The CBA Young Lawyers Section is pleased to celebrate the American Bar Association's Law Day 2021: Advancing the Rule of Law Now. The 2021 Law Day theme focuses on the idea that The rule of law is the bedrock of American rights and liberties—in times of calm and unrest alike. The 2021 Law Day theme—Advancing the Rule of Law, Now—reminds all of us that we the people share the responsibility to promote the rule of law, defend liberty, and pursue justice.

Liberty Bell Award

The Young Lawyers Section is proud to announce this year's Liberty Bell Award winner, Brian Leverenz!



Brian is the Community Service Administrator at New Trier Township. He founded and has directed the New Trier Township Peer Jury Program for over 20 years. Brian saw a need for an alternative to      sending youthful offenders to the overcrowded, impersonal juvenile court system. Brian saw that many agencies funded by the township would benefit by receiving motivated services from offenders  completing community service sentences, as well as provide those offenders with an opportunity to participate constructively in their community. Brian exemplifies the cornerstones of the Liberty Bell Award, including: 
- Having a sense of responsibility for community welfare and public duty under the law;
- Helping others to understand and assert their rights under the law
- Promoting and encourage respect and obedience to the law; and
- Assisting the smooth functioning of our system of justice. 

Law Day Reflections

The YLS asked thought leaders and justice seekers across Illinois to share their personal reflections on what this year's Law Day theme means to them. 

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Rita Garman; Chastidy Burns, Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary under Senator Richard J. Durbin


Maryam Ahmad, CBA President and Chief of the Juvenile Justice Bureau of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office; Tanya Woods, Executive Director of the Westside Justice Center; Gino Betts, Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, Felony Trial Division


Cook County Circuit Court Judge Nichole Patton; Jaylin McClinton, 3rd year law student at Chicago Kent College of Law; Ray J. Koenig III, Chicago Member in Charge, Clark Hill PLC; Chicago Bar Association Secretary

Law Day Media

Law Day Commemoration Letter by CBA President Maryam Ahmad - Chicago Daily Law Bulletin