Local Attorneys Reaffirm Their Oath in Powerful Law Day Event

On May 1, more than 75 local attorneys gathered at the Linn County Courthouse to participate in the National Law Day of Action "Lawyer's Oath reaffirmation" held in conjunction with Law Day. During the event, the attorneys publicly reaffirmed the oath they first took upon joining the legal profession. The Iowa Lawyer’s Oath includes promises to “support the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Iowa,” “maintain the respect due to the courts,” and “faithfully and ethically discharge the duties required of Iowa lawyers.” It also affirms a broader civic mission: to support “the cause of the defenseless or oppressed” and to represent the profession as one of justice, honor, civility, and service.

Law Day, established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958, is celebrated every May 1 to reflect on the importance of the rule of law in a free society. Sponsored by the Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA), the oath reaffirmation event was one of many ceremonies (including one in Des Moines) held nationwide.

The Cedar Rapids oath reaffirmation, organized by LCBA member and current ISBA Vice-President Stephanie Hinz, was attended by many community members in addition to participating lawyers. Iowa Supreme Court Justice Dana Oxley administered the oath, and ISBA President Melvin O. Shaw and Hinz presented remarks. The Cedar Rapids Gazette also reported on the event: https://www.thegazette.com/crime-courts/lawyers-community-members-celebrate-law-day-by-supporting-independent-judiciary-in-cedar-rapids/

Below is a photo from the event. We would like to to add a photo caption identifying the attendees. If you attended, please click this link to help us add your name to the caption. (Scroll down in this post for a copy of the photo that has numbered rows to help you communicate to us where you and your friends and colleagues are in the photo.)

Here is a version of the group photo with the rows numbered so that attendees can let us know where they are in the photo!