Lansing, MI - The State Bar of Michigan and the Michigan Lawyers' Auxiliary announce the 28th annual Law Day Essay Contest for 2000. Students in grades six through eight will have the opportunity to write an essay of 400 words or less on the theme "Speak up for Democracy and Diversity."

Law Day essay contest information is available on the State Bar's web site located at www.michbar.org. You can access the information on Law Day 2000 by clicking on the Meetings and Events button on the left side of the web page. The web site also includes information on last year's essay contest winners and easy projects to undertake for Law Day.

The deadline for the state contest is March 3, 2000. Local bar associations and local auxiliaries have also been encouraged to sponsor a local essay contest. Writing on the same theme, the winners of these local contests will automatically be forwarded to the state contest for final judging.

The State Bar will celebrate Law Day on Monday, May 1, 2000. Winners of the state essay contest will be honored at a luncheon on May 1 at the Lansing Center. Winners will have an opportunity to read their essays at the luncheon.

For further information, please contact Susan Oudsema at 800-968-1442 ext. 6423 or soudsema@michbar.org.