Upholding Justice Together: Reflections on Rule of Law Day and the Road Ahead

By Annie Martínez

On May 1st, the Denver Bar Association (DBA) organized a powerful and affirming Rule of Law Day demonstration at the Byron Rogers Federal Courthouse. What began as a recommitment ceremony for attorneys quickly evolved into something larger- a public declaration that our legal system must serve all people, not just those with privilege or power.

In the courtyard outside the courthouse, attorneys stood side by side with students, community leaders, activists, and residents. For many attendees who were not lawyers, the event was a rare opportunity to witness the legal profession speak with moral clarity and unity.

The spirit behind our demonstration was a reaffirmation that we do not swear an oath to partisanship, power, or political convenience, but to the Constitution, justice, the rule of law, and to the people. That oath does not expire when the courts are quiet or when the cameras are off. It binds us every day, especially when the stakes are highest.

“I’ve never seen lawyers come out like this before,” said one attendee, a social worker from North Denver. “It made me feel like someone is actually standing up for us, like the law can still work for regular people.”

Another community member shared, “It gave me hope. We hear so much about the courts being political, but this reminded me that there are still people trying to do the right thing.”

DBA President-Elect, Danae Kinnett, also addressed the crowd, reflecting on the enduring promise of legal service and the responsibility of lawyers to act not only as advocates, but as allies to those whose rights are most vulnerable. In President-Elect Kinnett’s words:

“The Constitution is not a document of convenience. It is a covenant—a promise between the people and those who govern, forged in struggle and renewed by every generation that defends it. I was honored and deeply humbled to stand united with the Denver Bar Association and 10,000+ lawyers across the country in over 50 cities who gathered for an unprecedented Law Day of Action not as members of the left or right, but as defenders of the Rule of Law—the principle that no one is above the law, and that every individual, no matter how powerful, is accountable to it. It cannot be lost on us that in times of upheaval and uncertainty, it is our judges that hold the line. And in times of pressure, it is our duty as lawyers to hold them up.

[A] huge thanks to Hon. Kato Crews for opening his courtroom and reaffirming our Oaths of Admission in this historic moment.”

As I noted during my remarks:

“The threats to the rule of law are not abstract. They are happening right now. We are watching an administration attack the independence of the judiciary, assert total control over regulatory agencies, roll back protections for immigrants, transgender people, and communities of color, and weaponize executive power against dissent. These are not policy disputes: they are signals of authoritarianism, and they demand a legal profession that refuses to be complicit. When the law is bent to serve the few, it is our duty to stand for the many. We must defend the idea that no one is above the law, not even the president. Because if the law can be broken from the top without consequence, then no rights are safe at the bottom.”

The sentiment of supporting the rule of law was echoed in the powerful oath renewal ceremony led by Judge Kato Crews, who reminded us all of the solemn duty lawyers bear as defenders of the Constitution. That we should “steel our spines” while reinstating our pledge to work unwaveringly by and for the rule of law.

But Rule of Law Day wasn’t just a reflection. It was a call to action.

Since January, the DBA has actively defended these principles: signing amicus briefs in cases, hosting educational events, and providing practical support through pro bono service and access-to-justice partnerships. But we can only continue this work with your support in membership, volunteerism and donations.

We invite every member of the legal community, and our partners in education, public service, and grassroots advocacy, to join us in the work ahead:

• Pro Bono Opportunities: Take on a case that protects housing, civil rights, or immigrant families. DBA pro bono initiatives and partner organizations like MVL offer numerous ways to get involved.
• Educational Outreach: Volunteer with civic education programs such as “Lawyers Teaching for Change,” and “Our Courts” speak at community events, submit Op-Eds or letters to the editor, or support legal literacy campaigns that help people understand their rights.
• Community Partnerships: Deepen collaborations with neighborhood organizations, clinics, and advocacy groups to ensure legal access and build lasting trust.
• Policy Engagement: Stay engaged in defending procedural fairness and due process in administrative law, court access, and other rule-of-law challenges, whether through litigation, comment, or coalition work.
• Financial Support: Direct donations and sponsorship of the DBA supports the important work ahead and allows us to maintain and expand what we are doing.

Thurgood Marshall once said, “Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on.”

This is our moment to do exactly that.

Rule of Law Day showed what is possible when the legal community leads with conviction and openness. But the rule of law does not sustain itself. It requires everyday effort—by lawyers, judges, educators, and residents alike.

To close out the demonstration, as well as this article:

We will not be silent. We will not surrender the rule of law to those who would twist it to serve power.

We will defend what we have. We will dream of what could be.

And we will fight like hell to bring it to life.