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Bar governors plan Law Day launch for Rule of Law ambassador program
Summary
Governors on the Bar Association’s Board of Governors discussed a volunteer Rule of Law Ambassador program and a Law Day launch that will include public events, a toolkit and continuing-legal-education offerings to promote civic education and public confidence in the legal system.
The Bar Association’s Board of Governors heard an update on a planned Rule of Law ambassador program that the board expects to launch on Law Day, May 1. Governor Sarah said the program will recruit volunteer ambassadors and equip them with a public-event toolkit and educational materials to promote confidence in the rule of law and to answer common legal questions in their communities.
The program was described as a joint effort between the governors’ public-ambassador role adopted last spring and a volunteer initiative the Bar’s membership association, WCA, plans to run. "We are going to ask a group of ambassadors, the first cohort, to lead some public events where lawyers are recommitting to their oath to uphold the constitution," Governor Sarah said. She added the initiative’s key message will be that "the rule of law is not political in Washington" and that lawyers should be prepared to explain rights and legal processes when neighbors ask about misinformation or legal questions.
The rollout will include a CLE component, Governor Sarah said, intended to prepare ambassadors to explain constitutional issues and the legal framework that applies during high-profile or contested moments. The Bar has consulted with the state Supreme Court in planning and expects to circulate an ambassador toolkit and event materials ahead of Law Day. "So be on the lookout for that. It's a fast timeline," Governor Sarah said.
Governor Price supported additional education for governors and members, suggesting the board arrange presentations for governors so they can answer questions in community and section meetings. Governor Price and others mentioned inviting constitutional law professors to speak; Governor Price cited an interview and column in Bar News connected to the outreach and suggested inviting Professor Hugh Spitzer to present.
The update did not include a formal vote or a finalized ambassador roster. Governor Sarah asked governors to volunteer for Law Day events, and several governors expressed support. The board did not set a formal implementation committee or budget for the ambassador program during the remarks.
The discussion took place before the board entered an executive session announced by the chair.
