in a National Law Day of Action at Federal Courthouses across the country on this year’s Law Day, May 1.

Participating lawyers—on the steps of Federal Courthouses around the nation—will be reaffirming their oaths of office as members of their State’s Bar Association. The organizers of the Law Day of Action, are encouraging Lawyers to reaffirm their commitment to protect and uphold the Rule of Law. That call to action for practising lawyers reads like this:

“Retake the Oath”

“On Law Day, May 1st, we invite you to retake your Attorney’s Oath. We each took this pledge upon admission to the bar. The oath is the cornerstone of our profession, and it represents our promise to support the Constitution of the United States. It encompasses a duty to defend the Constitution, protect constitutional rights, ensure due process, and oppose laws or actions that undermine it. By retaking the oath, you reiterate your role as a guardian of the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.”

Printed below is the full-statement of endorsement of the National Law Day of Action:

Core Principles for Law Day, 2025 Actions

“ These principles are intended to guide all participating organizations and individuals in planning and executing Law Day 2025 Events. They are designed to be a unifying framework, ensuring that our message is clear, consistent, and impactful.”

1. Upholding the Rule of Law: The foundation of our actions is a commitment to the rule of law as the cornerstone of a just and democratic society. This means:
   1. Equality Under the Law: All individuals and institutions, including the government, are accountable under laws that are publicly promulgated , equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
   2. Due Process: Everyone is entitled to fair and impartial legal proceedings, including the right to counsel, the right to be heard, and the right to a decision based on law and evidence.
   3. Protection of Rights: Fundamental rights and freedoms, as enshrined in the Constitution, must be protected for all.
2. Defending Judicial Independence: We believe that an independent judiciary is essential for upholding the rule of law. This means:
   1. Freedom from Interference: Judges must be free to make decisions based solely on the law and the facts, without fear of political pressure, intimidation or retaliation.
   2. Respect for Judicial Decisions: While disagreement with specific rulings is natural, attacks on the integrity and legitimacy of judges and courts undermine the judicial process.
   3. Accountability & Transparency: Judicial independence does not mean lack of accountability. Judges must be held to high ethical standards, and the judicial process should be transparent and accessible.
3. Protecting the Independence of the Legal Profession: We recognize that a fearless and independent legal profession is vital to ensuring access to justice and protecting individual rights. This means:
   1. Zealous Advocacy: Lawyers must be free to zealously represent their clients, within the bounds of the law, without fear of reprisal or undue influence.
   2. Confidentiality: The attorney-client privilege must be protected to ensure open communication and effective legal representation.
4. Non-Partisan and Non-Violent Action: Our actions are non-partisan and focused solely on upholding the principles of the rule of law, judicial independence, and legal independence. This means:
   1. No endorsements of candidates or Parties: We do not endorse or oppose any political candidate or party. Our focus is on principles, not politics.
   2. Commitment to Peaceful and Lawful Conduct: All events and activities must be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law. We reject violence, intimidation, and any form of unlawful disruption. We encourage constructive dialogue and respectful engagement.
5. Promoting Public Understanding: We believe that an informed citizenry is essential for a healthy democracy. This means:
   1. Educating the Public: We strive to educate he public about the importance of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the role of lawyers in protecting individual rights.
   2. Engaging in Civil Discourse: We encourage open and respectful dialogue about these issues, even with those who hold differing views.

If you practice law anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, and support this Statement of Principles, as a way of endorsing the May 1, 2025 Law Day actions on behalf of the Rule of Law, please take action immediately by contacting Law Day of Action organizers Rebecca Kagin (rebecca@burrellkagin.com) ,Jean Hyams (jean@vinickhyams.com) or Valerie Lescroart (valerie@acbanet.org).

Take action today, on Law Day, and everyday to stand up for the Rule of Law in the United States. There has never before been a more urgent time to use your voice, your position, your intelligence and your passion for the Rule of Law to protect the fundamental principles of this Democracy.