Law Day has been celebrated every May 1 since 1958.  The event provides an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the value of their liberties and the ideals of equality and justice under law.  Law Day 2009 will celebrate A Legacy of Liberty -- Celebrating Lincoln's Bicentennial.  2009 marks the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, regarded by many as our nation's greatest and most eloquent president. Lincoln, who devoted much of his adult life to the practice of law, was the quintessential American lawyer-president. His background in the law informed both his actions and his oratory.

The DuPage County Bar Association seeks individual nominees for the Liberty Bell Award who have devoted substantial time and effort toward attaining and maintaining justice in these areas:
 
1)       Promoting a better understanding of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights;
2)       Encouraging greater respect for law and the courts;
3)       Stimulating a deeper sense of individual responsibility so that citizens recognize their duties as well as their rights;
4)       Contributing to the effective functioning of our institutions of government; and
5)       Fostering better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law.
 
Nominations should include the name, address and phone number of the individual and a letter citing the reasons for the nomination, plus a brief summary of the nominee's qualifications for the award.  Nominations must be received by March 2, 2009 and should be forwarded to: Liz Whitney, DuPage County Bar Association, 126 S. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.
 
The award will be made at the Law Day Luncheon on May 1, 2009.  Last year's award was presented to Laurie Bullock of Safe Harbor.  Other recent recipients include Pat Rexroad of the Illinois State Bar Association and Cathy Ficker Terrill of the Ray Graham Association.