MEMBER CENTER
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 CO-CHAIRCherish A. Kenner Strauss Massey Dinneen LLC Website |
Law Day is an annual commemoration held on May 1st to celebrate the rule of law and cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal system. It’s a perfect opportunity for us, as young lawyers, to reflect on our roles in upholding justice and ensuring fairness in society. During Law Day, we take a moment to appreciate the hard work lawyers and judges do, stay inspired by the principles of justice, and think about how we can make a positive difference through our profession. Whether we are drafting contracts, defending clients, or advocating for change, our role is vital in upholding the rule of law. The 2026 theme is "The Rule of Law and the American Dream."
We share our commitment through law-related educational programs for children. Each year, we hold Law Day programs in collaboration with the judges and courts. The New Orleans Bar Foundation funds the materials and lunches for the school children. You can make a difference by making a donation too!
Celebrating Law Day 2026
The 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” The rule of law—the idea that no person is above the law—is what ensures the rights of the people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams.
May 7, 2026
Students from Woodmere Elementary School observed court with United States District Court Judge Jay Zainey. The students were able to witness a sentencing hearing. After Court, Judge Zainey spoke to the students about his path to become a lawyer and district court judge. He also expressed the importance of making good decisions as they navigate through life, reiterating that no one is above the law. The students were very engaged with a few expressing their future goals of becoming attorneys.
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May 12, 2026
Rising high school juniors from Sophie B. Wright High School observed oral arguments at the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. The panel consisted of Judges Nakisha Ervin-Knott, Paula Brown, and Dale Atkins. After Court, Judge Ervin-Knott and Judge Brown met with the students to answer questions and explained how legal matters are decided at the Fourth Circuit.
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Essay & Art Contests
In celebration of Law Day 2026, the NOBA YLS invited students in the Greater New Orleans Area to participate in our Law Day Art Contest (Grades K-5) and Law Day Essay Contest (Grades 6-8). Students were asked to create original pieces of artwork and write essays about this year's theme, "The Rule of Law and the American Dream."
Celebrating Law Day 2025
May 21, 2025
Students from St. Rose Elementary School participated in a mock trial at the Louisiana Supreme Court. The case pitted "Taylor Swift" and her legal representation, Mollie Overton, La. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, against "Cam Jordan" represented by Hogan Crosby, AKD Law. In the end, "Cam" Jordan won the case. Special thanks to Judge Paula Brown for presiding, Judge Rachael Johnson for serving as clerk of court, and Judge Nakisha Ervin-Knott as bailiff.
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May 13, 2025
Judge Jay C. Zainey hosted 6th and 7th grade students from Benjamin Franklin Middle School in his courtroom at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana for a Law Day presentation. Judge Zainey spoke to students about the 2025 Law Day theme, "The Constitution's Promise: Out of Many, One" and answered students questions about being a judge.
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Celebrating Law Day 2024
3rd and 4th grade students from Green Park Elementary participated in a mock trial at the Louisiana Supreme Court. The case pitted "Taylor Swift" and her legal representation, Jackie Hickman, Liskow, against "Travis Kelce t-bone Cam Jordan" represented by Cayce Peterson, JJC Law. In the end, "Cam's" star witness, "Trombone Shorty" helped "Cam" win the case. Special thanks to Judge Paula Brown for presiding and Judge Rachael Johnson for serving as bailiff.
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Judge Jay Zainey hosted students from the International High School of New Orleans in his courtroom at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Judge Zainey spoke to students about the 2024 Law Day theme, "Voices of Democracy." This year's theme recognizes that in democracies, the people rule. For nearly 250 years, Americans have expressed their political views and wishes by speaking their minds and voting in elections. In 2024, the United States will hold its 60th presidential election, and Americans will address fundamental questions about democracy and the rule of law.
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Celebrating Law Day 2023
NOBA held its Law Day Program on May 9, 2023 at the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Louisiana. Judge Nakisha Ervin-Knott, LA Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal, spoke to students from International High School of New Orleans 10th Grade Class. Judge Ervin-Knot spoke to the students about "Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration." She expressed the importance of respect and effective communication. She also explained that it is not only important to work together for the good of all parties, no matter the race, socioeconomic status, or party, but enforced that one can disagree without being disrespectful.
Many thanks to Judge Ervin-Knott and to YLS Councilmembers Jose Ruiz, Deutsch Kerrigan, LLP, and Jennifer Gordon Lampton, Law Clerk to Judge Nakisha Ervin-Knott, for organizing a fantastic program for the students!
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