31 new attorneys sworn in at courthouse

The Northeast Florida Bar gained 31 new members Sept. 20 when law school graduates who passed the Florida Bar exam were sworn in as attorneys during a ceremony at the Duval County Courthouse.

The Oath of Attorney was administered by 4th Judicial Circuit Judge Mark Mahon.

He said the new lawyers would be practicing in what is regarded as a “great Bar and one of the greatest benches in the state.”

Jacksonville Bar Association President Katie Dearing said it was the first swearing-in ceremony she had attended since her own.

Dearing advised the new attorneys to strive to constantly hone their skills and encouraged them to depend on their new colleagues for guidance.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get a mentor. They can help answer questions you don’t yet know to ask,” she said.

Dearing also recommended that the new attorneys be active in the JBA and take advantage of the educational and professional development programs offered by the association.

Twenty-nine of the 31 new attorneys joined the JBA and met their mentor on their first day as lawyers.

“This is a profession and a business. Get out and meet people and make relationships,” Dearing said.