by JBA President Courtney Grimm
When was the last time you considered the oath of admission you recited when being sworn in to the Bar? When you were sworn in? When you heard Judge Corrigan recite the oath at a Bar luncheon? Just a few days ago, The JBA hosted a swearing in ceremony for newly admitted lawyers. As I listened to the new attorneys, who stood in excitement and nervousness, recite proudly and in sincerity their oath of admission to The Florida Bar, I was reminded of the general principles by which a lawyer is to abide in the practice of the legal profession - the principles which one is to obey and for which one may be disbarred for willful violation.
The seven clauses of the oath reflect concepts such as upholding and adhering to the law, being truthful, serving clients, and being honorable. Although the words may appear arcane, each of these principles has meaning to us in our daily lives and practice and should never be forgotten.
Listening to the principles of the oath being repeated will cause you to pause, reflect on your practice, and consider whether you are upholding those principles you swore to uphold upon your admission to practice. You will also reflect on our profession and what an esteemed tradition we share. These principles should inspire you to be an even better lawyer and make you proud to call yourself a lawyer.
The legal profession has made incredible contributions to our country and our society. For starters, lawyers played a key role in founding our nation and since have served to strengthen it. Lawyers have been responsible for transforming or shaping the laws of our country, enforcing the laws and providing for justice.
Additionally, lawyers volunteer their time and their talents to give something back to the profession as well as to their communities. And it should not be forgotten that many of the presidents that have led and served our country were lawyers, such as Abraham Lincoln, who is often cited as the embodiment of a legal professional, an individual with the highest level of integrity, honor and respect for others, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, and presently, Barack Obama. Lawyers must continue to uphold these principles we so swore to.
Oath of Admission to The Florida Bar
“I do solemnly swear:
I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Florida;
I will maintain the respect due to courts of justice and judicial officers;
I will not counsel or maintain any suit or proceedings which shall appear to me to be unjust, nor any defense except such as I believe to be honestly debatable under the law of the land;
I will employ for the purpose of maintaining the causes confided to me such means only as are consistent with truth and honor, and will never seek to mislead the judge or jury by any artifice or false statement of fact or law;
I will maintain the confidence and preserve inviolate the secrets of my clients, and will accept no compensation in connection with their business except from them or with their knowledge and approval;
I will abstain from all offensive personality and advance no fact prejudicial to the honor or reputation of a party or witness, unless required by the justice of the cause with which I am charged;
I will never reject, from any consideration personal to myself, the cause of the defenseless or oppressed, or delay anyone’s cause for lucre or malice.
So help me God.”