Georgetown Law Student Attorneys ‘Sworn in’ at Inaugural Oath Ceremony

The ceremony, presided over by Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring, L’87, of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, highlighted the students’ new roles as student lawyers tackling a wide range of legal issues, from civil and criminal litigation to policy work and transactional law.

“This is the moment where you go from being a student to being a student lawyer,” said Dean William M. Treanor in welcoming students and clinic faculty to the ceremony, which was held in the auditorium of the McCourt School of Public Policy’s newly opened building, adjacent to the Law Center. “You’re going to be equipped to make the world a more just place.”

Associate Dean for Clinics and Experiential Learning Professor Alicia Plerhoples, director of the Social Enterprise & Nonprofit Law Clinic, offered similar words of encouragement. “This promises to be one of the most challenging — but very rewarding — experiences in law school,” she said. “The stakes for your clients are undoubtedly high … but you should also know there are [faculty, fellows and staff] rooting for you. Our collective goal is to help you succeed.”

Chief Judge Josey-Herring reflected fondly on her own experience as a Georgetown Law evening student and underscored the new student attorneys’ ethical and professional obligations.

“This year, you will represent real clients facing real challenges and real issues,” she said, noting that student lawyers gain valuable insight into the many aspects of legal practice, from developing client relationships to drafting legal arguments. “While you may not win each case, you should savor the small victories,” she advised. “As student attorneys and future members of the bar you play a very special role in promoting justice and equality in our society.”

The full text of the student attorney oath, which is modeled after the Hippocratic Oath and was developed by Plerhoples in collaboration with clinic staff and faculty, is as follows:

As I begin my position as a student attorney in clinic, I do solemnly affirm that I will:

• uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and the laws of the District of Columbia,
• adhere to the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct and the D.C. Legal Assistance by Law Students rule,
• competently, zealously, and diligently represent the expressed interests of my clients under my clinic director’s supervision,
• maintain the highest standards of integrity and honesty,
• respect the confidentiality of my clients and any sensitive information entrusted to me,
• treat all individuals with dignity, respect, and empathy,
• embrace clinical legal education’s principle of self-reflection,
• avoid conflicts of interest, and
• use the law to promote justice.

I take this oath freely, understanding that these commitments will guide me during clinic and throughout my legal career.