By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — When longtime Salisbury attorney Randy Reamer first began practicing law, things were much different. Carbon copies of court documents were made, and the Rowan County bar was made up of four counties.

Area attorneys, prosecutors, judges and other judicial officials met Monday for a luncheon to celebrate Law Day, which is recognized each year on May 1. Law Day is designed to bring awareness to the community about law and celebrate the role of law in society.

It was a chance for attorneys to gather for fellowship and a chance to reflect upon why they do what they do.

Reamer is part of the firm Kluttz, Reamer, Hayes, Adkins & Carter, whose offices are on North Main Street.

He spoke about the changes over the years in the bar and the local court system. Reamer said he hopes the county bar can get back to more continuing education and promotion of the local bar association.

Reamer provided pictures of past bar association picnics in hopes that others could help him identify the lawyers shown in them. The pictures are from the 1950s to the 1990s. Some of those gathered sat around tables trying to determine if they knew anyone in the photos.

Reamer said the future of the profession is bright although ever changing.

In attendance at the luncheon were retired judges Thomas Seay and Larry Ford. Ford said it was the best turnout in a long time.

“It’s a very important day for the people of Rowan County,” Ford said.

He said he’s proud of Rowan Bar Association President Emily Hunter Blanton.

Blanton began the luncheon by sharing information about a continuing legal education program where a speaker made remarks about the professionalism of the Rowan County bar.

“If you’re going to practice law, this is a great place to do it,” Blanton said.

“The members of this bar work hard to uphold the ideals and goals of professionalism,” she said. “You tirelessly serve our clients — as well as the entire Rowan County community.”

Many of the attorneys, judges and others gathered serve as mentors for newer attorneys, volunteer with local nonprofit agencies, and are involved in the school system, Blanton said.

She said she’s benefited from the mentorship of seasoned attorneys.

“I think you will be hard pressed to find a nonprofit in this county that does not have a member of this bar sitting on the board of directors or otherwise volunteering,” she said.

Judges Charlie Brown and James Randolph, she noted, opened their courtrooms to fifth-graders Monday morning to hold a mock trial. Both judges regularly hold mock trials and teach students about the judicial process.

Those in attendance reminisced about days serving alongside each other in court and about previous bar association events.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.