Jacksonville University College of Law convened its inaugural commencement ceremony May 2 at the Duval County Courthouse after the students walked in their caps and gowns from the law school’s campus at 121 W. Forsyth St.
Witnessed by university and law school administrators and faculty, federal and state judges, legal community leaders and family and friends, 13 graduates received their juris doctor degrees.
“What a day,” said Nick Allard, Randall C. Berg Jr. founding dean of the law school, to open the ceremony.
Allard thanked 4th Circuit Chief Judge Lance Day for hosting the ceremony at the courthouse.
“We have a wonderful relationship with our state and federal judges. It is a secret ingredient in the success of the law school,” Allard said.
Day said it is fitting that the graduates received their law degrees in the building where many of them will appear for proceedings.
“Today marks the culmination of years of study and dedication. It is the next step toward being stewards of justice. It’s not just a career, it’s a calling,” Day said.
Speaking to the first recipients of J.D. graduate degrees in the 91-year history of the university, JU President Tim Cost acknowledged them as pioneers.
“You were the first. A lot of people don’t want to do that. You built relationships, friendships and connections. You built a culture and you built standards,” Cost said.
Alexander Wicks, student commencement speaker, said he and his classmates went through so much in their three years of study in addition to earning their law degrees.
“Some of us got married. Some of us started families. Each of us overcame obstacles. JU gave us an opportunity to do something special. Congratulations to us,” Wicks said.
Senior U.S. District Judge Timothy Corrigan delivered the commencement address.
“Now, more than ever, we need professionals dedicated to the rule of law. Truth and honor are not outmoded attributes, but are critical to being a member of the Bar,” Corrigan said.
He asked the graduates to stand and raise their right hands and then administered a dress rehearsal for when they pass the Bar examination and will be sworn into the profession.
“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;
“To opposing parties and their counsel, I pledge fairness, integrity and civility, not only in court, but also in all written and oral communications;
“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,”
When the graduates said, “I do,” Corrigan said, “That’s the right answer.”
Corrigan said the graduates have the opportunity to maintain traditions that began with the founding of America.
“We must live up to our founding fathers’ vision for a nation governed by the rule of law. I am confident that each of you will uphold those traditions,” Corrigan said.
“This is a time when lawyers need to be front and center to uphold the rule of law. You will be responsible for the rules that allow us to live together with justice for all,” Allard said.
Allard also talked about the obligation lawyers have to perform volunteer legal services, referred to as “pro bono." He pointed out that the students already have performed pro bono service during class breaks and on weekends.
“Stick with your good habit of volunteer work. No lawyer, on their deathbed, wished they had more billable hours. You will decide how to do good as well as to do well,” Allard said.
Vice Dean Margaret Dees addressed what she called “our brand new alumni association” among the more than 40,000 JU alumni worldwide.
“You will set the tone, culture and commitment for who is JU law,” Dees said.
Concluding the ceremony, Associate Vice President of Student Experience and Associate Dean of Student Affairs Tom Taggart thanked the graduates for having the courage to be the first to enroll in the new law school three years ago.
“Your contributions will not be forgotten. We hope you will continue as pioneers,” Taggart said.
“The path ahead is full of challenges, but also opportunities. Your time is now. No matter where the world leads you, 121 West Forsyth will always be your home.”
The graduates will prepare to take the Florida Bar Examination on July 29-30 in Tampa, comprising the General Bar Examination and the Multi-state Professional Responsibility Examination.