Whether they become attorneys in the courtroom or pursue a career in business, the new 200 lawyers who were admitted to the practice of law in Ohio on May 15 received praise from the top court in the state.

 “So please believe me when I tell you we know how you feel and you have the heartfelt congratulations of the members of the Supreme Court of Ohio.” Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor said during her welcome address.

The lawyers who passed the February 2017 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 Palace Theatre in Columbus.

Supreme Court Justice Pat Fischer gave the keynote speech.

“If you take care of your character, your reputation will take care of itself. “ Justice Fischer told the crowd.

The message resonated with new attorney Anthony Johnson.

“The justice said if you take care of your character, your reputation will take care of itself and I think that’s something I will carry out with me for the rest of my career.”

Chief O’Connor offered her congratulations and some advice too.

“First relax,” Chief O’Connor said during her welcome address. “Some of you may be anxious because that dream job has not materialized yet.  That day may yet come, but in the meantime, use the knowledge, the critical thinking skills, and the adaptability of a lawyer to excel in your current positions.”

Of 436 applicants who sat for the exam, 224 received passing scores and 200 walked the stage to receive their certificates during the ceremony.
 Of the two annual bar exams, fewer attorney hopefuls take the February exam than the exam in July.

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

Anthony’s mother, Regina Johnson, described her feelings in one word.

“Grateful. Grateful for the people who have mentored and helped him.” Regina Johnson told Court News Ohio. “I see one day he’ll be a judge.  Because he’s had a lot of wisdom and good training. I think he will do well because he’s always been a person of character”