On May 1, 2025, known as Law Day, history was made as the legal community came together in an unprecedented display of unity and purpose. Over 10,000 lawyers, judges, and legal professionals across 50+ cities participated in the National Law Day of Action, ceremonially reaffirming their oath to defend the Constitution and uphold the rule of law.
Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) and the Bar Association of San Francisco (BASF) were joined by other national partners ABA’s Checks and Balances project and Lawyers Defending American Democracy in providing national coordination and organization to the campaign. For weeks prior to law day, we assembled a coalition of national and local bar associations, legal affinity groups, and concerned lawyer-citizens who were responsible for producing events in more than 50 cities nationwide.
A Historic Gathering in Washington, D.C.
Law Day of Action 2025 - D.C.
On the iconic steps of the Supreme Court, more than 600 legal professionals gathered in a powerful display of solidarity. Produced by L4GG, the Washington, D.C. event served as the symbolic center of this nationwide movement, bringing together an impressive coalition of organizations including Alliance for Justice, American Constitution Society, the National Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and numerous D.C. based bar associations representing diverse communities.
The event featured an extraordinary lineup of speakers who underscored the gravity of the moment:
Representative Mary Gay Scanlon spoke with the urgency of someone who has dedicated her career to defending constitutional rights.
Wiley Adams, President of the National Bar Association, reminded attendees of lawyers' unique power and obligation to lead during democratic crises.
Representative Jamie Raskin called upon the legal community to harness their training as a force for justice.
Together, these distinguished leaders stood with hundreds of attorneys as they collectively reaffirmed their oath to defend the Constitution—a symbolic yet profound act of professional commitment.
A Powerful Nationwide Movement
Law Day of Action 2025 - NYC
From the steps of the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. to courthouses across America, the message was clear and resolute: the legal profession stands as guardians of democracy and constitutional principles. In city after city, participants stood shoulder to shoulder, renewing their commitment to justice and equal protection under the law.
As Traci Feit Love, Founder and Executive Director of Lawyers for Good Government, declared while opening the D.C. event:
"Lawyers don't just respect the Constitution—we swear an oath to defend it. And when that oath is threatened, we show up, we speak out, and we stand together."
Traci Feit Love, Founder & ED of L4GG
Coast to Coast Unity
The groundswell of support spanned the entire country:
New York City led with approximately 1,500-2,000 participants
Washington State mobilized over 1,300 legal professionals
San Francisco had approximately 1,200 participants
Oakland, California gathered 500 attorneys and judges
Minneapolis assembled 625 advocates for justice
Boston and Portland, Maine each brought together 500 participants
Philadelphia rallied 450 members of the legal community
Law Day of Action 2025 - Asheville, NC
In total, events in over 50 cities united the profession in this collective reaffirmation of core legal principles.
Voices from the Community
Legal leaders from across the political spectrum spoke with conviction about the profession's responsibility in this moment:
"The rule of law is about country, not party. Lawyers pledge fealty to the Constitution and nothing else." — Stuart Gerson, former Acting Attorney General under George H.W. Bush
"We are lawyers, we are the servants of the rule of law. We work in service of something greater than ourselves, and it has never felt more important to defend it." — Victoria Santoro, Massachusetts Bar Association President
"In our Constitutional system, we are the guardians of democracy. We are bulwark against tyranny and one-man rule. No one is above the law, and no one is below it." — Andrea Young, ACLU of Georgia
Law Day of Action 2025 - San Francisco
The diversity of participating organizations was equally impressive, with national groups like the American Constitution Society and National Bar Association joining local bar associations, public interest organizations, and specialty legal groups in a remarkable show of professional solidarity.
A Historic Moment
What made this day truly extraordinary was its scale and unity of purpose. From federal judges to law students, from corporate attorneys to public defenders, the legal community transcended traditional divides to emphasize the profession's foundational commitment to constitutional principles.
Law Day of Action 2025 - Philadelphia
On the right: Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Katayun I. Jaffari
As Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Katayun I. Jaffari reminded attendees: "Our system isn't perfect, but we all have a role in protecting it." She continued, invoking Benjamin Franklin's famous words near the site of the Constitutional Convention: "A republic – if you can keep it."
Looking Forward
This National Law Day of Action represents more than a single moment – it marks the beginning of a renewed commitment by the legal profession to actively defend democratic institutions and constitutional principles.
Law Day of Action 2025 - Dallas, TX
As Christian Menefee, Harris County Attorney, told attendees in Houston: "The Thurgood Marshall is right here in this group. The Ruth Bader Ginsberg is right here in this group. And it's up to each and every one of us to fight like hell in the courtroom to ensure we have the democracy that each and every one of us believes in."
This unprecedented gathering demonstrates that when constitutional values are at stake, the legal profession stands ready to leverage its unique role in society to protect the rule of law for all Americans.
For more information about the National Law Day of Action, click here.
To see the full video of the Washington, D.C. event, click here.
