SMBA Update: Law Day theme: children

Every year the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association celebrates Law Day USA, as do bar associations across America.

The theme of this year's event, set for May 1, is "Protecting the Best Interests of Our Children."

The highlight of the week is the annual luncheon on at the Clarion Hotel, with guest speaker Miss Missouri 2000, Arron Wendel. Her speech will be titled "Mentoring Today's Youth."

Awards

About 300 members of the legal community are expected to attend the luncheon.

In addition to the speaker, there will be several awards including the SMBA Scholarship and the legal secretaries and paralegals' scholarships.

A local attorney will receive the Equal Access to Justice Award for pro bono service, and another attorney will receive the Distinguished Attorney Award for lifelong service to the profession and community.

Last, but not least, the Liberty Bell Award will be presented to a non-lawyer for exceptional service to the administration of justice in our community.

A relatively new feature, added last year, is LawSuit Day. Members and guests can bring usable clothing to the Law Day luncheon, which will be collected and distributed to agencies.

The clothing is earmarked for those in the community who are embarking on new jobs or changing careers and need a new wardrobe.

In addition to our traditional 5k Fun Run, this year the SMBA included April 27 a special kid's race at Phelps Grove Park. Each participant received a ribbon to commemorate his or her participation. Adult participants received T-shirts and age group winners also received trophies.

April 28 a Mock Trial Tournament was held at Ozark High School. This has also become an annual Law Day event. Area high schools participate by having teams of students act as lawyers for the plaintiff and defense.

Each team argued two rounds with the winners advancing to the final round judged by the judges of Christian County.

The mock trial is an excellent learning opportunity for area students and has grown to attract high school teams from throughout southwest Missouri.

Each year the legal community joins together to celebrate our rule of law and system of government on Law Day.

We work together to see that our system continues to provide access to justice for all and protects the best interests of our children.

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