Law Day 2024: Shared Voices, Stronger Solutions

Law Day is commemorated every May 1 to celebrate the rule of law and cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal system. This year, the American Bar Association (ABA) has chosen the theme of “Voices of Democracy” to recognize 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.

A critical component to ensuring our voices are heard in democracy is our ability to discuss the issues we collectively face in open, honest, and civil ways. Yet, in our polarized world, it is becoming harder and harder to find civil conversation and collaboration. To improve democracy, society, and our legal system, it is vital that we forge common ground and build bridges with one another.

A tenet for this Law Day is that “members of the legal profession should lead the way in promoting democracy by taking individual responsibility … to find the courage to listen, to respect, and to agree on paths forward toward a more perfect union.” IAALS is uniquely positioned to do just that, because promoting civil collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Our nonpartisan, independent approach cuts through the noise that consumes our modern society and brings everyone—and all sides—to the table.

But we don’t do that alone as an organization. We know that there is power in numbers. When people from different walks of life, different backgrounds, and different professions collaborate toward a shared goal, we see greater impact than we can achieve from a single point of view. At IAALS, we hold convenings in a cooperative environment where these varied perspectives can cocreate justice system innovations that consider the needs of all backgrounds. It takes a diversity of perspective to get better justice outcomes for more people. 

We are living in a time when our relationship with discourse and debate is increasingly fraught. Yet we must work together if we are going to succeed. An “us versus them” mentality only deepens trenches and alienates both sides. Everyone must play their part by actively listening to one another and understanding our shared goals. IAALS’ collaboration with and convening of other stakeholders is transformational to our work, as it goes to the heart of our effectiveness and impact as an organization. Convenings provide an essential opportunity for people to connect, engage, and work together to identify the biggest issues in our justice system—and their solutions. Having open conversations, in a safe space where people who disagree can come together, look at the data, listen to each other, and brainstorm, is a gamechanger for solving the most intractable problems. These same lessons hold true for our democracy and the rule of law.

As the ABA notes, despite more than two centuries of progress, our democracy remains imperfect. The same is true for our justice system. Our vision is a world where everyone has a clear path to justice. Yet we know—through our research and work on the ground with people—that our justice system continues to fall short of this goal. People look to our justice system for relief in matters that affect their rights, their businesses, and the most intimate aspects of their lives, but barriers and inefficiencies are effectively denying them real access. Alongside our partners, we are making progress and empowering people-centered change and innovation that is taking hold across the country. How we do this work is just as important as the why. By putting people at the center of the work to improve our justice system, and giving voice to them and their experiences, we will build paths forward to justice for all. 

This year on Law Day, we recognize the importance of the people and their voices—for democracy, the rule of law, and for the future of our justice system.