Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Charlottesville will join cities across the country on May 1 to celebrate the National Law Day of Action, an initiative encouraging attorneys to reaffirm their oath to uphold the U.S. and Virginia Constitutions. Charlottesville Circuit Court Clerk Llezelle Dugger announced on the Morning News that the city’s legal community will participate in a special ceremony held in the courtroom at noon. “It will take like five minutes, but it means a lot,” Dugger said, emphasizing the symbolic importance of renewing their professional commitment.  

Traditionally observed with community-focused events, this year’s Law Day carries national significance amid heightened attention to constitutional principles.“This year is a little different… lawyers for good government, they decided to do this national thing in light of what’s happening in DC, for lawyers to basically reaffirm their oath across the country,” Dugger explained. The Charlottesville Bar Association will host the local event, open to all attorneys without registration, and led by Dugger and Albemarle Circuit Court Clerk Jon Zug. 

Dugger, a former public defender, reflected on the deeper meaning behind the oath: “It really, truly is a belief in our Constitution… it’s one person at a time that you defend their constitutional rights zealously,” she said. The reaffirmation ceremony aims to remind legal professionals of their foundational role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice in their communities. 

Listen to the full conversation here: