WHAT GOES ON | SPEECHES | PHOTOS OF MEETINGS | PHOTOS OF NORWAY | HOW TO JOIN | LINKS

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ON THE MAY 17, 2016 DINNER   The Half-Norwegian (on the Mother's Side) American Bar Association, founded in 1989, meets annually in Los Angeles on or about the 17th of May (Syttende Mai), in a fun-filled commemoration of the adoption of the Norwegian Constitution in 1814. Whether dubbed "Constitution Day," "National Day" or "Norwegian Independence Day," May 17 is a day of revelry and reflection for Norwegians worldwide, just as the Fourth of July is here. Our festivities provide a venue for lawyers and judges of Norwegian heritage to assemble in celebration of this special day. And, we're joined by colleagues of other ethnic backgrounds who—in addition to learning, through sampling, what lefse, gravalax, and aquavit are—gain knowledge of Norway's history and culture through the brief talks. We've had, for example, the senior jurist in the state, Court of Appeal Presiding Justice Mildred Lillie (now deceased), a German-American, discussing Norway's court system; a Mexican-American presiding judge of the Los Angeles Superior Court, Victor Chavez, reciting events surrounding the discovery of America by Norwegian Vikings; and an Italian-American judge, Lawrence Crispo, reflecting on the occupation of Norway in World War II. There are probably few states outside of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota whose chief justice has tasted—let alone liked—gjetost...yet, California's chief justice, Ronald George (now retired), had that experience at one of our meetings. There is conviviality and humor at the meetings. Yet, with the presence of the flags of the United States of America and the Kingdom of Norway, and the annual aquavit toast to the president of the United States and the king of Norway, there is, discernibly, an underlying serious, and reverent, side to it all. If you're so inclined, read about WHAT GOES ON at the meetings and see the texts of some of the SPEECHES. Take a look at PHOTOS snapped at the meetings, and some PHOTOS OF NORWAY taken by our members. And, click away at the LINKS. And if you want to join our jolly band of annual celebrants, fill out an online MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION.