Class of 2012 Celebrated in Swearing-In Ceremony

Members of the UC Davis School of Law Class of 2012 returned to King Hall on December 7 to celebrate passing the July 2012 California State Bar Examination and participate in a Swearing-In Ceremony featuring Dean Kevin R. Johnson, the Honorable Louis Mauro '87, Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, the Honorable Frank Damrell, U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of California, King Hall Alumni Association President Kara Ueda '00, and Mike Levy, Chief Counsel of the California Energy Commission and former President of the Sacramento County Bar Association.

More than 250 class members, family, and friends attended the ceremony and reception that followed.  Photos and video of the ceremony may be viewed by following the links below:

Photo Gallery from 2012 Swearing-In Ceremony

2012 Swearing-In Ceremony video (Law School intranet password required)

"We're very pleased and proud to have you here tonight," said Dean Johnson in his welcoming remarks.  "This is truly a memorable day and I hope you will be able to spend some time with friends and family cherishing the moment that you are about to experience: becoming a lawyer.  You've worked very hard over a long period of time, and now is the beginning of your formal legal career."

Before administering the state oath, Justice Mauro gave brief remarks, calling upon the recent King Hall graduates to take seriously their role as guardians of the rule of law, which he said "perpetuates the blessings of freedom."

"Your oath tonight makes you guardians of the rule of law," said Justice Mauro. "What you do tonight matters.  I hope your oath inspires you as much as it inspires me. Looking at you tonight I am confident of the future of the legal profession."

Judge Frank Damrell also delivered remarks before administering the federal oath, reminding the new attorneys of their special responsibility to support and defend the U.S. Constitution "in your life, in your words, and in your conduct."

"You've been very privileged," Judge Damrell said. "You've graduated from one of the most prestigious law schools in this country. You're obviously gifted, and bright, and I want you to understand, as Justice Mauro has indicated, that you need to be dedicated to the values of an American lawyer."

Kara Ueda congratulated the new attorneys and encouraged them to seek mentors, and to remember that current law students will be looking to them for leadership and advice.  "As you seek out mentors and find out what it means to practice law, remember where you came from," she said.  "Remember the King Hall community and all it has given you. As hard as it may be to believe now, realize that law students will be looking to you to be a mentor to them.  By keeping in touch and giving back to this wonderful community in whatever way you can, you will help continue our fine King Hall tradition of sharing and giving.  To that end, be sure to maintain your current contact information in our Alumni Directory so that current and future students can find you!"

Also speaking was Mike Levy, who reminded the recent graduates of the importance of maintaining their integrity and reputation, and encouraged them to be involved in their local and state bar association. "We have the best lawyers in the entire country participating in these volunteer organizations," he said.  "This is where you will find mentors."

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