NATIONAL LAW WEEK 2003 EXPLORES OUR LEGAL SYSTEM

SAN DIEGO, CA, March 28, 2003 -- The San Diego County Bar Association and Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) will host a variety of professional and community-related activities during the local celebration of Law Week, April 26 through May 3. The 2003 Law Week theme, "Law in Society: Creating a Better Community," is designed to give Law Week participants a better understanding of our legal systems as well as its effect on our everyday lives.

In 1961, the first day of May was set aside by a joint resolution of Congress as "Law Day USA" - an occasion for Americans to celebrate their liberties and explore the ideals of equality and justice under the law. Recognizing the importance of Law Day, the San Diego County Bar Association has extended the one-day event into an entire week of community outreach programs to help educate and inform the public about the law and the justice system.

"Law Week is a time to reflect on our legal heritage, the role of law in our society and the rights we enjoy under the Constitution," said SDCBA President Christopher Todd.

The Law Week 2003 activities will include a variety of contests, seminars, community outreach and social events hosted by the SDCBA and LRIS.

San Diego County elementary school students will have the opportunity to participate in the Law Week poster contest, while junior, middle and high school students will be eligible to enter the essay contest. This year's theme for the poster/essay and oratorical contest is "Law in Society: Creating a Better Community." Only high school students in grades 9-12 will be able to participate in the oratorical contest. Prizes for the poster contest range from $50-$100 in U.S. Savings Bonds while prizes for the essay contest range from $200-$400 in U.S. Savings Bonds. Winners of the oratorical contest will be awarded cash or certificates of merit.

Community outreach efforts will focus on providing free general legal advice and information to the public. The SDCBA's major outreach event "Free Law at Kobey's" will be held on Saturday, April 26, at Kobey's SWAP Meet at the Sports Arena from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Attorneys will be available at no cost to provide informal, one-on-one legal consultations with the public. Spanish interpreters will also be available.

Additionally, three Elder Law Seminars will be held on Monday, April 28 at the Chula Vista Library from 1-4 p.m., Wednesday, April 30 at the Rancho Bernardo Library from 1-4 p.m., and Friday, May 2 at the La Mesa Library from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Each seminar will include several attorneys who will focus on criminal, estate, and civil law.

Other legal questions the public may have can be answered at additional Law Week events. On Monday, April 28, NBC 7/39 "Ask a Lawyer" will afford the viewers the opportunity to call a special number and receive free legal advice from SDCBA volunteer attorneys. Free entertainment law information will also be given by some of San Diego's premier entertainment attorneys at the Guitar Center in La Mesa on Saturday, May 3 from noon-4 p.m.

On Wednesday, April 30, students from local high schools will have the opportunity to participate in the Youth Day in Court program and observe proceedings in a courtroom. The participants will be given an overview of our justice system and learn the importance of the rule of law. Additionally, the SDCBA will be presenting the annual service awards as well as media awards on Friday, May 2 at the Law Day Luncheon. The winners of the Law Week 2003 student oratorical, poster and essay competitions will also be announced that day.

Other scheduled Law Week events include: a Unity Breakfast celebrating the diversity of lawyers in San Diego; "An Evening in Old Town" where people can tour the Whaley House, enjoy dinner at the Old Town Mexican Café, and see the smash hit musical "Beehive"; a Law Week Book Drive that will seek book donations for Kennedy Elementary and the Family Justice Center; and a "Not Your Father's Cocktail Party" at The Beach bar at the "W" Hotel.

The San Diego County Bar Association is the oldest and largest legal organization in the county with more than 7,000 members. It operates the Bar Foundation, Lawyer Referral and Information Service and conducts educational programs for both the legal community and the public at large.
For more information regarding the events of Law Week 2003, please call the SDCBA at (619) 231-0781 or LRIS at (619) 231-8585.