Celebrating Law Day in Kane County
While Law Day (May 1) is observed just once a year, at the 16th Judicial Circuit, we recognize its importance every day. This year, we kicked off the celebration with a heartfelt message from Chief Judge Robert Villa to judges, legal professionals, and court staff at the Kane County Judicial Center.
Established in 1958 by President Dwight Eisenhower, Law Day highlights the vital role of the rule of law in shaping society, safeguarding liberty, and promoting justice.
Following his address, Chief Judge Villa announced the winners of our First Annual Law Day Essay Contest. He, along with fellow judges and representatives from the Kane County Bar Foundation, traveled to local high schools to present the awards including cash prizes, swag bags, and certificates in front of educators, friends, and family. The winning essayists names, centered on this year’s theme, "The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One," will be displayed in the Kane County Judicial Center on a special plaque.
A special thanks to the Kane County Bar Foundation for generously funding the prizes for our six talented high school winners. The Law Day Essay Contest was open to all Juniors and Seniors attending school in Kane County.
The 2025 Essay winners are:
2025 Junior Awards
1st Place - $500 Award:2025 Sophomore Awards
1st Place - $500 Award:READ the full press release
VISIT the Law Day Essay Contest webpage
Photos left to right: (1) Judge Kimberly DiGiovanni, Kaneland High School Junior Isabel Aguilera, Judge D.J. Tegeler (Photo Provided by Judge Kimberly DiGiovanni); (2) KCBF representative Paul Steele, St. Edward Central Catholic High School Junior Kendall Pemberton, Judge Bradley David (Photo provided by St. Edward Assistant Principal Maureen Mann); (3) Swag bags for Law Day Essay winners and the plaque with the winners' names engraved; (4) Chief Judge Villa's Law Day address to members of the judiciary and guests
