April 27, 2026 – The Bar Association of Erie County (“BAEC”) will celebrate Law Day on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Hyatt Regency Buffalo from 12 p.m.–2 p.m. The BAEC is pleased to announce that the Honorable Jeremiah J. McCarthy, Magistrate Judge, United States District Court for the Western District of New York, will be the keynote speaker.
Law Day is recognized each year by the American Bar Association and bar associations across the nation to commemorate the rule of law and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal system. The 2026 Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” This year’s theme explores the role of the legal system in providing the foundation of opportunity and freedom for all citizens. “We often think of the rule of law as a list of rules, but it is actually the bedrock of the American Dream,” said the President Brian M. Melber. “The rule of law ensures that no one is above the law, creating the stability and fairness required for every person in our community to pursue their own path. This principle is at the heart of our mission at the BAEC.”
This year, the BAEC has expanded the celebration with a multi-week social media campaign titled “Justice Lives Through Us,” aimed at demystifying constitutional principles and the Bill of Rights for the Western New York community.
During the celebration on April 29, the BAEC will be recognizing several members of the community who have made extraordinary contributions to the system of justice and our legal profession. The Liberty Bell Award will be presented to The League of Women Voters Buffalo Niagara. The Justice Award will be presented to Mollie Brewster, Forensic Accountant, US Department of Justice. The Police Officer Award will be presented to Detective Patricia McCune, New York State Attorney General’s Office, Sex Offender Management Bureau. The Special Service Award will be presented to Mary C. Loewenguth, Clerk of Court, US District Court for the Western District of New York (ret.). The Media Award will be presented to Compact Civics & Host Cory McCants, Buffalo Toronto Public Media PBS. We will also be recognizing the Erie County High School Mock Trial Tournament winner, Nichols School.
More information about the event, including a list of our generous sponsors, can be found at eriebar.org/event/annual-law-day-luncheon/.
About the BAEC
The Bar Association of Erie County (“BAEC” or “Association”), a not-for-profit professional association, was founded in 1887. The Association serves its members by educating, pursuing justice, and fostering camaraderie, well-being, and belonging. The Association is a trusted voice and partner in the community, advocates for professional well-being and inclusion, and provides lawyers with the skills and tools to achieve excellence in the practice of law and pursuit of justice. The BAEC is a nonpartisan association made up of over three thousand lawyers and judiciary from varied practices and backgrounds, including lawyers in civil and criminal practice, corporate and trial lawyers, defense counsel, in house counsel, and those working in government, educational, and nonprofit settings.
###