Law Day, May 1, is a national day of celebration, where we traditionally honor our freedoms as Americans—freedoms protected by our laws and legal institutions.

The legal profession traditionally has played an historic role in connecting society with the rule of law. The legal profession also has played a major role in ensuring that the rule of law remains strong in our nation, that it pursues justice and defends liberty. It is a tradition to be proud of.

The legal profession must assume leadership in assuring that the blessings of liberty are experienced by all our citizens, and that democratic institutions take root around the world.

First, the legal profession must help all Americans understand how the law protects their rights and responsibilities—and how they, in turn, have to participate in our democracy to keep it strong.

Through Law Day observances around the country, lawyers are meeting with the public and with students, helping them understand both the practical law that we encounter every day, and also the great principles of liberty under law. At the same time, through the Law Day theme of “Speak Up for Democracy and Diversity,” they’re reminding all of us that civic participation—voting, serving on juries, serving the community—is essential to preserving our democracy.

Second, the legal profession must be as varied and diverse as the public to retain its essential role as connecting link with the rule of law. During this historic time, our profession has made it a top priority to improve racial and ethnic diversity in the legal profession.

The results of ABA surveys during the past year demonstrate that concerns about fairness and equality in the justice system are widespread among our colleagues and our citizens. Data indicate that although our society rapidly is becoming more diverse, with people of color likely to reach majority status in the next 35 to 50 years, the legal profession remains more than 90% white. Enrollment of racial and ethnic minorities in our law schools is at best 20% of the students.

The ABA is working with law schools, bar associations, and corporations to establish action plans for achieving a more racially and ethnically diverse profession. The legal profession must accomplish this goal to fulfill its essential role of protecting the rights and freedoms of all.

Third, we must meet the expanding global nature of our responsibilities. As governments embrace democratic principles and as markets open, we must ready ourselves for new challenges. Our responsibility as lawyers and as citizens of the world requires that we offer help to those in the international community seeking our assistance in the development of institutions based on the rule of law.

The ABA has 10 years of success by the Central and Eastern Europe Law Initiative, which has helped former satellites of the USSR embrace freedom under law. And we have demonstration projects in China through the Asia Law Initiative Council; and will soon have similar opportunities to advance peace and prosperity through the rule of law in Latin America and Africa.

So on this Law Day, as we celebrate our freedoms, let us remember that freedom, justice and equality are not givens—certainly not for citizens of emerging democracies, but not for us either. They require the courage, perseverance, and participation of all of us.