Graduates sworn into bar

One hundred USC Law graduates who recently passed the California bar exam were officially sworn into the California and federal bars in a Dec. 4 ceremony at USC.

Los Angeles Superior Court Justice Emilie H. Elias ’70 swore graduates into the California bar, while U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Jacqueline Chooljian ’86 swore graduates into the federal bar.

USC Law Dean Edward J. McCaffery welcomed the new attorneys, along with their friends and families, and congratulated them on completing one of the final steps on the passage to their new profession.

In her remarks, Judge Elias said she has loved her 36 years in the legal profession, from being a clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Charles H. Carr, to being a commissioner and judge on the L.A. Superior Court.

Judge Emilie H. Elias '70

Judge Elias, who had her first child within a year of passing the bar exam, said she made career choices that were best suited to the course of her life.

“I urge you to make the choices for today, but change them, if need be,” she said. “Take the opportunities that come your way – if you’re open to them, they will come.”

Judge Chooljian, who was admitted to the bar 20 years ago in a ceremony at USC, offered some bits of practical advice. Be proactive in making career choices, she said. If interested in a particular field of law, join a specialized bar section.

Also, don’t be afraid to say “no,” Chooljian said. It is far better to say “no up front than to say ‘yes’ and miss a deadline or turn in a sub-par piece of work. She added that attorneys must say ‘no’ when something goes against their ethics.

Magistrate Judge Jacquline Chooljian '86

“No case is worth compromising your integrity or losing your license,” she said. “You’ve worked too hard for it.”

Chooljian encouraged the new attorneys to abide by the three Ps: Be prepared, punctual and polite. She also urged them to use their new powers for good. The law is a noble calling, she said, and even young attorneys should find some time to get involved in a good cause.

After the ceremony, USC Law hosted a reception at Town & Gown, where graduates completed their paperwork for admission to each bar.