Mock trials, 5k run slated for Law Day celebration

by Lois Zerrer

for the Business Journal

Each year since 1965 the legal community in Springfield has celebrated Law Day. This year will be no exception.

This year's activities will begin with speakers for schools and civic groups during the weeks of April 26 and May 3.

On Friday afternoon, April 30, we will sponsor our annual 5k Fun Run/Walk. There will be lots of prizes and lots of fun for all age groups.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association's scholarship fund.

May 1, more than 40 lawyers in Ozark will judge the Regional Mock Trial Tournament.

Several schools from throughout southwest Missouri will have teams participating in this great learning event for budding Clarence Darrows.

The main event for our Law Day celebration is the annual luncheon, which will be held May 3.

The guest speaker this year will be Stephen Jones, who was appointed as lead defense counsel for Timothy McVeigh after the Oklahoma City bombing. The public will be able to attend the luncheon as space permits.

Several awards are given at the luncheon. The bar association will recognize an attorney for outstanding pro bono contributions with the Equal Access to Justice Award, and new this year is the Distinguished Attorney Award for exemplary practice of law, and service to the legal and non-legal community.

For non-attorneys, the Liberty Bell recognizes special contributions to the promotion and administration of justice in the community.

For more information about any of these events, or to schedule a speaker for your group, please contact the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association at 831-2783.

(Lois Zerrer is executive director of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association.)

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