Whether they become prosecutors or defense attorneys in the courtroom or work for a corporation or a non-profit, the new lawyers who were admitted to the practice of law in Ohio on May 4 were told they are the pillars of their communities.

“Dignity, civility, and respect – that’s what I expect from a lawyer,” Ohio Supreme Court Justice William M. O’Neill said during his keynote speech.

The lawyers who passed the February 2015 Ohio Bar Examination and satisfied all of the Supreme Court’s other requirements for admission walked the stage to receive their certificates of admission during a special court session at the Ohio Theatre in Columbus.

Supreme Court Justice Sharon L. Kennedy administered the oath of office, and Justice O’Neill during his speech, told the new lawyers to respect the constitution and protect the public.

“The constitution remains the bedrock of our society. You just raised your hand to be defenders of the constitution and the laws of Ohio. It is an awesome, joyous day for you, and I am honored to be here to share it with you. Remember the law is yours to protect from this day forward,” Justice O’Neill said.

Capital University Law School Interim Dean Rachel Janutis also spoke at the ceremony and told the new lawyers to enjoy this day.

“For many of you this is something you’ve thought about, planned for, and maybe even dreamed about for some time, but today you also celebrate the tremendous things you’ve achieved to get to this day. Just think about successfully passing the bar exam and completing law school – no two small feats,” Janutis said.

Of 411 applicants who sat for the exam, 262, or 64 percent, received passing scores and 199 walked the stage to receive their certificates during the ceremony.

Following the program, the attorneys – and their families – visited the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center and 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.

Watch the bar admission ceremony.

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