More than 225 new lawyers walked across the stage on May 5 to receive their law certificates and be admitted to practice in Ohio during a special Supreme Court session at The Ohio Theatre in Columbus.

Justice Paul Pfeifer administered the oath of office to applicants who were successful on their February Ohio bar examination and who had satisfied all of the Supreme Court’s other requirements for admission. About 64 percent of those who sat for the February exam received a passing score.

Ohio Supreme Court Justice Judith French gave the keynote speech during the bar admissions ceremony. She said the new lawyers should be proud of their accomplishment.

“For all of you this is an achievement that represents hard work and perseverance,” Justice French said. “I hope you will take a moment to soak in what you’ve accomplished and be proud of being here and be proud of the profession you are joining.”

Justice French also encouraged the group to serve their communities and offer a helping hand.

“The legal profession is an honorable one that is dominated by people who give back to their communities and service beyond billable hours. These efforts recognize that we do not reach our goals alone and our lives will be richer if we help others reach theirs,” Justice French said.

 Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor offered her congratulations and made some recommendations.

“Take what you do as an attorney very seriously. You are in a position of trust – one that focuses on the duty of the client and to the court. The stakes are high and the expectations are great,” Chief Justice O’Connor said.

Of 440 applicants who sat for the exam, 283 received passing scores and 226 walked the stage on May 5 with their certificates of admission to the practice of law.

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