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*** Magee resident Sam Tinslow was sworn in Friday, September 26, 2024
One hundred new lawyers took their oaths to practice in state courts on Sept. 26 in two ceremonies at the Mississippi Supreme Court.
Board of Bar Admissions Vice-Chair Michael C. McCabe Jr. of Gulfport said that this year’s two bar exams had the highest overall pass rate in nearly 10 years. Records show that 73 percent of the people who took the bar exam this year passed; a total of 208 people took the bar exam and 152 passed.
“I hope that it’s comforting to know that you will never again be tested like that in the state of Mississippi,” McCabe said, referring to the difficult two-day bar exam that all law school graduates must pass to be able to be licensed to practice law in Mississippi. “From here on out, your legal knowledge and skills will be tested by the market for legal services. In particular you will be evaluated by your clients, your peers and the judges and juries that you might appear before.”
New lawyers received hearty congratulations along with lots of advice regarding hard work, ethics, professionalism and public service from law school deans, Mississippi Bar officials and the judges who swore them in to practice law before the state as well as federal courts.
Dean Frederick Slabach of the University of Mississippi School of Law said, “I believe that the purpose of higher education, the purpose of law school is to transform the world by transforming lives, one student at a time….I also believe that lawyers are leaders, leaders not only for the bench and bar, but leaders more broadly in your community, and I know that all of you will become leaders in your community.”
Dean John Anderson of the Mississippi College School of Law said, “This is the greatest honor that I get,” to stand and call the names of all the law school’s graduates. He offered a prayer for them before reading the names.
Hinds County Chancellor Crystal Wise Martin administered the oath to practice before chancery and circuit courts. Before giving the oath, she gave some advice: practice law with passion and purpose, be prepared and polite, and believe in the power of prayer. Their legal representation will affect pivotal moments of peoples’ lives. Having a spiritual foundation keeps life focused, centered and balanced, she said.
Judge Wise Martin also reminded the new lawyers that they owe a debt of gratitude to family, friends and neighbors who helped them through three years of hard work and study to graduate from law school and pass the bar exam. “None of us gets here alone.”
Presiding Justice Jim Kitchens of Crystal Springs, who gave the oath to practice before the Supreme Court and Mississippi Court of Appeals, reminded new lawyers of the responsibilities that they have to their future clients to give sound, well studied advice, and admonished them to never do anything to endanger the law license that they just earned. Presiding Justice Kitchens, who earned his license to practice more than 50 years ago, said, “Your law license always will be one of your best and most valuable worldly assets.” After giving a stern warning of things to avoid, he said, “Use your law license to make the world a better place.”
U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock, who presides in Aberdeen, said, “As you start this profession, I want you to embrace a heart of service. Embrace that service in your community because you are going to be leaders and your community needs you. I want you to do it with vigor; I want you to do it with passion; but most of all I want you to do it with integrity.”
U.S. Magistrate Judge Lakeysha Greer Isaac, who presides in Jackson, said, “America has more lawyers than any comparable nation because America has more individual and economic freedom than any other country. It has more lawyers because America has made an unparalleled effort to see that those who are weak have the assistance of counsel when beset by the powerful. It has more lawyers because our citizens are neither intimidated nor shy about their rights. Lawyers are the vindication of those rights.” She said that they as lawyers may offer pro bono service, defend unpopular causes, work in government service, and assist schools, churches and volunteer organizations. “For the people of Mississippi, you represent the hope that the rule of law and the fairness of our system will not only continue but that it will be improved upon through your efforts.”
Brittany Brooks Frankel of Greenville, President of the Young Lawyers Division of the Mississippi Bar, encouraged each new lawyer to donate at least 20 free hours of legal representation each year. “We see people at their worst and we do our best to help them,” she said. “Some of the pro bono cases that I have taken are some of the most meaningful of my career.”
Mississippi Bar President Meade Mitchell of Ridgeland said, “Lawyers are the trustees of our justice system. It is our job as lawyers to ensure that people are given equal access to justice and that their rights are protected.” He emphasized the obligations and duties of being a lawyer and urged them to always practice professionalism and civility. “You are members of an honorable and noble profession. Conduct yourself in a manner that will give those that you serve and those who observe you confidence in our profession….Always conduct yourself with honor, integrity, civility, and fairness.” He reminded them of the value of a good name. “Your reputation for hard work, honesty and fairness will do more for you than almost any other attribute.”
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