Congratulations Law Day Honorees!

Jim Branton Joe Frazier Brown, Sr. Award of Excellence	Jimmy Allison SAYLA Liberty Bell Award
Emma Cano SAYLA Outstanding Young Lawyer Award	Marty Truss SAYLA Outstanding Mentor Award

Law Day at 50:
‘The Rule of Law: Foundation for
Communities of Opportunity & Equity'

50 years ago President Eisenhower proclaimed the first Law Day a “day of national dedication to the principle of government under law.” The San Antonio Bar Association and the San Antonio Bar Foundation invite you to celebrate this enduring principle during our 50th anniversary of Law Day celebration on Friday, May 9, 2008, at the San Fernando Cathedral AT&T Community Center (231 W. Commerce).

President John F. Kennedy said “by strengthening the rule of law we strengthen freedom and justice.” The 50th anniversary theme for Law Day is The Rule of Law: Foundation for Communities of Opportunity and Equity. We all have a stake in the rule of law, and we all can do our part to strengthen it. The rule of law refers to a system of self-government with a strong and accessible legal process. Law Day 2008 will explore the meaning of the rule of law, fostering public understanding of the rule of law through discussion of its role in a free society.

The keynote speaker for the luncheon will be Barry Scheck, best known for his years of landmark litigation, which set standards for the use of DNA evidence in courts throughout the country. Mr. Scheck has spearheaded a nationwide movement to re-examine the fairness and efficancy of our criminal justice system through the Innocence Project,which he co-founded in 1992 with his colleague Peter Neufeld.

Several awards will be presented during the luncheon. The prestigious Joe Frazier Brown, Sr. Award of Excellence, a long-term tribute in honor of the distinguished attorney who taught and influenced many attorneys, recognizes a lawyer(s) who demonstrate service to others, idealism, intelligence and a high degree of integrity. This year’s recipient will be James (Jim) Branton of Branton & Hall, P.C. The San Antonio Young Lawyers Association will also present a series awards at the luncheon. The Liberty Bell Award recognizes an outstanding non-lawyer who has made a selfless contribution to his or her community to strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of justice by instilling a better understanding and appreciation of the law. This year, the award goes to long-time Executive Director of the San Antonio Bar Association Jimmy Allison. Emma Cano of Haynes and Boone, LLP will recieve the Outstanding Young Lawyer Award, which annually recognizes an individual who has exhibited professional proficiency, service to the profession and service to the community. Finally, the Outstanding Mentor Award, which recognizes an attorney who serves as a role model to young lawyers in his or her community; fosters the development of young lawyers and significantly contributes to the profession and/or the community will be presented to Marty Truss of Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated.

The cost per table of ten is $1,000 and individual tickets are $45. The SABA Law Day committee has planned the Law Day Luncheon as a time for lawyers from all areas of practice and members of our community to come together to celebrate and show appreciation for our legal system.

If you have any questions about the Law Day Luncheon or would like to purchase a table, please contact Jimmy Allison at 210.227.8822 x21.