Swearing-In Ceremony Honors Class of 2015

Members of the UC Davis School of Law Class of 2015 returned to King Hall on December 4 to celebrate passing the California State Bar Examination and to participate in a Swearing-In Ceremony marking their admission as members of the bar.

Photo Gallery: 2015 Swearing-In Ceremony

The event featured remarks by Dean Kevin R. Johnson, Justice Joan K. Irion '79 of the California Fourth District Court of Appeal, U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley of the Eastern District of California, and the President of the King Hall Alumni Association, Alberto Roldan '92, Administrative Law Judge for the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board.

Dean Johnson acted as master of ceremonies, welcoming the more than 200 alumni, faculty, family, and friends who packed the Kalmanovitz Appellate Courtroom and spilled over into the adjacent hallways and overflow rooms. "Congratulations to the Class of 2015," he said. "This is one the most special days on the King Hall calendar every year. Today, you all will complete the process you began a few years ago and become lawyers, and by the end of the evening you will be licensed and fully prepared to practice law in the state of California."

Dean Johnson introduced Justice Irion, who administered the State Oath and delivered brief remarks congratulating the Class of 2015 and emphasizing their new powers as attorneys and the responsibilities that come along with them.  "Remember that to those whom much has been given, much is expected," said Justice Irion. "You know, as alumni of King Hall, much is expected of all of you, and I know you're going to do great things."

Dean Johnson next introduced Judge Nunley, who administered the Federal District Court Oath and made brief remarks congratulating and encouraging the new attorneys.  He referenced his background growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods in San Francisco and said he became an attorney because he wanted "to make a difference."

"My challenge to you is to use your law degree and your newfound status as an attorney to make a difference--and you can do that," Judge Nunley said.

Speaking as President of the Alumni Association, Judge Roldan emphasized the need for the new attorneys to practice collegiality, both in terms of reaching out to other professionals in the communities where they practice and in staying in touch with the King Hall community.

"I want to make a quick ask: we want you to remain part of the King Hall community, even though you're now going out into the world to practice throughout the state of California or wherever you may decide to practice," Roldan said. "Please come back in spirit or in reality.  We need you."