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Akron Bar to hold several events to mark Law Day
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: April 28, 2023
It’s been over 60 years since former President Dwight D. Eisenhower established Law Day in 1958.
Since then the May 1 event has been celebrated around the nation as a way to raise awareness about the importance of the rule of law and promote a better understanding of the legal profession.
This year’s American Bar Association Law Day Theme is “Cornerstones of Democracy: Civics, Civility, and Collaboration.”
In Summit County, the Akron Bar Association is marking the occasion by holding several events throughout the week.
On Monday, May 1, the Estate Planning, Probate, & Elder Law Section of the Akron Bar Association and Community Legal Aid Services Inc. are sponsoring a free clinic entitled “Wills For Our Local Heroes.”
It runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Ohio Means Jobs, located at 1040 E. Tallmadge Ave. in Akron.
About 20 volunteer attorneys will be on hand to meet with active and retired first responders and their spouses, including firefighters, police, nursing home employees, members of the military and 911 emergency dispatchers, to assist them in drawing up simple wills, advance directives and financial powers of attorney.
The services are free and clients will be able to leave with completed documents.
“As attorneys we wanted to find a way to honor our local heroes, who played such an important role during the pandemic by providing these vital services for free,” said Ken Mirkin, director of client services at Community Legal Aid in Akron.
“During the event, members of our volunteer legal services program will be on hand to support the volunteer attorneys and make sure everything goes well from a logistical standpoint.”
The celebration continues on Wednesday, May 3 with the annual Law Day Luncheon, which takes place at Greystone Hall at 103 S. High St. in Akron.
During the two-hour event, the Akron Bar Association will pay tribute to its new 50- and 60-year members and present several awards that recognize professionals whose contributions have improved the lives of residents.
This year’s honorees include Liberty Bell awardee 9th District Court of Appeals Administrative Judge Jennifer Hensal and Diversity Award recipient Akron Municipal Court Administrative/Presiding Judge David Hamilton.
In addition, Dr. Douglas Smith, chief clinical officer (medical director) and forensic psychiatrist at the Summit County ADM (Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services) Board will be presented with the Public Service Award.
The luncheon runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit akronbar.org.
The festivities will wrap up on Friday, May 5 when the annual Red Mass is held at St. Bernard Catholic Church at 44 University Ave. The event kicks off at noon and is followed by a complimentary luncheon.
Perantinides & Nolan Co. Founder and Managing Partner Paul Perantinides will be presented with the St. Thomas More Award.