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Lawyers, community members celebrate Law Day by supporting independent judiciary in Cedar Rapids
Dozens of lawyers reaffirmed their Iowa Lawyer’s Oath in front of the Linn County Courthouse
May. 1, 2025 7:10 pm, Updated: May. 2, 2025 7:16 am
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CEDAR RAPIDS — Around 70 lawyers, judges and some community members showed up Thursday to support judicial independence, the U.S. and Iowa constitutions and the rule of law during National Law Day of Action on the steps of the Linn County Courthouse.
The lawyers also reaffirmed their Iowa Lawyer’s Oath, a pledge they take after passing the bar exam and starting to practice law. Iowa Supreme Court Associate Justice Dana Oxley administered the oath to the lawyers in attendance.
Iowa State Bar Association President Melvin Shaw, in opening remarks, said the event prompted him to consider what it means to be an attorney. He said he was “proud” to be able to reaffirm his oath and uphold the Constitution and democracy.
The lawyers, in taking the oath, swear or affirm to support the U.S. Constitution, “maintain respect due to the courts and my colleagues, perform to the upmost of my abilities and education, faithfully and ethically discharge the duties required of Iowa lawyers.”
They also swear to be “zealous” advocates for their clients and, as members of the legal community, strive to represent the legal profession as “one of justice, honor, civility and service.”
Matt Brandes, a Cedar Rapids lawyer, said he was “honored to come out and reaffirm his oath. I think an independent judiciary is more important than ever. I was sworn in 1981 — 43 years ago. We just don’t serve clients but also the justice system as well. It’s an honor.”
Tim Semelroth, another Cedar Rapids lawyer, agreed. He said they all went to law school for the same reason, to “help people and support our system of justice. I just see this as a small way to continue to do that.”
Katie Hill, a community member, said she attended to support the Constitution.
“It needs a huge hug right now and let it know that we are here and we respect it. And we are fighting for it. It’s national Law Day — everybody should be here.”
Brian Farrell, a Cedar Rapids lawyer and University of Iowa College of Law associate professor, said he thought it was important to renew and “remember our commitment to the rule of law guiding this country. I think lawyers need to take opportunities to come together and remember their unique role in safeguarding our system.”
Abby Anderson, a community member, said she wanted to support her dad and others in the legal profession.
“I also brought my kids because it’s something we’ve taken for granted,” Anderson said, tearing up. “I wanted my kids to see that this is important. We need to fight for this because things are changing quickly and we can’t take it for granted. I believe in the law and I believe there are a lot of good people in the community.”
Cedar Rapids City Attorney Vanessa Chavez said Law Day is one of her favorite programs.
“Law Day is such an important part of what we do as a legal community,” Chavez said. “It’s about our contributions to the community, not just what we do daily.”
The 6th Judicial District lawyers and Linn County Bar Association annually celebrate Law Day, but this year they joined the National Law Day of Action to promote judicial independence and independence of the legal profession.
Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com
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