National Law Day of Action

Dear Sixth Judicial District members,

Happy Law Day! Please remember to join us at 4:30 today at the Linn County Courthouse to reaffirm your lawyer’s oath!   Copies of the oath will be available. However, we are including the oath below for your convenience.

We plan to proceed regardless of weather.  If light rain, we will remain outside. Anything worse, we will move to inside the courthouse in which case please ARRIVE EARLY  so you can get thru security and we can start on time.  (The court needs us to vacate from inside the courthouse by 5pm.)IOWA LAWYER’S OATH:I swear or affirm that:

As an officer of the Court serving in the administration of justice, I will:

·        Support the Constitutions of the United States and of the State of Iowa

·        Perform to the utmost of my abilities and education

·        Maintain the respect due to the Courts and to my colleagues

·        Faithfully and ethically discharge the duties required of Iowa lawyers

As a zealous advocate and counselor for my clients, I will:

·        Strive to be worthy of trust and respect

·        Counsel clients to maintain only those disputes supported by law and the legal process

·        Use only those means that are consistent with justice

·        Maintain the confidences of my clients as required by law

·        Support the cause of the defenseless or oppressed, pro bono publico

As a member of the legal community, I will:

·        Strive to represent the legal profession as one of justice, honor, civility, and service

********ORIGINAL INFO***********

Since 1958, the U.S. has celebrated Law Day as a national dedication to the principles of government under law.  In 1961, Congress designated May 1 as the official Law Day to celebrate and spread the message of the rule of law and its critical role in society. 

Local bar associations in the Sixth Judicial District have a long history of promoting and celebrating Law Day over the years. This year, the Sixth Judicial District is joining bar associations nationwide in the National Law Day of Action, at which lawyers will reaffirm their Attorney’s Oath and stand united in defense of judicial independence, the rule of law, and the independence of the legal profession.  The oath is the pledge you made upon admission to the bar. The oath is foundational to our profession, representing our commitment to support the Constitution of the United States. It embodies our duty to defend constitutional rights, uphold due process, and oppose any actions that threaten these principles. By retaking the oath, you stand publicly as a guardian of the judiciary’s independence and the rule of law.

Join Iowa Supreme Court Justice Dana Oxley (who will be administering the oath), Sixth Judicial District Judge Christopher Bruns, Iowa State Bar Association President Melvin O. Shaw and Vice-President Stephanie Hinz, and your colleagues from across Eastern Iowa to take part in our local National Law Day of Action event.

Sixth Judicial Event details:

DATE:                  Thursday, May 1

TIME:                  4:30 p.m. (oath to be administered by Justice Oxley around 4:45 p.m.)

LOCATION:     Front steps of Linn County Courthouse, 51 Third Ave. bridge (May’s Island), Cedar Rapids

Per the Iowa Judicial Branch OPR, there are more than 850 active licensed attorneys in the Sixth Judicial District.  If even 10 percent of us united together for this event, that would send a strong message!

However, this event is not limited to attorneys.  Friends, family and community supporters are welcome to attend and show their support for the courts and the rule of law. We hope to see you there!! If you have any questions, please email Stephanie Hinz at shinz@pbalawfirm.com.