by Richard Prior
Staff Writer
A lot of time and effort go into organizing Law Week events, but there are special moments that make it all worthwhile.
Forty-eight people from practically every corner of the globe gathered in the federal courthouse on April 29 to be sworn in as new American citizens.
The naturalization ceremony was distinguished by the U.S. Marine Corps color guard, a taped message from President George W. Bush, music and welcoming speeches.
Expectant looks on the faces of the newest Americans showed it was a truly special occasion.
“That’s my favorite part,” said Caroline Emery, who organized the ceremony, one of the highlights of Law Week. “They waited so long for it, and it’s the biggest day of their lives.”
Better than five months of planning goes into the ceremony, said Emery, administrative law clerk for U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger for the past three years.
She knows first hand the impact that the ceremony has on individuals and families. Her mother and her grandparents, originally from Belgium, became naturalized citizens.
Her grandfather “kept that certificate in a bank safety deposit box,” she said. “It’s one of the precious papers, along with the mortgage and your marriage certificate.
“My mother still has it and holds it like gold.”
Before taking the job with Schlesinger, Emery worked at the Duval County Courthouse for 10 years. She started out as a judicial staff attorney for the circuit and county judges and spent the last six years as director of the staff attorneys.
Planning for her Law Week activities starts in November or early December.
“I’ve done this enough years that I find it easier to do it myself,” she said. “I know who’s been called, who needs to be called again, who’s questionable.”
She started out helping with Law Week activities in 1996, organizing and coordinating entries in the poster contest for elementary school students.
The coordinator’s responsibility involves working with the school board and art teachers, collecting entries, judging them and deciding which ones should go on display.
Initially, that display was only at the Law Day luncheon.
“At that time, I was working at the Duval County Courthouse,” she said. “I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice for the public to be involved?’ and the children would have a good first experience with the courthouse.”
“Justice for All” is the poster theme, “and while they’re painting, that usually makes them think of the good that the justice system does,” said Emery. “I think it’s worked out pretty well. It’s a great experience for the whole legal system and the judiciary.”
For a couple of years, Emery oversaw the poster contest and the naturalization ceremony, “but it was too much.” Now she just handles the ceremony.
Law Week activities give jurists and attorneys a chance to celebrate their professional. But they’re also intended to heighten the public’s appreciation for everything they do.
“A lot of judges and attorneys put a lot of time into the different committees,” said Emery. “It’s all for a good purpose, and it does take a lot of time.
“But I don’t think there’s much awareness out there about what we do during Law Week. And that’s too bad. The intent is really benevolent.
“All of this is trying to make the public aware of all the good that lawyers and judges do in our community.”