The New York City Bar Association (NYC Bar) has a mission to cultivate a diverse legal profession that promotes legal reform and upholds the rule of law. Toward this mission, on May 1, 2025, (Law Day) the NYC Bar, in collaboration with other legal associations, sponsored a rally in New York City. The rally was part of the much larger “National Law Day of Action” network that coordinated rallies across the country advocating for the rule of law.
An estimated 2,000 people, mostly lawyers, showed up for the New York City rally at Foley Square in lower Manhattan. The demonstrators advocated for judicial independence, constitutional democracy, and the independence of judges. They also spoke out against interference by authorities on the freedom of lawyers to choose who to represent as well as their outright disregard for fundamental rights such as due process.
Multiple people took to the podium to address the demonstrators. First was Sheila Boston, former president of the NYC Bar. She led the lawyers in reaffirming their oath to defend the Constitution. Adrienne Koch, former president of the New York County Lawyers Association also addressed the crowd. Her message emphasized lawyers’ roles in fighting back against attacks on the rule of law. Former acting US Attorney General Stuart Gerson also spoke highlighting the importance of a judiciary that is independent and nonpartisan.
Dyan Gershman 
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