The West Virginia State Bar Women in the Profession’s Committee has received a Law Day Outstanding Activity Award from the American Bar Association for its 2021 Law Day programming. In making the award, the ABA recognized that the program “achieved broad outreach to the community and engaged target audiences in meaningful conversations to help foster understanding about the rule of law in our society.”
The 2021 Law Day Contest allowed students to choose between two themes — “Advancing the Rule of Law Now” or “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Democracy: The 19th Amendment at 100” — and to prepare an essay, poem, song, poster, or social media post on the selected theme.
Though 2021 was the inaugural year for the Law Day Student Contest, it was wildly successful with contest entries received from 128 students, spanning grades 4-12, and representing every region of the State. Participating students were invited to a virtual presentation by the Supreme Court of Appeals and a virtual tour of the Supreme Court of Appeals courtroom. Middle and high school level winners were also invited to a virtual tour of the West Virginia University College of Law and a panel discussion with law students. Contest winners received cash prizes as well.
Leading up to Law Day, the Women in the Profession Committee hosted a virtual panel discussion where women serving in various roles in the judicial system – judges, a magistrate, a court reporter, a probation officer, a judicial assistant, and several lawyers – discussed the education and training required for their job, where they work, and what they do. The video was designed to give middle and high school students an opportunity to see what careers exist within the judicial system. The panel was recorded, posted to YouTube, and disseminated to teachers and members of the legal community for educational use.
As a 2021 Law Day Outstanding Activity Award winner, the State Bar Women in the Profession Committee’s program will be publicly recognized during the ABA’s 2020 Law Day Virtual Launch program on May 8, featured in the ABA’s online showcase of outstanding law day programs, and highlighted on social media.
The packets for the 2022 Law Day program are now available on the State Bar’s website click here for more information.
