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International Be Kind to Lawyers Day recognizes the vital role legal professionals play in our society every second Tuesday of April. It’s a chance to acknowledge their hard work, dedication, and the complex challenges they navigate daily. Take a moment to thank a lawyer, send a thoughtful note, or simply offer a kind word to those who uphold justice and assist us through life’s legal complexities.
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Expected International Be Kind to Lawyers Day Deals
As International Be Kind to Lawyers Day approaches, the focus shifts from commercial deals to genuine appreciation for legal professionals. While we don’t expect widespread sales, many businesses and organizations offer special recognition. Look for local restaurants providing discounts for those with legal IDs, or coffee shops offering complimentary beverages. Professional associations like the American Bar Association and state bar groups may host appreciation events or webinars highlighting the contributions of their members. Consider supporting legal aid organizations or charities that provide pro bono services. Companies like LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer might run campaigns to highlight the value of legal advice. We will update this page with confirmed live appreciation programs as April 14 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Be Kind to Lawyers Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #BeKindToLawyers. Share stories of lawyers who have made a positive impact.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #BeKindToLawyers. Highlight a legal professional you admire or share an interesting legal fact.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BeKindToLawyers. Post a thank you message to the legal community.
International Be Kind to Lawyers Day Hero
Thurgood Marshall
History of International Be Kind to Lawyers Day
Steve Hughes, a public speaking coach, created International Be Kind to Lawyers Day in 2008. Hughes worked with many lawyers to enhance their presentation and public-speaking skills and found that the general public often had negative thoughts about this profession whenever he explained he worked with so many.
Hughes believed lawyers deserve our love, admiration, and respect at least one day out of 365. He chose the second Tuesday in April because it fell nicely between two other holidays that have somewhat negative connotations — April Fool’s Day (April 1) and U.S. Tax Day (April 15). Maybe he was attempting to make lawyers look good comparatively!
Since this is an international holiday, the world has joined in on the commitment to setting aside one day per year where we refrain from lawyer jokes and attempt a range of niceties. In all seriousness, most of us have friends or family members who are lawyers. If you don’t, you may be in the group who has been represented by a lawyer. And we’re sure they have represented you well. Lawyers have always had our backs and done what they can to get us out of hot water. So it’s not all that difficult to join in on the idea that they should be celebrated today.
International Be Kind to Lawyers Day timeline
The first references to law can be traced to ancient Egypt’s concepts of Maat, which included ideals of truth, balance, order, law, and justice.
At a time when only white men over the age of 21 could be lawyers, Arabella Mansfield is admitted to the Iowa bar.
The American Bar Association is established to support and advocate for the legal profession through the accreditation of law schools, defining ethical standards for lawyers, and advancing the rule of law.
It is during the double murder trial of former NFL star O.J. Simpson where famous lawyer Johnnie Cochran explains, “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Be Kind to Lawyers Day
Local businesses can show their appreciation for legal professionals by offering special gestures on International Be Kind to Lawyers Day. Restaurants could provide a ‘Lawyer’s Lunch Discount’ or a complimentary dessert to those presenting a bar association card. Office supply stores might offer discounts on legal pads, pens, or other essential supplies. Consider sponsoring a local bar association event or donating a portion of sales to a legal aid foundation. These thoughtful acts not only recognize hard work but also build goodwill within the community.
International Be Kind to Lawyers Day FAQs
When is International Be Kind to Lawyers Day?
International Be Kind to Lawyers Day in 2027 will be observed on Tuesday, April 13. It’s an important occasion to extend gratitude and respect to those in the legal field.
How many lawyers are there in the U.S.?
The legal profession in the U.S. remains substantial, with over 1.3 million licensed attorneys. These individuals work in various sectors, from private practice to government and corporate legal departments.
What are the common misconceptions about lawyers?
Many people mistakenly believe lawyers are solely focused on winning at all costs or are inherently dishonest. However, the majority are dedicated to upholding justice, providing crucial advice, and helping clients navigate intricate legal systems with integrity and ethical standards.
Why is it important to be kind to lawyers?
Showing kindness to lawyers acknowledges the immense pressure they face and the essential services they provide. From defending the innocent to drafting critical contracts, their expertise is indispensable, and a little appreciation can go a long way in recognizing their demanding profession.
Ways to Celebrate International Be Kind to Lawyers Day
Watch a movie about lawyers
Watch your favorite movie featuring a lawyer as the main character. There are certainly plenty to choose from! The most famous lawyer movie is “To Kill a Mockingbird” but some other good choices are “The Firm,” “A Few Good Men,” and “Legally Blonde.”
Show the love
Don’t forget to simply say “Thank you” to the lawyers who have helped you in the past. Whether they represented you in a legal proceeding, helped you sort out personal legal matters, or currently work alongside you in a corporate setting, today’s the day to show them love.
Send referrals their way
Depending on the types of law the lawyers in your life practice, referring your friends to them is the greatest compliment you can give and would definitely be appreciated. Writing a glowing review on their social sites could also be a fantastic boost to their business.
5 Fun Facts About Legal Pads
Legal pads began at a paper mill
Legal pads were first sold in 1888 when a paper mill worker began collecting scraps of paper and turned them into pads cut to legal size.
Yellow was an intentional choice
The color yellow was originally chosen because the dye was less expensive than bleaching the paper white but it also allowed the lawyers to differentiate their notes from all other legal, white documents.
Lawyers were the first to use the original size
Lawyers were the primary users of the legal pad size — 8 ½ x 14 — today, many others use this size.
There are so many options
In today’s world of variety, legal pads come in various colors and are perforated or hole-punched — the traditional yellow-colored pad is also available in other sizes.
Judges made the margins bigger
Judges requested a notepad that had larger margins for better note-taking, hence the larger left-side margins you see on legal pads today.
WHY WE LOVE BE KIND TO LAWYERS DAY
They do pro bono work
Every year, lawyers sacrifice thousands of hours to pro bono work. Pro bono means without compensation — yes, for free!
It’s good to have a lawyer as a friend
Having a lawyer in your court before you go to court is a good thing! Having someone you already know and trust can lessen the stress of legal situations, so take the time today to show your appreciation for your lawyer friend and keep that relationship strong.
They help society
More common than not, people seek to practice law in order to help others. Their driving motivation is justice and they have the ability to communicate and solve complex problems in order to bring it about.
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