Law Day!!! - Really?

Today is Law Day ... so says the President.

The theme of this year's Law Day, "The Rule of Law:
Foundation for Communities of Opportunity and Equity," recognizes the
fundamental role that the rule of law plays in preserving liberty in our
Nation and in all free societies. We pay tribute to the men and women in
America's legal community. Through hard work and dedication to the rule of
law, members of the judiciary and the legal profession help secure the
rights of individuals, bring justice to our communities, and reinforce the
proud traditions that make America a beacon of light for the world.

Wow!!! I wasn't aware we were so important ... oh wait, yes I was.

There is absolutely no need whatsoever for a national Law Day. Are lawyers important to society ... absolutely yes. Do they already know that ... absolutely yes. There are not many lawyers that are not aware of their role in society. We are talking about a pretty confident bunch here that already sees themselves as the philosopher-kings of America. We even tell ourselves that we are taught in the style set forth by Socrates himself. Lawyers are an extremely arrogant bunch already, there is really no need to reinforce that notion with a national day for Lawyers.

I want lawyers to have that confidence and arrogance, because it is a necessary part of their job ... but I want them to have it quietly. If you truly are the philosopher-kings of society, then how about showing a little more humility. This national law day is embarrassing to me.  

Comments

[Jonathan]

A national law day is not a bad idea. It need not be focused on lawyers, though the President included them in his speech.

If you're embarrassed about being a lawyer, however, feel free. Those of us who look at ourselves as public servants, will not be.

[Justin B.]

We have a national law day already ... Constitution Day. On that day we celebrate the legal documents that founded this country. I like that day because the celebration is on the law itself, not on the people that deal with them.

I am not embarrassed about being a lawyer. I am proud to be a lawyer and I do consider myself a public servant. But it is something that I am proud of privately. In education circles I rarely mention it unless the point is to describe the work I do. People get apprehensive when they know and treat me differently than when they just assume I am an educator.

But, perhaps it is ok. I am somewhat undecided on this now thanks to your comment. If you stress the "public servant" side of lawyers then it feels better to celebrate them, on the other hand how many lawyers are really public servants? There is something about the word servant that implies you do not charge hundreds of dollars per hour in fees. If we could find a way to celebrate the lawyers like those working in Legal Assistance and Pro Bono places (or taking less money to be in academia - such as yourself Jon) that would be worthwhile.

There is just something about celebrating lawyers, though, that doesn't sit right with me.