By Haley Bohlmann, Communications Director & Chief Editor
Attorneys and legal professionals across Iowa joined colleagues nationwide on May 1 for the National Law Day of Action, a coordinated effort recognizing the importance of the Constitution, the courts, and the rule of law. More than 75 events were held nationwide across over 25 states, with Iowa hosting 13 of them. Gatherings held in communities throughout the state brought together attorneys from diverse practice areas and backgrounds to publicly reaffirm the Iowa Lawyer’s Oath and demonstrate unity within the profession.
One of the largest gatherings took place in East Moline during the 2026 Law Day Luncheon jointly sponsored by the Scott County Bar Association and the Rock Island County Bar Association. Approximately 141 people attended the event, with an estimated 70 attorneys from Iowa and Illinois reaffirming their oaths. Iowa Supreme Court Justice Thomas D. Waterman and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White jointly administered the oath during the luncheon program.
In Sioux City, approximately 30 attorneys gathered in the Woodbury County Courthouse rotunda alongside court staff and members of the judiciary. Two judges and approximately 10 court staff members also attended the event, with all attorneys present reaffirming their oaths. Participating organizations included several local law firms, including Heidman Law Firm and Crary Huff. Local coverage was provided by KTIV.
In Cedar Rapids, 28 attorneys and legal professionals gathered. The morning began with a two-mile Wellness Walk followed by a light breakfast and networking opportunity before participants assembled on the courthouse steps for the formal oath reaffirmation ceremony. Remarks were delivered by ISBA President-elect Stephanie Hinz and Linn County Bar Association President Nick Kilburg, with the oath administered by Sixth Judicial District Chief Judge Lars Anderson. During the event, ISBA Board of Governors member Lisa Epp presented a commemorative America 250 flag to Linn County Board of Supervisors Chair Kirsten Running-Marquardt.
In Des Moines, an estimated 50 attorneys gathered outside the Iowa Judicial Branch Building near the State Capitol, where Iowa Supreme Court Justice Matthew McDermott administered the attorney’s oath. Polk County Board of Supervisors member Jill Altringer attended the ceremony to accept a commemorative America 250 flag on behalf of the county. ISBA President Kathy Law spoke about the importance of the rule of law and the independence of the three branches of government, reminding attendees that “the rule of law and the separation of powers are not theoretical—they are essential. They affect how we live, how we are governed, and whether we can trust the system to protect our rights.”
Additional gatherings took place across the state, including events in Waterloo, Council Bluffs, Clarinda, and Glenwood. In Waterloo, 23 people attended the Black Hawk County event, including 16 attorneys who reaffirmed their oaths. Chief Judge Kellyann Lekar administered the oath, and attendees included legal assistants, court administration staff, and a member of the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors. Organizers also announced that a commemorative America 250 flag would later be presented to the full Board of Supervisors during a regular county meeting.
In Council Bluffs, 15 individuals attended the ceremony, including nine attorneys who renewed their oaths alongside representatives from the Fourth Judicial District Bar Association, local government, and the judiciary.
In Clarinda, 22 people attended the Page County event organized by Assistant County Attorney Michelle Foss and County Attorney James Varley. Although only two local attorneys were present to reaffirm their oaths, county officials and law enforcement representatives joined the gathering, including Treasurer Angie Dow, Auditor Kristin Wagner, Supervisors Todd Maher and Judy Clark, Sheriff Charles McCalla, and Lieutenant Adam Huseman.
In Iowa City, Johnson County hosted its Law Day reaffirmation and flag presentation ceremony last week after scheduling conflicts prevented the event from being held on May 1. Approximately 38 attorneys participated in the ceremony and reaffirmed their oaths administered by Iowa Supreme Court Justice Dana Oxley. Representatives from the Johnson County Board of Supervisors attended to receive a commemorative America 250 flag during the event.
Speakers throughout the state emphasized the importance of public trust in the courts, judicial independence, and the legal profession’s shared responsibility to uphold constitutional principles. In Cedar Rapids, ISBA President-elect Stephanie Hinz encouraged attorneys to gather publicly and visibly in support of the rule of law, reminding attendees, “Because when something matters, we show up for it.”
In Des Moines, ISBA President Kathy Law spoke about the importance of maintaining the independence of the three branches of government and preserving confidence in legal institutions.
Additional Law Day events remain scheduled throughout May in Iowa City, Harlan, Atlantic, Logan, and Dubuque as attorneys across Iowa continue participating in this statewide and national moment of professional unity.
The ISBA thanks the many local organizers, Board of Governors members, attorneys, judges, elected officials, and community supporters who helped make this year’s Law Day events possible and who continue to demonstrate the profession’s commitment to the rule of law.
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Scott County:
