On Wednesday, June 11, young lawyers, summer associates, mentors, and leaders in the legal field gathered at the iconic Fenway Park for Law Day Live, a one-of-a-kind evening to network, celebrate, and support the next generation of attorneys shaping the future of Boston law. This year’s reimagined event welcomed over 400 guests as we recognized the Access to Justice Commission for their 20 years of advocacy and watched a win for the hometown team.
“No matter where we celebrate it, Law Day is about just that – the rule of law,” Boston Bar Association President Matt McTygue told guests in attendance, “and its necessity in a functioning society. 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.”
After his remarks, President McTygue took a moment to honor the Access to Justice Commission with a Special Presidential Citation, praising the organization’s 20 years of support for legal aid and pro bono services and advocacy for racial equity in the civil justice system. Access to Justice Commission Co-Chairs Marijane Brenner Brown and Judge Valerie Yarushas, as well as Executive Director Deb Silva, addressed the crowd to thank them all for their support and remind the legal community of the continued—and heightened—need for vigilance and advocacy on behalf of our communities.
“We must never forget the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society,” said Benner Browne.
“We look forward to building on the legacy of the last 20 years for the next 20 years and beyond,” added Silva.
Silva also took a moment to announce the newest appointments to the Commission, including former BBA President Lisa Goodheart, who will serve with Judge Yarushas as Commission Co-Chair, and Virginia Benzan, co-chair of the BBA’s Delivery of Legal Services section. In addition, Danielle Johnson, co-chair of the BBA’s Civil Rights & Civil Liberties section, and former BBA President J.D. Smeallie were re-appointed.
At the conclusion of the program, guests enjoyed a beautiful night at America’s Most Beloved Ballpark—a night that included new connections, old friends, a smorgasbord of ballpark favorites, and a 4-3 win for the hometown team over the Tampa Bay Rays.
The BBA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all who attended and made this reimagined event a huge success, as well as our event Steering Committee led by Co-Chairs Lesley Chuang and Eben Colby, and our many sponsors for supporting us. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s Law Day Live!
You can view additional photos from Law Day Live here.
To help the BBA in its efforts to support to the future professional, the rule of law, and our greater Boston community, please consider making a donation to the Boston Bar Foundation: https://bostonbar.org/donate/general-fund/
