The Mobile Bar Association celebrated the 2026 Law Day during the month of May. It is an annual national event that gives us an opportunity to share with the community how the rule of law protects our liberty, strives to achieve justice, and contributes to the freedoms that all Americans share. This year's Law Day theme was The Rule of Law and the American Dream.

During the month of May, we held a variety of events to bring awareness and commemorate Law Day and the American justice system. We conducted an Essay and Art Contest for grades K-12 in Mobile County. Elementary school students were asked to create a piece of art that reflected what the American Dream means to them. Middle and high school students were asked to write an essay reflecting on the American Dream and what responsibilities do citizens have to ensure that opportunity is available for everyone - not just themselves. Over 110 students participated, and three winners were selected in each category. The winners were recognized at a local bar association luncheon where their art and essays were displayed.

2026 Liberty Bell Award

The Mobile Bar Association is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Liberty Bell Award! Do you know an outstanding non-lawyer in the Mobile community whose service has strengthened the American system of freedom under the law? Deadline to nominate is Friday, April 24, 2026.

2026 K-12 Art and Essay Contests

The Mobile Bar Association is excited to announce the winners of the 2026 Law Day Art and Essay Contests. Prizes were awarded to the first, second, and third place winners from each category. We also recognized the teacher of each first-place winner from each category. Thank you to all the students who submitted an entry!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR'S ART AND ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS!

Elementary Art Contest
1^st place – Zane Young, 3^rd Grade, Council Traditional School
2^nd place – Al’Jewel Young, 4^th Grade, Council Traditional School
3^rd place (tie) – Colton Padgett, 3^rd Grade, Council Traditional School
3^rd place (tie) – June Schmitz, 2^nd Grade, St. Paul’s School

Middle School Essay Contest
1^st place – Banks McPhillips, 6^th Grade, UMS-Wright Preparatory School
2^nd place –Clara Eaton, 6^th Grade, Clark-Shaw Magnet School
3^rd place – Preston Phan, 6^th Grade, UMS-Wright Preparatory School

High School Essay Contest
1^st place – Lyons Moore, 11^th Grade UMS-Wright Preparatory School
2^nd place – Daniel Dials, 12^th Grade, UMS-Wright Preparatory School
3^rd place (tie) –  Douglas Chestang, 11^th Grade, Murphy High School
3^rd place (tie) – Caroline Sherman, 12^th Grade, UMS-Wright Preparatory School

2026 Judicial Day

The Mobile Bar Association welcomes all students who participated in the Art or Essay Contests to our Judicial Day event. The event provides students with an opportunity to meet local judges and hear their thoughts on Law Day and this year's theme. Students will also have the chance to ask questions of the judges, take photos with them, and visit the courtroom.

2026 Law Day Luncheon

In observance of Law Day, the Mobile Bar Association will hold a membership luncheon on Friday, May 15, 2026. During the luncheon, we will recognize the winners of the art and essay contests, present our Liberty Bell award, and hear from our speaker Presiding Judge Wesley Pipes, V, 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama.

Speak in Classrooms

If you are interested in a lawyer speaking to your classroom about Law Day, the rule of law, and the importance of courts, please click here .

Thank you for participating in Law Day 2026. We look forward to celebrating Law Day 2027. 

Check back around February 2027 for next year's theme and how you can get involved!