Iowa State Bar Association (ISBA) officers and executives recently joined bar leaders from across the country at the 2025 National Conference of Bar Presidents (NCBP) Midyear Meeting. More than just a gathering, the conference provided a platform for innovation and collaboration, equipping bar leaders with the knowledge and connections necessary to navigate national policy changes, strengthen bar associations, and enhance the services we provide to our members.
A key discussion at this year’s meeting was "Reframing the Rule of Law for Bar Associations: An Open Forum," featuring extended recorded remarks from Jeffrey Rosen, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center. The National Constitution Center is recognized as America’s premier forum for constitutional education and public discourse, offering a vital space for examining the role of the legal profession in upholding democracy. The forum fostered meaningful reflection and collaboration on the role of voluntary and mandatory bar associations in promoting the rule of law, safeguarding the Constitution, and advancing civics education.
One of his key insights was that the Constitution was written not just for government leaders, but for the public at large—including elected officials and citizens with differing viewpoints. This principle is evident in early constitutional debates, such as the decision to delay banning the international slave trade until 1808, 20 years after the Constitution’s ratification. Of the first 12 U.S. presidents, eight owned slaves while in office. This historical divide among the framers underscores how the Constitution was designed to accommodate conflicting perspectives—a principle that remains central to the legal order today. Just as the framers navigated deep ideological divisions, today’s legal community must remain steadfast in fostering dialogue, defending lawfulness, and ensuring justice is accessible to all.
The same principles that shaped our nation’s legal foundation remain relevant today as shifting federal policies continue to influence the legal landscape in which the ISBA operates. Understanding how shifts in federal leadership affect policy is essential for the ISBA and its members, as these changes can directly impact the association’s ability to implement programs that best serve its members. By staying informed and adaptable, the ISBA can continue to support the legal profession in upholding the Constitution, strengthening the rule of law, and addressing the evolving needs of its members.
Challenges to the Constitution are not a recent phenomenon; from its inception, the framers questioned whether the American people could continue to uphold and advance its foundational principles. They recognized that the survival of the constitutional framework depended on the ability of future generations to navigate deep divisions, particularly on contentious issues such as slavery and states’ rights. The debates over federal authority, individual freedoms, and the balance of power among the branches of government were as pressing then as they are today. The Constitution has endured not only because it was designed to be tested, interpreted, and reaffirmed in times of conflict but also because lawyers have upheld the rule of law as the foundation of an orderly and just society. It is worth noting that 34 of the 55 framers were lawyers or trained in the law. The rule of law is the foundation of American democracy, ensuring stability and consistency. However, legal rule and democracy itself are facing challenges.
In conjunction with the NCBP Midyear Meeting, the American Bar Association (ABA) Task Force for American Democracy invited state, metro, and affinity bar associations to join in the defense of the rule of law and the Constitution. Over the next few months, I will work with ISBA executives and bar leaders to explore how the ISBA can contribute to this effort while ensuring that our involvement aligns with ISBA’s core mission—supporting Iowa lawyers, strengthening the legal profession, and upholding the integrity of the judicial system. The ABA Task Force has outlined several initiatives that bar associations can undertake, including:
- Hosting CLE programs on rule of law issues and organizing rule of law summits.
- Creating speakers’ bureaus to provide civics education to the public.
- Encouraging lawyers to serve on local/state boards and commissions to enhance legal understanding in policymaking.
- Developing training for candidates for public office to deepen their knowledge of the underlying framework of the rule of law and the Constitution.
I ask that you join the ISBA in this important work in exploring the recommended initiatives and others that best advance the practice of law and democracy for our venerable profession. In my view, the ISBA, with its history of supporting civics education and advancements in the law, is well-positioned to join this non-partisan effort to support the rule of law and democracy activities. The reasons for ISBA involvement are clear. Lawyers and bar associations are present in nearly every American community, and many attorneys serve as civic leaders. Iowa lawyers have taken an oath to defend the Constitution and, as officers of the court, have a duty to uphold the rule of law. Moreover, lawyers possess the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for the preservation of constitutional principles. Through education, advocacy, and leadership, ISBA members play a vital role in safeguarding the rule of law and ensuring access to justice for all.
By staying informed, engaged, and united in our shared mission, we uphold the legacy of those who came before us—defending justice, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring that the rule of law remains a pillar of our society. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminded us, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” The legal profession has always played a role in shaping that arc. The question before us now is simple: Will we continue that tradition? I invite you to be a part of this important work. I also encourage you to participate in upcoming ISBA programs on the rule of law and democracy—your leadership is vital to ensure justice and fairness in our profession. Your voice matters.
Melvin O. Shaw
The Law Office of Melvin O. Shaw, P.L.C.
law@melvinshaw.com
319-337-7429
