Proud to Admit

71 graduates sworn into bar by alumni judges

—By Darren Schenck

Every spring, the legal careers of about 200 aspiring lawyers begin with admission to USC Law. On Dec. 1, 71 graduates returned to their alma mater to partake in another important milestone: admission to the bar.

The lawyers were sworn in by two USC Law alumni judges in a ceremony hosted by Dean Robert K. Rasmussen in Town & Gown.

“This ‘swearing-in’ ceremony is an important occasion to commemorate our graduates’ final triumphant step towards a law career,” Rasmussen said. “This ceremony also commemorates the incredible amount of time, support and love that your family and friends have given to you for your investment of law school and bar studying and taking.”

Bailiff and Student Bar Association President Aly Parker ’09 convened the Los Angeles Superior Court, for which the Honorable Rose Hom ’74 took her seat at the bench.

“I’m delighted to be here, but perhaps not as delighted as you are,” said Hom, who remarked on the four stages of one’s legal education: joy upon receiving the admission letter to USC Law, the uncertainty and anxiety of the first year, elation of graduation and relief of passing the bar.

Hom also noted the more cosmic circumstances of the new lawyers’ latest milestone.

“Tonight is a special night,” she intoned. “The brightest objects in the sky — the moon, Jupiter and Venus — are in alignment. The next time they are in alignment will be 2052 — perhaps as some of you enjoy your retirement.”

She counseled the newly minted lawyers to be true to themselves, to make time for themselves and their loved ones, to do volunteer work, to be courteous and honorable to the opposing side, and to be respectful, prompt and prepared in court.

Hom then led the assembled in the attorney’s oath for the State of California and welcomed them to the state bar.

The Honorable Stephen G. Larson ’89 offered his own advice before swearing the lawyers into the Federal Bar.

“Be honest. Be honest lawyers,” he said. “There is nothing more difficult to establish than your reputation. And it’s the easiest thing to lose.”

Larson spoke about the importance of being prepared, noting that you are a match for even the most seasoned opposing counsel if you are prepared.

“Be nice. Be kind,” he added. “You are becoming in many respects a very powerful person. Actions that you take can profoundly affect people’s lives and people’s families.

“And ask good questions. You will find that how you phrase questions is the most important skill you can develop as lawyers.”