On December 4, Santa Clara Law and the Santa Clara Bar Association hosted a swearing-in ceremony for the newest members of the California Bar in a festively adorned Mission Santa Clara, brimming with proud friends and family.
Dean Michael Kaufman welcomed those assembled, beginning with a very strong tradition at Santa Clara University 
School of Law, of offering an expression of collective gratitude to all people in the lives of the admittees who gave support, love, and care, and helped every step of the way. He also asked those gathered to remember those of blessed memory and to thank them in our hearts. “These loving relationships have kept you afloat, have nourished you, sustained you, and supported you through very challenging times – through a global pandemic and reminders of the fragility of our democracy. And yet, through it all, you have persevered, you have succeeded in your studies and the bar exam,” said Dean Kaufman.
The dean went on to note that the law is a noble and impactful profession that carries tremendous privileges, but also responsibilities and that those in the profession are carrying the torch of justice. “Justice is not a noun; it is a verb. It is not a status; it’s a calling,” he commented, “a calling for each of you to build a community of compassion, through competence and conscience, to serve our clients and your communities, and to build together the future of justice.”
The Honorable Beth McGowen, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Santa Clara County in California since 2009, swore those assembled into the California Bar, giving sage advice, “Today your legal career begins, and that means your legal reputation begins. Sometime during the next 30 years, however long you practice, there will come a time when your integrity is called into question and put against the mind, and I hope that you’ll remember this advice: no client, no supervisor, no case, is worth it. Your legal reputation starts today. Make sure it’s an honorable one.”
The Honorable Edward J. Davila, District Judge for the Northern District Court of California, swore the group into federal court, noting “Today is the first day of your legal career. Zealously represent your clients, and always do so with the highest degree of integrity and respect for the rule of law. Doing this you respect the law, you respect everything that your profession has taught you…bring good troubles when it’s necessary. Fight the fights that need to be fought to right those wrongs that you will see in your career. And one other thing I would invite you to do…do not forget your law schools.”
Richard Schramm ’90, President of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, also welcomed the admittees into the practice of law. Offering help and support from the association.
Chris Rosario, Chair of the Barristers section of the Santa Clara County Bar Association which is comprised of new attorneys in their first 10 years of practice, and who support each other, noted how this ceremony marks a
significant milestone in the lives of those being sworn in as attorneys, “it is a testament to their hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to justice.” He offered heartfelt congratulations and these words of advice: “Embrace the challenges that lie ahead, for they will shape you into the attorney you aspire to be.”
