The 2026 Mark S. Cady Day of Public Service will take place Friday, Oct. 30, bringing members of Iowa’s legal community together for service projects and pro bono work in honor of the late Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady.
The annual event, now in its seventh year, encourages attorneys, law students and other members of the legal community to give their time and skills to benefit communities across Iowa. Projects may include legal clinics, community service initiatives and educational programs. Register your project: https://drake.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eqBB6wpOMxQHUN0
Justice Cady served on the Iowa Supreme Court for nearly 25 years, including as chief justice from 2011 until his death in 2019. Throughout his career, he was recognized for his commitment to public service and expanding access to justice.
“Chief Justice Cady believed so strongly in the duty of lawyers to give back to their communities and to improve access to justice for everyone,” said Drake Law School Interim Dean Jerry Anderson. “I know he would be tremendously gratified to see so much good work being done in his honor.”
Drake University Law School partners with the Iowa State Bar Association, The Iowa State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, Iowa Legal Aid, the Polk County Bar Association, and Polk County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project to host Cady Day each year.
Organizations and individuals can participate by organizing a service or pro bono project in honor of Cady Day. Projects do not have to take place on Oct. 30 to be recognized as a Cady Day of Service project.
For more information or to register a project, visit https://www.drake.edu/law/alumni/events/cady-day.