The Berrien County Bar Association and the St. Joseph Rotary Club held their annual Law Day luncheon this week at the Inn at Harbor Shores. Ambassador John Nay (ret.) gave the keynote address.
Law Day was established by the American Bar Association (ABA) to recognize and celebrate the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and to enhance public understanding of the legal system.
The ABA sets a theme each year for Law Day celebrations across the United States. The theme for 2025 is
The Constitution establishes a framework for government that unites us as one citizenry, through our representative government, jury service and a regular census. Through this commitment to our Union, we each provide for the common good.
Ambassador Nay noted in his address that he almost pursued a career in the law but chose to join the Foreign Service where he spent his 36 year career with the State Department. He lived in various regions of the world in Asia, Africa and South America and had the opportunity to observe how people in other countries regarded us. He observed that while the phrase “beacon on a hill” is somewhat jaded, America is indeed often seen that way, as a place of prosperity but also where everyone gets a fair chance. Ambassador Nay also spoke of the importance of the rule of law and noted, “without the rule of law, we all would quickly become victims of the people who lack character or are unwilling to stand up for it. My point is that we need lawyers. I’m grateful we have them.”
Ellen Moore, Manager of Berrien County’s Specialty Courts, was given the Liberty Bell Award for her contributions to our courts and community. The Liberty Bell award is given annually to honor an outstanding non-lawyer citizen who has given of his or her time and energy to strengthen the effectiveness of the American system of freedom under law, in keeping with the spirit of the Constitution. Managing the “problem-solving” courts is challenging work. It includes the Mental Health Treatment Court, the Swift and Sure Probation Program, and the Drug Treatment Court. Judge Donna Howard presented the award and noted that Ellen’s contributions have made a difference in the success of these programs.
Headline photo:
Berrien County Bar Association (BCBA) President, Nate Harrington; BCBA Vice-President, Deborah Bennett Berecz, Specialty Courts Manager, Ellen Moore; Hon. Donna Howard, Berrien County Trial Court Judge
