News & Events

March 12, 2021

Paley Rothman Recognizes Juneteenth as Firm Holiday

  • March 12, 2021

BETHESDA, MD – (March 12, 2021) Paley Rothman announced today that Juneteenth (June 19th) will be one of its paid holidays beginning this year. As part of its commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, the law firm stated that it acknowledges the importance of the Juneteenth holiday and believes its attorneys, staff, and clients will benefit from commemorating and celebrating Juneteenth going forward.

“We make this change because it is the right thing to do – for our employees, our clients, and our business,” said Paley Rothman Co-President James R. Hammerschmidt. “We hope our attorneys and staff will enjoy the holiday in June, and we encourage them to learn more about the history, celebrations, and important meaning surrounding Juneteenth.”

Juneteenth is a holiday established to celebrate the arrival of news of the Emancipation Proclamation and the abolition of slavery in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 – news which took more than two years to reach African Americans living in southern Texas. 

The holiday celebrates those people emancipated and the end of enslavement in the United States. Juneteenth celebrations go as far back as 1866 (the very next year after the Galveston announcement) with feasting, singing of spirituals, prayer meetings and dance. Juneteenth is widely celebrated today among African-American communities and has been adopted as an official holiday in several places around the country. It is considered the longest running African-American holiday and has been called "America's second Independence Day." 

The firm is also submitting written testimony in support of a bill pending in the Maryland General Assembly to make Juneteenth an official State holiday.  “While Juneteenth is not yet an official holiday in Maryland when government offices and businesses are closed, Paley Rothman supports legislation to make Juneteenth a paid, legal holiday for everyone in Maryland and encourages other businesses in Maryland to do the same,” said Paley Rothman Co-President Robert Maclay. 

About Paley Rothman
Founded nearly 50 years ago, Paley Rothman is one of the leading law firms in the Washington, DC-area and is known for its outstanding client service and sophisticated practices. Paley Rothman has developed a loyal base of clients who appreciate its competitive pricing, efficiency, collegiality and knowledge. 

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Media Contacts: 

Brooke Merchen
301.656.7603
bmerchen@paleyrothman.com

Eleanor Kerlow
301.335.8141
eleanor@eleanorkerlowpr.com

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