As spring arrives throughout the world, many countries celebrate May Day (May 1st) with a festival to celebrate the arrival of spring. Throughout history, May Day has marked a date halfway between the spring equinox and the summer solstice, a time when people came together to celebrate with traditions including maypole dancing, gathering wildflowers, bonfires, and crowning a May Queen.
In addition to the celebrations of spring, May Day is also celebrated by workers across the globe as International Workers Day. Although the official celebration for Labor Day in the United States is in September, many will march the streets of Seattle in support of workers and immigrants in our community.
Another not so well-known fact, unless you’re in the legal community, is that May Day is also Law Day. In 1958, President Eisenhower declared May 1 to be “Law Day” to honor the role of law in the creation of the United States. In 1961, Congress followed suit by passing a joint resolution formally establishing May 1 as Law Day. Each year, the ABA announces a theme to celebrate this day, and this year’s theme is “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.”
For the past two years, KCBA has been hosting Law Day events. We started with a video in which four judges discussed the importance of the 2023 Law Day Theme: “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration.” Watch the video at kcba.org/LawDayVideo.
KCBA is once again partnering with several local courthouses to help them host Law Day programs. Each program is a wonderful occasion to provide local middle and high school students with an opportunity to understand how law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. Each event will provide students with the opportunity to engage in civics, learn about the legal profession and participate in live mock trials in real courtrooms. These events are wonderful opportunities for members to volunteer and share their expertise and guidance, and to create an enriching experience for the youth of today, some of whom will join the legal profession and community in the future.
Although the Law Day event at Maleng Regional Justice Center took place on March 21, there is still time to volunteer for one (or all) of the upcoming Law Day events at Redmond District Court on May 9, SeaTac Municipal Court on May 12 and Seattle Municipal Court on May 23. If you’re interested in becoming involved in our Law Day events, visit the KCBA website at kcba.org/lawday.
This year the principles of judicial independence and the independence of the legal profession — cornerstones of American democracy — are facing unprecedented challenges across the country. Attacks on judges for unpopular rulings, political pressure on legal professionals, and a growing distrust of the legal system threaten the very foundation of fairness and equal justice.
By the time you read this article, KCBA will have joined with numerous other bar associations, law schools, and legal groups across the USA to stand up for the rule of law and an independent judiciary. As of this writing, we have over 130 attorneys registered to gather at King County Superior Court on May 1 to take their attorney oath again to promise to support the Constitution of the State of Washington and the Constitution of the United States and to maintain the respect due to the courts of justice and judicial officers.
May Day holds many meanings, each reflecting the values and history of different communities. Whether it’s the joyful celebration of spring, the passionate advocacy of workers’ rights, or the solemn recognition of the rule of law, May 1st serves as a reminder of the diverse ways we honor tradition, justice, and civic responsibility. As KCBA continues to support Law Day through community engagement and education, we are reminded that the legal profession plays a vital role in safeguarding democracy and inspiring the next generation. This May Day let us celebrate all the ways this day brings people together in reflection, action, and hope for a more just society.
