The Mobile Bar Association celebrated the 2026 Law Day during the month of May. Law Day is an annual national event that gives the Mobile Bar Association 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 May, we held a variety of events to commemorate Law Day and to bring awareness to the American justice system. They included:

2026 Liberty Bell Award

The Liberty Bell Award recognizes an outstanding citizen, particularly a non-lawyer, who by their service has promoted a better understanding of the Constitution, encouraged respect for the law and the courts, stimulated a deeper sense of individual responsibility, contributed to the effective functioning of our government, and fostered a better understanding and appreciation of the rule of law.

Pictured left to right: MBA President Mary Margaret Bailey, 2026 Liberty Bell Award Recipient Christine C. Cumbie, and Colin Kemmerly, Esq., Gardberg & Kemmerly

Congratulations to this year's Liberty Bell Award recipient Christine C. Cumbie. Ms. Cumbie is the Chief Operating Officer at Gardberg & Kemmerly and a member of the National Organization of Veterans Advocates. She serves on the Board of Directors of Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy and has served two terms as President of the Association of Legal Administrators, Mobile Chapter. As her nominator stated: "Ms. Cumbie exemplifies the very principles the Liberty Bell award seeks to recognize. She actively promotes respect for the law and the courts, encouraging every individual she encounters, clients, colleagues, and community members alike, to understand and honor the legal system. Through ongoing training, education, and mentorship, she fosters a deeper appreciation of the rule of law and the responsibilities it places on each of us."

2026 K-12 Art and Essay Contest

We conducted an Essay and Art Contest for grades K-12 at schools 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 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. 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 THE 2026 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 welcomed all students who participated in the Art or Essay Contest to our Judicial Day event. The event provided students with an opportunity to meet local judges and hear their thoughts on Law Day and this year's theme. Students also had the chance to ask questions of the judges, take photos with them, and visit a courtroom.

2026 Law Day Luncheon

In observance of Law Day, the Mobile Bar Association held its membership luncheon on Friday, May 15, 2026. During the luncheon, we recognized the winners of the Art and Essay Contest, presented our Liberty Bell Award to Christine C. Cumbie, and heard from our speaker, Presiding Judge Wesley Pipes, V, 13th Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama.

Speak in Classrooms

We also had several Mobile Bar Association members speak to students about Law Day and the Rule of Law. 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!