Nearly 800 admitted to practice law in Ohio during two special public sessions of the Ohio Supreme Court.

Nearly 800 admitted to practice law in Ohio during two special public sessions of the Ohio Supreme Court.

Today, 793 new lawyers were admitted to practice law in Ohio, and were encouraged to put their newly acquired skills and expertise to good use, even if not immediately as attorneys.

Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor administered the oath of office to applicants who were successful on their July Ohio bar examination and who had satisfied all of the Supreme Court’s other requirements for admission.

Out of 1,173 applicants who sat for the exam, 902 (77 percent) received passing scores; 793 walked the stage on November 17 with their certificates of admission to the practice of law.

The chief justice offered her congratulations to the applicants and their families, and suggested they “relax” if they have not already located a full-time position as a lawyer.  National reports have documented the challenges facing new law school graduates and the difficulties landing work as an attorney when first admitted to practice. However, as Chief Justice O’Connor noted, many other employers are relying on those with law degrees to play meaningful roles in their organizations.

“Understand, your law degree was an intelligent investment,” she said.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Terrence O’Donnell gave the keynote speech during the bar admissions ceremony. He relayed a number of famous quotes from significant figures in the field of law, including those of John Winthrop's a founder the New England territory. It was Winthrop’s 1630 sermon aboard a ship bringing some of the first founders of the American colonies that the phrase “shining city upon a hill” was coined and used to mean that the nation should be an example of high standards based on respect and the rule of law.

Justice O’Donnell weaved the quotes from the past into issues facing the new lawyers today and urged them to use their talents to ensure the nation always serve as an example of a strong legal system and an independent judiciary that is respected by its people.

“You raise new hope in America, and you will build public confidence in the rule of law as you take your rightful place as lawyers in Ohio,” he said.

Following the ceremony, the attorneys and their families visited the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center, including the Supreme Court courtroom, and the Law Library. New attorneys also were able to file their registration paperwork and learn about the Supreme Court’s mentoring program.

View a complete list of names and addresses of the successful applicants.

Click on the following links to watch the two bar admissions ceremonies:
Morning Session (10:30 a.m.)
Afternoon Session (2 p.m.)