In recognition of the importance of Rule of Law, Michigan attorneys and the public are invited to attend multiple Law Day events throughout the state.
Established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Law Day is celebrated annually on May 1. The origins of Law Day can be traced back to former American Bar Association President Charles S. Rhyne, who envisioned a special day designated to celebrating our legal system. Since then, Law Day has expanded beyond the U.S. and is now celebrated in countries around the world.
State Bar of Michigan President Lisa J. Hamameh noted that this year’s celebrations carry even more significance because it is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
“From our nation’s infancy, our country has embraced the Rule of Law. Then and now, our freedoms and our democracy require the Rule of Law’s fundamental principles of equality, fairness and justice,” Hamameh said. “Law Day is a perfect way to celebrate our judicial system, remember our Lawyer’s Oath, and recognize our own individual and collective responsibility to stand for the Rule of Law.”
In recognition of Law Day, the State Bar of Michigan also will be posting a series of videos about the importance of the Rule of Law and other celebratory posts on our social media. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for more. Resources including a description of Law Day, public education ideas, and lesson plans by grade are available on the State Bar of Michigan’s Civic & Law Related Education page.
LAW DAY EVENTS IN MICHIGAN
If you have a Law Day event to add to this list, please email cclark@michbar.org.
Ann Arbor: Annual Meeting and Bench-Bar Conference
Hear a keynote by Hon. Daniel Korobkin, get an update on the state of the Washtenaw County Courts, witness the presentation of the 14th annual Darrow-Harris Award, and enjoy a buffet lunch beginning at noon on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Travis Pointe Country Club, 2829 Travis Pointe, Ann Arbor. Learn more here.
Detroit: Detroit Stands for the Rule of Law 2026
Lawyers and judges stand together to publicly reaffirm their oath to uphold the Constitution and the Rule of Law at noon on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center and Third Circuit Court, 2 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Learn more here.
Flint: Law Day Events 2026
The Genesee County Bar Association is celebrating Law Day in a few different ways including a coloring contest for 2nd and 3rd grade students, government proclamation, and a student mock trial of the People v. Cary case, beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday May 1, 2026, at the Genesee County 7th Judicial Circuit Court, 900 S. Saginaw St., Flint. Three awards – the Golden Apple, Liberty Bell, and Robert J.R. Wray Award for Excellence in Legal Agency – will also be presented on Law Day.
Grand Rapids: Law Day Courtroom Experience and Civic Education Initiative
The Grand Rapids Bar Association, Justice Foundation of West Michigan, and 61st Judicial District Court host students from Ottawa Hills High School on May 5 at the 61st District Court, 180 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, to give them a firsthand look at the judicial system.
Kalamazoo: Law Day 2026
The Kalamazoo County Bar Association is celebrating Law Day with a lunch that features keynote address by Supreme Court Justice Noah P. Hood. Registration by April 27 is required. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. at Catalyst Center, 180 East Water St., Kalamazoo. Learn more here.
Pontiac: Dedication Ceremony – Sixth Judicial Circuit Court Judicial Memorial Plaques
The Oakland County Bar Association and the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court are holding a ceremony in honor of five distinguished judges. The event will include the unveiling of bronze memorial plaques at noon on Friday May 1, 2026, at the Oakland County Commissioners Auditorium, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Pontiac. Learn more here.
Tuscola: Law Day 2026 – School Outreach Initiative
This community-focused initiative, which is hosted by the Tuscola County Bar Association and spearheaded by Judge Jason Bitzer, gives students at participating Tuscola County schools an opportunity to explore our judicial system through real-world experience including courtroom observations at the Tuscola County Courthouse, located at 440 N. State St., Caro, and special in-school presentations on the law, civic responsibility, and legal careers. The initiative runs April 20-May 8, 2026.
Posted April 27, 2026