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MCBA unveils 2022 Law Week activities
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: April 28, 2022
After two years of virtual programming, in-person Law Week activities are making a comeback in Mahoning County.
Law Day is officially commemorated on May 1, but many organizations including The Mahoning County Bar Association mark the occasion with a week’s worth of events designed to raise awareness about current legal issues and introduce students to potential career opportunities in the profession.
“I think everyone is especially excited this year as we see a return to a somewhat normal schedule,” said Mahoning County Chief Deputy Clerk of Court Kathi McNabb Welsh, who is co-chairing the Law Week Committee with Youngstown Municipal Court Administrative/Presiding Judge Carla J. Baldwin.
While the traditional student courthouse tours will not be taking place again this year, local attorneys and judges will be visiting Mahoning County high school government classes during the week of May 2 to share their experiences working in the legal system.
“I think these conversations are very beneficial for everyone in the room,” said McNabb Welsh. “The hope is to engage students and get them thinking about the ways in which they might be able to make an impact by choosing a legal career.”
As always, the highlight of the week is the annual Law Day Luncheon, which the bar association will co-host with the Downtown Lions Club.
The event takes place on May 5 in the Daniel L. Rossi Auditorium, located on the lower level of the D.D. and Velma Davis Education & Visitor Center in Fellows Riverside Gardens.
“For me, our Law Day Luncheon is one of the highlights of my calendar year,” said Judge Baldwin. “We bring together attorneys, judges and students with the goal of helping these young people understand how integral the law is to the everyday functioning of society.”
In fact, for the past 10 years—with the exception of 2020 and 2021 when the event was held virtually--tables of eight have been reserved at the luncheon for each high school in the county and this year members of the Youngstown State University Moot Court team have also been invited to attend, all courtesy of The Mahoning County Bar Association Foundation.
“The Moot Court team has done very well this year in the nationals,” said McNabb Welsh.
In addition, attorneys who have volunteered to have students shadow them have been invited to come to the luncheon with their respective student.
During the luncheon, the winners of this year’s high school essay contest will also be announced.
In keeping with the 2022 Law Day theme, “Toward a More Perfect Union,” which explores how the Constitution has evolved over the years as a result of numerous amendments, students were asked to discuss the amendment they believe is most important and how it advanced the nation toward that goal.
Students could choose to discuss a U.S. Supreme Court case involving a specific amendment or author a new amendment and explain why it would achieve the 2022 Law Day theme.
Ohio Supreme Court Justice Melody J. Stewart, the first African American woman to be elected to the state Supreme Court will give the keynote address.
Judge Baldwin will introduce Justice Stewart, making some brief remarks about her impact on the judiciary.
“I first met Justice Stewart in Youngstown when she was campaigning for her current seat,” said Judge Baldwin. “I was very impressed by how down to earth and relatable she was with the audience.
“Justice Stewart broke down the law for the public and answered questions about why she was running,” said Judge Baldwin. “I know from attorneys who have appeared in front of her that she’s a gifted jurist. She knows the law and is always well prepared for oral arguments.
“She is dedicated to making sure justice is accessible for everyone and she works to raise the status of the legal profession and let the public know that attorneys and judges all want to achieve ‘a more perfect union,’ which is the theme of our luncheon this year.”
While Justice Stewart has not worked out all the details of what she will say, she said she does plan to stress the importance of civic education for all, especially young people.
“It’s important that all of our citizens understand what their public officials and officeholders do and the earlier we can begin involving our younger population the better,” said Justice Stewart.
“Knowing what our public servants do and what skill sets are required allows individuals to realize early on how to proceed to obtain a particular position,” said Justice Stewart. “In fact, one of the primary goals in my running for the supreme court was to help educate people across the state about the role of the judiciary and the different responsibilities judges have.
“I will no doubt talk about how the judiciary is the number one protector of the Constitution and people’s Constitutional rights.”
While she never aspired to be a judge when she was younger, Justice Stewart said she always made sure to do her very best in whatever position she had, a message she will likely stress to students in the audience.
“I often tell students and young adults who aren’t sure what they want to do or what line of work they’d like to pursue to not worry about it and to just always strive to do their best,” said Justice Stewart. “The rest will take care of itself.”
The May 5 Law Day Luncheon gets underway at noon and costs $25 per person.
For more information on the event, contact The Mahoning County Bar Association at 330-746-2933.