The theme established by the American Bar Association for Law Day 2025 is “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.” Here are insights from some of Jacksonville’s legal community leaders about what that means in the context of current events.
Jacksonville Bar Association president
The theme of Law Day resonates now probably more than any other period of my lifetime thus far.
E pluribus unum is translated to “out of many, one.” This signifies we may all be different, but the sum of our many diverse traits creates a much greater community.
Government should not govern in a way that favors one group over another, but must govern for the benefit of the community at large.
Similarly, we are a country of immigrants. Out of many nationalities became the best dang country in the world. I hope we can keep it that way and will do my best to make sure we do.
JBA board member
The founding fathers of the Constitution of the United States displayed tremendous foresight in order to create a document that would stand the test of time. Although the original draft of the sacred document would be amended to expand its reach to people who were not initially considered by the founding fathers, they still realized the ideal: Out of many, one.
Now, more than 230 years since the ratification of the Constitution, we continue to be a people standing on the words etched in the document. “Out of many, one” indicates the power that exists when the people of the U.S. from all backgrounds and experiences come together as one.
It serves as a reminder that even with our uniqueness as individuals we are one nation.
It is not far-fetched to consider the power of oneness when we think of athletes on a basketball team. Each player has a role to play. When everyone on the team is communicating and executing the game plan, there is power in being on one accord.
On this Law Day, let us revisit the notion of “out of many, one.” Let us find ways to bridge the gap that seeks to divide us as a nation.
We are stronger together. We are better together. Let us use our many gifts to contribute to our communities and our nation in ways that will leave a longstanding and positive impact.
JBA Young Lawyers Section president
As president of the Young Lawyers Section of the JBA, I’m proud to join in recognizing this year’s Law Day theme, E Pluribus Unum – Out of Many, One. It’s a powerful reminder that our strength as a community, and as a profession, comes from unity through diversity.
Here in Jacksonville, our legal community reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, and it’s through that diversity that we find shared purpose. Let us recommit to ensuring the rule of law remains a force for inclusion, justice, and opportunity for all.
JBA board of governors
E Pluribus Unum—Out of Many, One—carries as much symbolic significance today as it did when our forefathers made a union from 13 distinct colonies. America was born of vigorous debate among people with differing perspectives.
While the creation of our republic was historically unique and arduous, the work of preserving it is ongoing and equally demanding.
This year’s Law Day theme reminds us to celebrate our differences, challenge one another respectfully, and remember that we should be united in advancing the American democratic experiment. As members of the legal community, we are uniquely positioned to shape that experiment for the better.
Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association president
For their annual Law Day issue, the Daily Record solicited insight about this year’s theme “from Bar leaders like [me].”
I had to ask myself, what exactly does “like [me]” mean? If it just means me as one example of a voluntary Bar leader, then “out of many, one” could simply stand for the idea that out of the many lawyers that make up our profession, we form one bench and one Bar.
But if it means a Bar leader like me – a proud childless dog lady descended from German and Mexican immigrants and the first in her family to graduate college and law school who leads an organization dedicated to the promotion of women lawyers, then e pluribus unum means so much more.
It means hope that as one country, one people, one bench and one Bar, we stand for all of the many, myriad and varied voices that make up the one and that all are equal.
JBA board member
“The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,” is a powerful reminder of the unifying principles that form the foundation of our democracy.
It underscores the importance of inclusivity, diversity and the rule of law in shaping our nation.
As Bar leaders, we have a responsibility to uphold these values, fostering a legal system that ensures justice and equality for all. This theme challenges us to reflect on our shared commitment to building a society that honors its founding ideals while embracing its evolving diversity.
Randall C. Berg Jr. Founding Dean, Jacksonville University College of Law
Our nation emerged from rebellion against abusive government power.
The 13 characters in Latin and English of our original motto symbolized 13 colonies and first states. They also stand for the wondrous variety of America’s people, places, perspectives and priorities.
History teaches that democracies can be dismantled piece by piece.
Lawlessness, intimidation, silencing dissent and truth and corruption are all steps in this process. Sadly, grievances in the Declaration of Independence are headlines today.
We need to protect our rights to disagree and be different in peace and harmony with justice for all. E pluribus unum, now and always.