Whether you’re a lawyer looking for something to post on social media, or a very bored individual looking for an excuse to celebrate lawyers, we’ve got the list of novelty and unofficial holidays here for you.
Wrongful Death Awareness Day:
February 17 marks Wrongful Death Awareness Day. The holiday was founded by California personal injury law firm, Maison Law, to bring attention to “wrongful death claims”, which few people know about. For those looking to take part, use #WrongfulDeathAwarenessDay on social media to share stories of families affected by wrongful death or where people can go to find support.
Learn more: https://maisonlaw.com/community/wrongful-death-awareness-day/
Brain Injury Awareness Month:
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, giving people the opportunity to shed light on the often-overlooked issue of living with a brain injury. During the month of March, the color of purple is historically worn by those who observe Brain Injury Awareness Day, and brain injury victims are encouraged to share their stories and show others they are not alone. If you are affected by brain injury or know someone who is, there are many ways to engage in Brain Injury Awareness Month. Those looking to participate can post on social media to raise awareness using #BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth, donate to local charities, or educate others about living life with a brain injury.
Learn more: https://biausa.org/public-affairs/public-awareness/brain-injury-awareness
International Be Kind to Lawyers Day:
International Be Kind to Lawyers Day falls on every 2nd Tuesday of April. International Be Kind to Lawyers Day was founded by Steven Hughes, a communication expert and speaking coach, in 2008. After working with numerous lawyers to enhance their public-speaking skills, Hughes believed a holiday for lawyers was necessary for people to show their love and admiration for lawyers at least one day of the year.
The best way to celebrate International Be Kind to Lawyers Day is to let the lawyers in your life know you appreciate the work they do. Call them, write them a letter, or send them a gift basket to show them love on this special day.
Learn more: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/be-kind-to-lawyers-day/
National Law Day:
Celebrated annually on May 1st, Law Day is a holiday to commemorate the rule of law. President Dwight D. Eisenhower founded Law Day in 1958 as a day of national dedication to the principles of government under law. Today, U.S. citizens celebrate Law Day by reenacting trials, having attorneys speak in classrooms, and sharing their thoughts on social media using #LawDay.
Learn more: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/public_education/law-day/history-of-law-day/
National Lawyer Well-Being Week:
Lawyer Well-Being Week is observed in the first full week in May. This week was founded in 2016 to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Month to spotlight the high-stress environments lawyers work in, reminding them to take care of themselves. National Lawyer Well-Being Week can be celebrated by taking a lawyer to a fun activity, discussing stress-relieving habits with a lawyer, or wishing a lawyer well on social media using #NationalLawyerWellBeingWeek.
Learn more: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/lawyer-well-being-week/
National Law Week:
National Law Week begins on May 1st and ends on May 7th every year to honor the rule of law and public rights in the United States. National Law Week is an extension of President Eisenhower’s National Law Day, allowing many in the United States the opportunity to recognize the importance of law in a free society. Throughout this celebrated week, many citizens honor the justice system through education activities, community programs, and public discussions.
Learn more: https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/national-law-week/
National Legal Assistance Day:
Although the first legal assistance program began in New York in the 1870s, it rapidly proliferated on a federal level to include federal public defenders, and then to the states to include state public defenders, both of which are supported by tax dollars. On May 14th, you can volunteer on National Legal Assistance Day at your local state or federal public defender’s office. There are always ways you can help, such as taking phone calls or filing internal documents.
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/legal-assistance-day/
Hug a Lawyer Day:
Everyone needs a hug, including lawyers. Hug a Lawyer Day is celebrated on June 13th as a way for people to remind lawyers that their work is appreciated. No lawyer jokes or lawyer bashing is allowed on this day, only hugs. It’s easy to celebrate. Find a lawyer in your life and give them a hug or take to social media and spread the love using #HugALawyer.
https://optimizemyfirm.com/hug-a-lawyer/
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day:
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) falls on June 15th. WEAAD was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of elderly persons. Citizens can participate in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by distributing outreach materials, educating others on elder abuse prevention, and attending an event geared toward raising awareness.
https://www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day
Medical Malpractice Awareness Month:
July is reserved for Medical Malpractice Awareness Month. Since 2013, the National Medical Malpractice Advocacy Association (NMMAA) has set out to eliminate medical malpractice in the United States. A big step for the organization was setting July as Medical Malpractice Awareness Month, helping heighten public awareness and understanding of injuries and deaths that occur every day from medical negligence. Those looking to take part can donate to the NMMAA, attend a legal seminar on medical malpractice, or share their story on social media with #MedicalMalpracticeAwareness.
https://www.nmmaa.org/nmmaa-initiatives
National Grief Awareness Day:
National Grief Awareness Day is on August 30th. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the grieving process after losing a loved one. There is no right way to recover from a loss, and this day is to remind people it’s okay to grieve. National Grief Awareness Day was founded in 2014 by Angie Cartwright. Her struggles with grief inspired her to highlight a day for everyone to reflect on the realities of bereavement. The holiday can be observed by looking for signs of grief in others or yourself and allowing it to be expressed in a healthy way.
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-grief-awareness-day-august-30
Love Litigating Lawyers Day:
Love Litigation lawyers deserve their own day for their tireless efforts on behalf of their clients. The American Bar Association gave it to them on August 31 of every year with Love Litigating Lawyers Day, a day of appreciation for their hard and demanding work. Litigation is the backbone of American jurisprudence, and clients show their appreciation to their lawyers with a simple phone call and a thank you to lunch or dinner.
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/love-litigating-lawyers-day/
National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month:
This is remembered every year during the month of September after the United States Senate previously passed a resolution making September National Spinal Cord Injury Month. This day has been celebrated since 2013 and recognized in 2018. Its purpose is to develop new treatments and resources for those who have suffered spinal cord injuries and paralysis. That objective calls for fundraising efforts and initiatives.
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/september/national-spinal-cord-injury-awareness-month-september
National Childhood Injury Prevention Week:
National Childhood Injury Prevention Week takes place every year from September 1 – 7. This week is set aside to inform parents and child caregivers of steps they can take to keep their children safe. Celebrating National Childhood Injury Prevention Week includes informing others about childhood safety practices such as safe sleeping habits for babies, or removing potentially poisonous household items from the reach of children. To easily bring attention to other childhood injury prevention tips, people can take to social media with their helpful advice while using #ChildhoodInjuryPreventionWeek
National Concussion Awareness Day:
National Concussion Awareness Day falls on September 20th. This nationally recognized holiday aims to start a conversation about concussion awareness to show support for those suffering and raise funds for charitable organizations. Founded in 2016 by a concussion victim, Brooke Mills, the day is intended to help people recognize concussions, treat them appropriately, and support those suffering. Those looking to participate can host an educational opportunity at school, start a fundraiser to benefit a brain injury charity or share their story online using #NationalConcussionAwarenessDay.
International Wrongful Conviction Day:
October 2 is International Wrongful Conviction Day, as implemented by the Innocence Project, an organization that is dedicated to the release of incarcerated individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. Other prisoners remain in prison for crimes that they didn’t commit. With increased public situations coming into the public’s eye, other wrongfully convicted individuals who are still serving their sentences are certain to have their cases heard again and then be released.
https://wrongfulconvictionday.org/
World Trauma Day:
October 17 of every year recognizes the World Health Organization’s World Trauma Day which began in New Delhi India, where an estimated 400 people day die in traffic related accidents. The day was instituted to mitigate against such fatalities and injuries and alleviate the consequences of same. Such numbers can decrease drastically by promoting the observance of the rules of the road and if traveling on a motorcycle, wearing a helmet at all times.
https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/international/world-trauma-day-october-17
National Paralegal Day:
October 23rd is National Paralegal Day. It is an annual event that celebrates the legal work performed by paralegals and legal assistants each year to law firms succeed. National Paralegal Day was first recognized in the early 1980s when the State Bar of Texas made history by creating the first paralegal division in 1981. Ways to celebrate include saying thank you to a paralegal, surprising a law office with sweet treats, or spotlighting the achievements of paralegal with a post on social media using #NationalParalegalDay.
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/national-paralegal-day/
Love Your Lawyer Day:
The first Friday of November marks Love Your Lawyer Day. Love Your Lawyer Day began in 2001 when attorney Nader Anise started a campaign of “No Lawyer Bashing or Jokes for a Day.” Today, people celebrate this holiday by inviting a lawyer to come speak at their high school or college, spreading information on how to become a lawyer, or thanking a lawyer in person for their service.
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/love-your-lawyer-day/
Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR):
November 16th is reserved for commemorating the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. This day honors road victims and their bereaved families by taking the time to remember their loss. Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Day was adopted around the world after it was unanimously passed by the General Assembly resolution 60/5 in October 2005. Those wishing to participate can speak with victims families, or share their own stories online using #RememberanceforRoadTrafficVictims.
https://worlddayofremembrance.org/
National Injury Prevention Day:
National Injury Prevention Day is honored on November 18th. This day is reserved to raise awareness and empower communities to prevent injuries and violence. National Injury Prevention Day was spearheaded by the Injury Free Coalition for Kids and the American Trauma Society. Citizens can participate every November 18th by attending safety seminars and sharing a safety message on social media using #InjuryPreventionDay.
https://www.amtrauma.org/page/NIPD2024
Have a Great Day.
These are just some of the national and international days that a celebrated by honoring the difficult job of being a lawyer. Others exist, but they aren’t as notable. You can choose one of the above to celebrate, give time, or donate too, or you can contribute to another lawyer holiday not mentioned on this list. Either way, your time and donation are invaluable to the pursuit of justice for our nation and the world.
