CONTACT:  Kenneth A. Brown, OSBA, 800-282-6556 or 614-487-4426

Columbus, OHIO (Sept. 22, 2009) – The Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) is calling for entries in its second annual Law Day video contest.

Participants are encouraged to create a video of no less than three minutes and no more than 10 minutes in length, based on one of five available legal topics. Topics include jury duty and what to do in a traffic accident.

One winning video will be chosen in each of three categories: grades 5-8, grades 9-12 and adult (18 and older and not enrolled in secondary education). The contest is open to Ohio residents only. Entries will be evaluated on creativity, adherence to the legal topic and overall quality. The OSBA’s Young Lawyers Section is providing $500 for each winning entry. 

“We have very creative students and adults in Ohio, and I’m looking forward to seeing their videos,” OSBA President Barbara J. Howard said. “We hope the topics in the new contest will spark some great ideas that can then be posted on the Association’s Web site and used in classrooms as conversation starters about our legal system.”

Videos must be mailed to the OSBA before April 15, 2010, to be considered. Complete rules and contest information are available at www.ohiobar.org/videocontest.

The 2009 contest drew entries from around Ohio, with winners from the Dayton and Canton areas.

Established in 1958, Law Day celebrates the American heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. Every year on May 1, Law Day provides legal professionals and others with an opportunity to help students and the public understand how the law protects our freedoms.   

The Ohio State Bar Association, founded in 1880, is a voluntary association representing approximately 25,000 members of the bench and bar of Ohio as well as nearly 4,000 legal assistants and law students. Through its activities and the activities of its related organizations, the OSBA serves both its members and the public by promoting the highest standards in the practice of law and the administration of justice.

-30-