On Friday, May 1, 2026, the Sangamon County Bar Association hosted its annual Law Day program at Maldaner’s restaurant, 222 S. 6th Street, Springfield. The speakers were Eugene Doherty, Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court, and Lance Peterson, Illinois Third Appellate Court. David J. Robinson, Chief Deputy Director, Illinois State's Attorneys Appellate Prosecutor's Office, served as the moderator for the program.
The 2026 Law Day theme was The Rule of Law and the American Dream.
By Chief Justice P. Scott Neville, Jr.
Sixty-five years ago, Congress made May 1 Law Day to honor the rule of law. Every year, the American Bar Association picks a theme. This year’s theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”
The rule of law upholds the American Dream by ensuring access to legal assistance. But many people end up in court without a lawyer, not by choice but due to circumstances. This places them at a disadvantage, as lawyers bring the skills and structure needed to present facts, explain issues, and apply the law.
On Thursday, May 1, 2025, Illinois State Bar Association President-Elect Bridget C. Duignan spoke during the Circuit Court of Cook County's annual Law Day celebration hosted by the Cook County Bar Association.
On Thursday, May 1, 2025, the Sangamon County Bar Association hosted its annual Law Day program at Maldaner’s restaurant, 222 S. 6th Street, Springfield. Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court Justice Amy C. Lannerd served as the keynote speaker.
The 2025 Law Day theme was The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One.
Law Day provides members of the legal and educational communities with a special opportunity to work together in promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of law and the legal system among school students. This year an event was held on May 2 at John Marshall Law School.
Be a part of the conversation. Join us on Law Day – Wednesday, May 1 – as we host an open discussion on the challenges facing Illinois lawyers and the legal profession.
What are the issues facing you and your colleagues? Law school debt? Keeping up with technology? Finding work? Competition from DIY law? Maintaining a work/life balance?
Tweet to #IllinoisLawyers to share your thoughts and experiences.
Ground Rules: Keep it clean. Keep it constructive. Keep it on topic.
Visit us on Twitter @ISBAlawyer and @ISBAmembership.
Learn more about the Town Hall Meeting via Twitter at www.isba.org/illinoislawyers.