250 Years Later: Reexamining the Declaration of Independence Through a Modern Legal Lens 

In January, Leake Andersson Partner Karen Futch joined the St. Thomas More–Loyola Inn of Court for a special CLE program commemorating a milestone moment in American history: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. 

Held at the Audubon Clubhouse, the program offered attendees a thoughtful and memorable exploration of the Declaration not just as a founding document, but as a living framework that continues to shape our legal system today. 

History Meets Advocacy 

Karen joined Judge Raymond Steib and attorney Rachel Yazbeck for a collaborative presentation that blended historical analysis with legal insight. To bring the drafting process to life, Karen and Rachel leaned into a bit of creative storytelling, literally stepping into history by portraying Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, respectively. 

Rachel, as Jefferson, walked through the initial drafting of the Declaration and the intellectual influences behind it. Karen, channeling Franklin, explained the critical editing process that refined Jefferson’s draft into the final document adopted by the Continental Congress. Judge Steib guided the discussion, providing narrative context around the debates, revisions, and legal principles embedded in the text we know today. 

The Declaration as a Legal Document 

Rather than treating the Declaration as a static historical artifact, the program emphasized its role as a foundational legal statement. One that articulated natural rights, questioned the legitimacy of unchecked authority, and established the principle that government derives its power from the consent of the governed. 

Drawing from historical sources and early drafts, the presenters highlighted how the Declaration evolved through collaboration, compromise, and careful language choices. The evolution of the document followed an editorial process familiar to any practicing attorney. As discussed during the CLE, its structure reads much like a legal brief: a statement of principles, a detailed list of grievances, and a formal declaration of intent. 

Why It Still Matters 

More than 250 years later, the Declaration of Independence continues to influence legal thought and democratic movements around the world. The presentation explored how later documents have cited and echoed the Declaration’s language, from the Gettysburg Address to the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, underscoring its enduring relevance.

For attorneys, judges, and legal professionals, revisiting the Declaration reminds us to continually examine, defend, and refine the principles of the rule of law, individual rights, and accountability in governance.

Leake Andersson is proud to have attorneys like Karen Futch contributing to meaningful legal education and thoughtful dialogue within our profession.  

Acknowledgment 

The firm also extends its appreciation to Judge Raymond Steib for their role in shaping the foundation of this program. Judge Steib developed the original concept for the presentation and prepared much of the substantive material examining the founders’ intent and the Declaration’s drafting and editing process, which Karen Futch and Rachel Yazbeck incorporated into their discussion. 

Karen and Rachel further built upon this framework by crafting original dialogue to re-enact the roles of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, bringing a dynamic and engaging dimension to the program.