At its April meeting, the joint board of the Sixteenth Judicial District Bar and the Durham County Bar Association voted unanimously to join the American Bar Association’s “Bar organizations’ statement in support of the rule of law.” That publicized communication can be found here.
In addition, the board also voted unanimously to publish its own statement, which can be found below.
Statement on the Rule of Law and the Role of the Legal Profession
The Sixteenth Judicial District Bar and the Durham County Bar Association stand united in defense of the rule of law, judicial independence, and the core principles that sustain our democracy. As organizations rooted in diversity and committed to progress, we recognize how far we’ve come—and how much is at stake if we remain silent in moments that demand action.
Our profession is built on more than advocacy. It is built on a solemn oath: to uphold the Constitution, to pursue justice, and to preserve the integrity of the courts. In this moment, that oath matters more than ever.
We echo the urgency expressed by our colleagues across the country and add our voice to a growing call to protect the independence of the judiciary from political pressure, misinformation, and coordinated efforts to erode public trust in our legal system.
As Abraham Lincoln warned in 1863, “A man who stands by and says nothing, when the peril of his government is discussed, cannot be misunderstood. If not hindered, he is sure to help the enemy.”
We call on all lawyers—regardless of role, background, or affiliation—to live up to the promise of their oath. In a time when judges, law firms and lawyers are being specifically targeted and fear economic and political retribution, it is particularly important that we add our communal voices to the defense of the rule of law.
Stand up. Speak out. Defend the courts. Uphold the rule of law. Silence is not an option—not for us, and not for any attorney who understands the weight of our responsibility.
The Sixteenth Judicial District Bar and the Durham County Bar Association will continue to champion access to justice, equitable representation, and an independent judiciary. We are proud of the strides we’ve made as a bar—and we will not retreat from the work still ahead. Let us face this moment with unity, courage, and conviction—qualities that have always defined the very best of our profession.
Invitation to Reaffirm Attorney Oath as part of nationwide Law Day of Action – May 1 @ 1 p.m.
The board of the Durham County Bar Association has unanimously voted to stand with thousands of attorneys across the nation to host a Law Day of Action event.
In 1958, President Dwight Eisenhower established Law Day as a day of national dedication to the principles of government under the law. As part of standing up for those principles, the Durham County Bar Association will host a reaffirmation of the Oath of Office as an Attorney at Law on Thursday, May 1 @ 1 p.m. on the steps of the Durham County Courthouse.
The oath will be administered by judges from the Durham Bench, and any attorney licensed in North Carolina is welcome to recite the oath, and members of the public are encouraged to attend.
Registration is not required but would be greatly appreciated, and can be accomplished on this page by choosing the option for "Everyone."
We look forward to standing with you to support the rule of law.