BBA President Matt McTygue’s Remarks from National Law Day of Action
Letter or Statement
On Thursday, May 1, BBA President Matt McTygue was among those who spoke to a gathering of hundreds of attorneys, law students, and judges on Boston Common as part of National Law Day of Action, a nationwide stand for the rule of law. His full remarks are below:
Honored colleagues, I am grateful for the opportunity to speak here today as the President of the Boston Bar Association. I am especially thrilled that retired SJC Clerk Maura Doyle is here with us today—a testament to the meaning of this moment and the enduring power of the oath we take.
This gathering is special. It brings together individuals who embody the very highest ideals of our profession: commitment, courage, and a steadfast belief in justice. Thank you for your leadership and for answering the call of this moment. You demonstrate what it means to serve.
Today, on Law Day we re-swear our oaths—not simply as a formality, but as a powerful reaffirmation of our commitment to uphold the rule of law, the very foundation of justice that sustains our democracy.
The rule of law is not abstract. It is the backbone of civil society, the safeguard of liberty, and the guiding force in the pursuit of fairness and equity. It ensures that justice is not wielded as a weapon of the powerful but as a shield for all. It promises that outcomes are determined by principle, not privilege; that due process triumphs over arbitrary judgment; and that every person, regardless of status or wealth, stands equal before the law.
Yet, we know that the rule of law is not self-executing—it relies on us. As attorneys, we are its stewards. Each case we argue, each client we counsel, and each legal precedent we help shape reinforces the structure that preserves democracy. When laws are threatened or rights disregarded—it is our duty to act.
Today, as we recommit to our oaths, let us reflect on the enormity of our responsibility. We pledge not just to follow the law but to uphold its guiding principles. To stand firm against injustice. To safeguard the rights of those whose voices might otherwise go unheard. And to ensure that the legal profession remains a beacon of honor, principle, and truth. We take this oath not only for ourselves, but for the communities that depend on us, for the institutions that rely on our stewardship, and for the future generations who we want to inherit a legal system built on fairness and integrity.
This is more than a ceremony. It is a call to action—a reminder that each of us plays a crucial role in keeping the rule of law a strong and central part of the American promise. Thank you.
